Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. We come out, look at the space, take measurements, and give you a written estimate at no charge. We do not quote over the phone for tile work — there are too many variables (substrate condition, existing tile removal, layout complexity) that can only be assessed in person.

Either way works. Some homeowners already have tile picked out or purchased — we are happy to work with material you supply. If you want help sourcing, we can point you toward suppliers in the area and advise on quantities, grades, and what works well for your specific application. We do not mark up materials significantly; our income is from the labor.

It varies by season and current workload. For smaller jobs like a kitchen backsplash, we can often get on the schedule within a week or two. Full bathroom renovations that involve demo and waterproofing may need a few weeks of lead time. The best approach is to reach out early, even if your project is a month or two out.

A shower surround with a new floor typically runs two to four days for the tile work itself, not counting any prior demo or plumbing rough-in. Full bathroom renovations with demo, cement board installation, waterproofing, tile, and grout can run five to seven working days. Grout needs 24 to 48 hours to cure before the space is used, and silicone caulk at joints needs a similar window.

During active tile work, the area being tiled is off-limits. For a single bathroom home, we try to plan the schedule so you have access in the evenings and mornings where possible. We will talk through the timeline with you before starting so there are no surprises about when you can use the space.

We handle demo as part of the job when it is required — removing existing tile, cement board, or other substrate material. If there is asbestos-containing material present (common in homes built before the mid-1980s), that requires a separate abatement contractor before we can work. We will flag this during the estimate visit if it appears relevant.

Both are fired clay products, but porcelain is fired at higher temperatures and is denser. Porcelain absorbs less than 0.5% water by weight, making it well-suited for wet areas like showers and outdoor use in climates with freeze-thaw cycles (less relevant in LA, but still relevant for exterior applications). Ceramic is slightly easier to cut and typically costs less. For most indoor floor and wall applications in a Los Angeles home, either works well — the choice often comes down to the look you want and your budget.

Grout color has a significant effect on the finished look. Light grout opens up a space and keeps the focus on the tile pattern; dark grout defines the grid and hides staining better over time. Epoxy grout is more stain-resistant than traditional cement grout and does not require sealing, though it is harder to work with and costs more. Grout color can be changed later through a process called grout staining or by removing and re-grouting, but it is far easier to choose well the first time. We can show you samples during the planning visit.