So you’ve decided to have tile floor installed in your home. For most homeowners, they focus in on the tile itself. What color, what size, what material, what pattern. Yet the tile floor itself is only half of the process.

It can be confusing to talk with several different tile companies and have each contractor give you different quotes and different possibilities for the same job. It’s not the tile that leaves you confused, it’s the process of installation. After all, there are many ways to install tile, each with its own benefits.

Mortar and Wire
Mortar and wire requires the most work, is the most time consuming and is usually the most expensive. Yet it’s also the most preferred method to assure a solid, level installation for both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Wire is stapled into place over the surface area. A layer of mortar is applied, and once it hardens, glue is spread to bond to the mortar and the tile. The tile is cured before grout is mixed and applied.

Mortarboard
Mortarboard are pre-made sheets or mortar that can be quickly laid into place. They save time and money because they eliminate the step of laying wire and allowing wet mortar to harden. However, mortarboard can be tricky to use because horizontal surfaces are rarely level, and vertical surfaces are rarely true to plane. This can allow cracks to easily form underneath the mortar once its in place.

Glue
Glue alone is the easiest and least expensive method to use. Depending on the surface, glue will react differently in different situations. Wood can expand or contract, especially when subjected to varying environmental conditions. Hot and cold conditions can allow wood to expand and contract. Wet conditions can lead to cracks and failure.

Make sure your contractor understands your families lifestyle, and any nuances that may make a difference in the way your tile is laid.