Finding the Right Tile Contractor in Portland, OR

While tile itself is a big part of the final beauty, it isn’t the only thing that will impact the outcome. The difference between quality workmanship and disaster is the tile contractor in Portland OR. A tile professional can make a significant difference in the success of a bathroom, kitchen, entryway, or shower project in your Portland home.

Tile contractors know the right tile, the right layout and placement, the right materials to use under the tile and between tiles, and how to get the best results. If you use the wrong tile for the room or don’t know how it should be installed, you risk problems. Cracks, peeling tiles, moisture intrusion, and grout discoloration are problems you can avoid by hiring a qualified tile contractor.

Every home in the Portland area is different. A contractor in the Portland area has experience handling tiles on all kinds of floors and walls. The house may not be level, walls might be uneven, or moisture control might be a concern before tiles are installed.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional Tile Contractor

Installing tile appears simple, but it involves many technical details that affect the long-term outcome. A tile contractor in Portland will have the expertise to prepare surfaces, know what materials to apply between the tile and the surface, understand spacing requirements, use the correct cutting techniques, and apply grout the right way.

Tile materials come in many different options and each type requires a certain installation approach and method to be properly installed. Ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, glass tiles, mosaic tiles, and natural stone tiles all have specific needs. Some are more difficult to cut and some require additional preparation, such as sealing or special adhesive.

Improper tile installation can create the following:

• Cracked tile or grout
• Tile that peels off or is uneven
• Water getting behind walls or floors
• Damaged, stained, or discolored grout
• Tiles that need to be cut awkwardly around doors and fixtures

Fixing a damaged tile job can often cost much more than hiring a good tile contractor in the first place.

Types of Projects Portland Tile Contractors Complete

A tile contractor in Portland, OR, may perform any kind of tile installation, from a single shower wall or small backsplash to a bathroom remodel.

Shower or Bathroom Tile

A bathroom is one of the most common areas to use tiles. Bathroom floor tiles, tile in the shower, bathtub surround tiles, niches, or accent tiles in the bathroom require specialized attention. Tiles and grout are not waterproof (click this for more info). Even if tiles cover shower walls completely, moisture still gets past them if there’s no moisture control system underneath the tile. This requires the use of a waterproofing system before installing tiles.

Backsplash Tiles and Flooring Tiles in the Kitchen

Installing a kitchen backsplash is a great way to add color, dimension, and personality to your kitchen without having to undergo a complete kitchen remodel. Kitchen floor tiles must meet the added requirements of spills, frequent foot traffic, and regular mopping. A contractor should determine the floor level and verify there is no flex or movement in the substrate that might cause cracks or tiles that separate.

Fireplace and Accent Tiles

Other tile projects often done in the Portland area involve fireplace surround tiles, entryway tiles, mudroom tiles, or accent wall tiles. All of these areas are highly visible and may show any irregularities in layout or cuts, which means tile projects in these areas need extra attention to detail.

How to Choose the Right Tile Contractor

There’s more to choosing a good tile contractor than finding the least expensive bid. Any tile contractor should be able to describe what the bid contains and what it covers, how surfaces will be prepared before installation begins, and the kind of cleanup expected after the work is done.

When looking for the right contractor in the Portland area, as you can read at https://www.portland.gov/ppd/development-permit-processes/find-contractor, for your next tile project, look for the following:

1. A professional with experience in the type of project you’re planning.
2. The ability to give clear estimates of cost, time, and scope.
3. Experience in waterproofing and surface preparation, especially in a shower.
4. A detailed proposal.
5. Evidence of other work they’ve done.

Also, it pays to ask what to expect in case any surprises occur once you begin the demolition. The condition of a house may reveal uneven flooring, old tile, or moisture issues that the contractor will need to deal with during the project.

Professional Layout, Grout Color, and DetailingGetting Started with Your Portland Tile Project

Before you start hiring a contractor in Portland, it can help to have some basic information about your project: what room you want tiled and how big, what tiles you have in mind, and whether the existing surfaces need to be cleared. It’s helpful to contractors if you give them the best amount of information possible to get an accurate quote. The proper installation will help to make your Portland tile work last longer, so don’t be afraid to take your time looking for a quality contractor.