Tile Installation

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Tile Installation | Randy's Flooring

Pre-Installation Checklist

When you take the right pre-installation steps for your new tile, you can ensure a smooth process and minimize displacement:

  • Remove all furniture, electronics and wall hangings from the rooms and closets receiving new tile.
  • Since tile cannot be installed over an existing floor, the current floors will need to be removed and disposed of entirely.
  • All imperfections in the subfloor will need to be properly repaired prior to installation.
  • Once your subfloor has been professionally assessed, you are cleared for tile installation!

Carpet Installation Experts in
Coralville and Cedar Rapids, IA

Randy's Flooring is your source for the best tile installation in Eastern Iowa.
Read these tile installation terms to learn more about this exciting process:

Dust

DUST

Dust will be generated from ripping up and removing existing floor coverings, cutting and installing the material and mixing grouts and adhesives. Our installers will do everything possible to minimize dust; however, it is not possible to eliminate it. Randy’s Flooring and Interiors does not pay or reimburse for cleaning up dust.

Grout Haze

GROUT HAZE

After your tile/stone is installed you may notice a haze from the grout. This is normal and can be buffed off after 24 hours. A lightly dampened sponge should remove the haze. Do not use household cleaners, ammonia, vinegar etc. on your tile/stone as it may permanently damage the finish. Please consult with your salesperson on cleaning and maintenance products.

Grout Sealing

GROUT SEALING

It is strongly recommended that you seal your grout. You should wait at least 72 hours before applying any sealers. Be aware that sealer may darken your grout slightly. Test in a small inconspicuous area first. Randy’s Flooring does not provide this service. If you purchased Tec Power grout, sealing is not needed. Tec Power grout must cure for 48 hours before getting wet. 7 days for full immersion or cleaning.

Polishes / Sealers

POLISHES / SEALERS

Some natural stone products must be sealed. There are different sealers and polishes available. Sealing provides stain resistance, but they do not stain proof. Always test in an inconspicuous area first because certain sealers and polishes will darken natural stone. Please consult with your salesperson on these items.

Shading

SHADING

All tile and stone will vary in color and shading. Every time a tile is fired, its shading will vary depending on the color, style, body, and texture. Some tiles are sold as “highly shaded” and are marked as such in our showrooms. Natural products such as marble, granite and stone are guaranteed to show variations. Make sure you review your selection with your salesperson if variation is a concern.

Scratching

SCRATCHING

Some tile and all natural stone will scratch under the right conditions. The higher the shine the more visible the scratches will be. Proper maintenance will help to reduce scratching. Putting protectors on chairs and furniture, keeping your floors swept and free of dirt and sand will help reduce scratching as well.

Wall / Baseboards / Ceiling Nail Pops

WALL / BASEBOARDS / CEILING NAIL POPS

Our installers will use caution while working in your home. However, some minor scratching and marking of the baseboards and walls can occur during removal and installation of your tile. Drywall nail pops can occur while removing your existing flooring or installing your tile. Randy’s Flooring is not responsible to fix nail pops nor do we reimburse for any repairs.

Trim / Decos / Listellos / Hand Painted Tiles

TRIM / DECOS / LISTELLOS / HAND PAINTED TILES

These products are designed to coordinate, not match your tile. They are made at different times and generally in different factories.

Layout And Design

LAYOUT AND DESIGN

You should be present to discuss and review placement of your tile, decos, listels, chair rails, etc. While your salesperson drew a diagram showing the layout, many times customers change their minds once the installers arrive. No changes can be made once the tile is installed. Randy’s Flooring is not responsible for layout or design if you are not present at the time of installation.

Electrical / Alaram Wires And Pipes

ELECTRICAL / ALARM WIRES AND PIPES

Randy’s Flooring is not responsible for cut, pierced or broken electrical/alarm wires or pipes that are improperly placed/ran in walls, along baseboards, under floors and not in accordance with your local building code.

You should be present when the installers arrive to review the job, confirm selections, colors and placement of decos/ listels. Please understand an extra service charge may apply for any extra work incurred due to unforeseen problems with your sub-floor/walls or lack of proper preparation leading to extra time spent on your job by the installer.

Tile Installation | Randy's Flooring

What To Expect During
Tile Installation

On the day of your new tile installation, plan for an adult to stay home in order to:

  • Answer any questions that arise for the installation crew.
  • Designate an area for installers to keep dangerous tools, keep boxes of tile, and cut tile as needed.
  • Keep all kids and pets away from the rooms receiving new tile and the worker’s area.
  • Establish adequate ventilation indoors as recommended by the installation crew.
Bathroom Tile | Randy's Flooring

Congrats! Your New Tile Installation Is Now Complete!

Now that your new tile is successfully installed, make sure to do the following:

  • Walk through with the installation team and ask any questions you may have.
  • Wait for the recommended amount of time before the new tile receives foot traffic or furniture.
  • When returning furniture, always lift or use moving equipment with rollers to avoid scratching the tile.
  • Use felt protecters under the legs of heavy furniture to reduce impact.