Home Repair and Paint Guide

Ceramic tile is used in many areas of the home. In the kitchen, you can find a ceramic tile floor, backsplash, and even countertop. The bathroom will usually have a tile floor and shower stall along with ceramic wall tiles. Tile is beautiful, durable, and waterproof. Cleanup is quick and easy with just some warm water and a sponge or mop. 

Installing ceramic tile in a new home presents a few considerations. For the most part, the lumber used to build the foundation will not be completely dry and cured. Because of this, it will gradually change shape over time. If this is not controlled it has the potential to crack the tiles. In fact, you will most likely have to replace several tiles after a new home has settled. Plan for this by keeping a box or two of the original tiles. You might not be able to find the same pattern in the future.

It is important that tile be installed on a substrate that will last for many years. This means using a product such as cement board for the surface. This item is strong, durable, and waterproof. It also allows a small amount of “give” to the underlying substrate and helps prevent cracking.

In areas of heavy loads, such as a kitchen where a refrigerator is located, it is very important to ensure there will be no movement of the subfloor where the load will be rolled across and placed. The floor joists must be securely attached and spaced correctly. It’s a good idea to install double joists in this area for extra load bearing capacity.

I have personally seen areas where floor tile has cracked substantially due to the weight of a large refrigerator. After removing the tiles and subfloor, it was discovered that the joists were placed on 24 inch centers instead of 16 and they were nailed haphazardly into the side joists. The “contractor” that did this type of work was either a crook or an idiot and it is probably not possible to determine which one. This is a good reason why you must be vigilant if having a house custom built. Visit the job site several times a day if possible and look at everything. If you don’t like something, start asking questions and don’t stop until you are satisfied with the answers.