Selecting Your Tile
I highly recommend visiting some showrooms if you are in the planning stages of your project. It helps to actually see the tile in person, and to speak with someone at the distributor about the quality of the tile. If you need any help with the design of your project, I am happy to work with you to create the tile project of your dreams.
Handmade and natural stone tiles often are different sizes and shapes, creating inconsistent grout joints, and “lippage” (the tiles not all sitting flat, or flush). Usually people who purchase these types of tiles are seeking this “inconsistent” look. If this is not the look you are going for, I would recommended purchasing a high quality ceramic or porcelain tile, and checking consistency of the size and shape before purchasing. Cheap and poorly made tiles usually yield undesirable results. Lotus Tile cannot be held responsible for a defect in a poorly made tile.
How to Figure out square footage
Ugh math, am I right!? Figuring out how much tile to order can be difficult if you don’t do it every day. Here is a simple explanation of how to do it easily.
Length Measurement (X) / 12 = A
Height Measurement (Y)/ 12 = B
A x B= Actual square footage for area measured
Example:
Length is 18” 18/12= 1.5’
Height is 24” 24/12= 2’
1.5x2=3 square feet
Now to figure out how much extra tile to add for waste. See the note below for more info on overage for waste.
Total square feet for the project (A) x .15 (15% overage) or .20(20% overage)
3 x .15= .45 (round up to the nearest whole number) =1 sqft extra of tile.
Some areas can be difficult to measure. It is easiest to divide up the areas into nice squares or rectangles like in the photo below. Once you figure out the square footage for each area, you add them all up. This gives you your total square feet for the project, but don’t forget to add that extra for waste.
If all of this makes your head hurt, or you are unsure and want someone to double check, I am happy to help with measurements after a contract and deposit have been received.
Selecting Your Layout
There are many different layout options when installing tile. I like to decide on possible layouts with my client during the bidding process. When I do a layout for a project, my goal is to have the tile balanced and centered on a wall or focal point. My aim is to carry symmetry throughout the project.
Please be aware, some of the more intricate layouts (herringbone for example) take longer to install, and can create extra wasted tile, requiring the client purchase more than the 15% extra tile normally required. Please check with your tile distributor when selecting your tile, to ensure that the tile can be installed in the layout you would like. For example, many large format tile manufacturers do not recommend any staggering of tiles by more that 33%.
Herringbone at 90 degrees
Step Ladder
50% offset
Parquet
50% offset at and angle
Straight Lay vertical
50% Offset vertical
Straight Lay
33% offset vertical
Classic Harringbone
33% offset
Herringbone at 45 degrees
Why 15% Over?
Most tile distributors and installers will request that you purchase at least 15% over the amount of your actual square footage, but why? This 15% allows for the waste tile that will be cut off of pieces and discarded. For example, if you have a 24” long tile, and a cut is needed at 20”, and there is no place in the installation for the remaining 4”, that 4” (.33sqft) of tile is discarded. Installers ask that you purchase extra tile to be sure that there is enough usable square-footage to complete your project. I require a minimum of 15% for my projects, depending on the layout, you may need to order more than 15% over. Not ordering enough tile may result in undesirable layouts, or mobilization fees, if more tile needs to be ordered.
The 15% also allows for possible broken tiles in the box. Ideally you should have a few full tiles left over at the end of the job. You want these extra tiles in the event a tile needs to be removed in the future. Tile manufacturers frequently change shades and patterns of tiles, so it will be virtually impossible match tile from an old installation
Trim
When you are planning your project it is important to consider all aspects of your tile installation. Often times, people don't think of how the tile will terminate; where will the tile stop and how? For instance with a backsplash, one end of your backsplash may stop at a perpendicular wall or cabinet but the other end may be exposed for all to see. I prefer to use a trim of some sort to cap off exposed edges.
Different types of trim made out of tile include; pencil trim, quarter round, and bull-nose. Because the style, material cost and installation cost, of these vary so drastically, I do not include the cost of these style of trims in my estimates. If you would like to use a trim of this type, please mention what kind of trim when requesting an estimate.
A metal trim, such as Schluter Trim, comes in many different finishes and is a very sleek way to finish off your installation. I use this trim in all of my installations (unless the client specifies something different), and the materials are included in my estimate.
Tile Care After Your Installation
At Lotus Tile I work hard to deliver a quality installation that will last you many many years. Over time tile and grout can begin to look dull and dirty, even after being cleaned. This is easily avoidable by sealing the project upon completion. Sealing your tile and/or grout offers stain resistance and makes it much easier to clean. Grout is very porous and tends to absorb dirt, soap scum and mold. Sealing the grout keeps such things from penetrating below the surface, allowing you to wipe it off the surface. Sealer is very important for natural stone as well for all of the same reasons. It is recommended that you reseal your tile and grout every year. I send my clients yearly reminders when it is time to seal. You may hire me to come and do this, or I am always happy to send you instructions on how to seal the grout and tile yourself.
It is recommended that you never use bleach or other harsh chemicals to clean your grout and tile. Warm water and a gentle cleanser will do the trick, especially if your tile and grout has been sealed. Most tile distributors sell cleansers specifically for tile and grout, if the stains have become too much for soap and water. **Disclaimer: If the grout is old and has not been sealed, there may be discoloration due to pigment coming out of the grout. The only way to remedy this is to use a grout stain, or to re-grout the project**
Waterproofing
and Showers
This may seem like a no brainier, but for any installation in a wet area you want the area to be waterproof. Many trypes of backerboards and some types of drywall are water and/or mold resistant, but they are not fully waterproof, and therefore require a separate topical membrane to be waterproof. This membrane must be applied to a thickness of around 4mm (about the thickness of a credit card, or 2-3 coats), and should be applied to all surfaces in the wet area. I have seen many contractors in Colorado only apply this membrane (and only 1 coat) to parts of the shower, this is incorrect, and the shower will fail eventually.
No matter who you choose to hire for your shower project I strongly urge you to question your contractor as to their methods of building a shower. Do some of your own research as to what constitutes a waterproof shower. The National Tile Contractors Association is a good resource as to some of the appropriate methods for shower construction and waterproofing.
Having an improperly built shower can end up costing you thousands of dollars in damage to your home.
I use advanced foam based shower systems such as Schluter Kerdi, Wedi, or Laticrete Hydroban for construction of any wet area installation.
Brands Lotus Tile Uses
I have spent over a decade working with various brands and products. In the time, I have come to find products that I know I can rely on, as well as having a working relationship with the reps from the manufacturers, and the piece of mind to know they stand behind their products. All of these products are LEED Certified, and have low to no VOC, because no one enjoys inhaling toxic chemicals. Here is a list of some of the products I prefer to work with
Ardex Adhesives
Mapei Adhesives, Waterproofing Membranes, Underlayment and Uncoupling membranes, Primers, Caulking and Grout
Profilitec Showertec Shower Boards
Shower Concepts custom shower pans (Locally owned business)
Finding the Right Contractor
Taking on any home remodeling project can be a daunting and scary task. We’ve all heard the horror stories about contractors, so how do you find the right one? The number 1 thing is to do your research!! If you can’t find anything about the contractor online, try asking for referrals and phone numbers. If a contractor can’t provide you with more than a handfull of contacts, that might be a bad sign. I myself, have over 50 former client’s in just the Denver area alone, who would be happy to speak with anyone on the phone about their experience with Lotus Tile. You can also view any of my reviews online by googling “Lotus Tile Denver”, or on the reviews page on this website
Be wary of the lowest bidder. The lowest bidder is shortchanging themselves, and will more than likely rush the job and skip important details. These types of contractors usually book multiple jobs at the same time to make ends meet. They may also use “bargain” materials, that may not be suitable for a lasting installation. My pricing is typically on the higher end of the middle. I do not rush projects, I give 100% of my time and energy to 1 project at a time, and I use high grade materials that allow me to stand behind my installation for a lifetime. I believe in doing things right the first time. If you are looking for a cheap contractor, who is just going to “slap in” some tile, I am not your contractor.
In the state of Colorado there are only 3 contractors licenses. General Contracting, Electrical, and Plumbing. If you are hiring anyone in those categories, check with the State and/ or County licensing board to be sure the contractor you are hiring is licensed to do that work. There is no license for the Tile specific trade in Colorado, so I do not carry a license, since I only specialize in tile. I was licensed in California before moving to Colorado.
