If you are available during the tile installation process, your Alameda County tile contractor should be willing to show you the progress at different points throughout the job.

Ask all the questions you need, and assure that things are progressing in the right direction. Observe carefully what is happening, and prevent any misunderstandings from causing a problem later on. The best tile contractors in Alameda County have an excellent track record for quality work and ideal customer service, so this should be a breeze.

After completion of your new tile floor, tile shower enclosure, tile countertop with backsplash, or other project, there will be time for a final inspection. Take a moment to enjoy your beautiful new tile addition.

If there are any final comments or adjustments, now is the time to discuss them. Your Alameda County tile contractor wants you to be pleased with the finished product.

Many tile companies in Oakland, Fremont, Hayward, Berkeley, San Leandro, San Leandro, Emeryville, Piedmont, San Lorenzo or Alameda offer warranties on their tile work. But these warranties can differ widely.

It’s up to you to understand the warranty you’re offered and what it covers. Pay special attention to the following:

• Does the tile services warranty cover materials, or just labor?
• Are there certain items (types of tile, certain tile installation techniques, etc.) that are exceptions to the warranty?
  
• How long does the warranty last?
• Is there an additional cost for the warranty, or can you purchase an extended warranty for additional coverage?
• Does the warranty name the tile contractor as the responsible party? Or the manufacturer? How will you know which one is at fault or responsible for any problems or claims?

Whatever the details of the new tile installation warranty, make sure that you get a copy of it, and file it in a safe place. Also, make sure you know who to contact, and how to contact them if there is ever a need for you to make a warranty claim.

Tile Flooring
Tile floors are long-lasting, attractive and easy to clean. It is no wonder that tile flooring is one of the top requested tile installation projects. Tile is especially popular for hallways, entryways, bathroom and kitchen floors. When choosing tile for flooring you’ll need to consider how much traffic might pass through that area. Porcelain and ceramic tile manufacturers rate tile from Class 1 to Class 5 for durability. Class five is the most resilient tile. Natural stone tiles do not come with this rating system.

Another factor to consider with flooring is how slippery it might be – particularly in areas with lots of moisture. In general, it is best to choose a matte tile over glossy for flooring in bathrooms, kitchen and entryways. However, ultra-smooth tiles such as marble are often chosen for flooring despite the danger of slipping. Your Alameda County tile contractor can assist you with such decisions if you like.

Tile Countertops
Tile provides an affordable, durable hard surface for kitchen, bathroom or workroom countertops. It is also easily molded into the perfect shape for irregular islands or specialty additions. Use a diamond certified tile contractor to help you create a totally unique look that works perfectly.

Tile Backsplash Installation
A backsplash is an area of tile about a sink or countertop that lines the wall to protect that vulnerable area from splashing liquids or other matter. Apart from adding a very practical benefit, a quality tile backsplash can provide an amazing transformation to the look and feel of your room. The huge variety of tile patterns and textures is nearly unlimited. Mosiac tiles and specialty designs are often used in backsplash designs. In particular the spaces above a kitchen stove, sink or bathtub are wonderful areas to feature an artful tile design. Ask your Alameda County tile installers for suggestions to add a special touch to your room.

Glass Tile Installation
Glass tiles can be large or small, tinted, opaque, iridescent, smooth or rough. Some glass tiles available from Alameda County tile setters are even formed from recycled glass. Glass tile provides an unmistakable and unique look with depth. Glass tile can add something special to your design, be it a tile walkway, a special border accent, a backsplash, an entire room, or a tiled swimming pool.

Tile Mosiacs/Tile Designs
Good tile contractors in Oakland, Hayward, Livermore, Fremont, Berkeley, San Leandro or your area can provide a professional opinion, a variety of inspirational examples, and the quality expertise you can count on to create an exceptional tile design in your home or work environment. Tile designs incorporate the ambience you choose for your area by utilizing the perfect combination of color, texture, placement and artistry. A tile mosaic may be premade and placed by an expert tile craftsman, or could be something formed specifically for you by a talented tile artist.

Subway Tile
There are very basic, creative ways to use simple subway tiles to complete your signature effect. Subway tiles are the traditional white, glazed ceramic tiles found on the walls of New York City subway stations in the early 1900s. Most are three inches by six inches, and laid in an offsetting pattern. However, almost any rectangular tile can be referred to as Subway Tile.

Granite Tile
Beautiful granite tile is always a high class option for your home or office. The distinct look and classy polished feel of granite set your space a step above the rest. Many opt for granite in high-impact areas like entryways, showcase rooms, and open kitchens. You’ll definitely want a qualified contractor to complete your granite work, and give this luxury-worthy substance the quality setting and careful design that it deserves.

Shower Tile Installation in Alameda County
A tiled shower enclosure is the way to go. Tile is durable and water proof, but in addition allows you to choose a distinguished look for this important space. Tile in the bathroom can include floors, countertops, room dividers, walls, shower walls or any other surface. Local tile contractors who care about customer satisfaction will help you choose shower floor tiles with an appropriate amount of grip to prevent falls. They can also build in custom shelves, grips, soap dishes, etc. to suit your needs

Tile Kitchen
Installing tile in your kitchen is an obvious choice. What better surface to beautify your home while protecting surfaces from the wear and tear of a moist environment with fluctuating temperatures? Quality tile will repel moisture, keeping spills easy to clean, as well as protecting from steam condensation. Classic tile installations for Alameda County kitchens includes tile floors, tile counters, tile backsplash, and tiled kitchen islands. Tile is the perfect solution, easily personalized for any kitchen environment.

Install Outdoor Tile
Tile is also a great medium for outdoor landscaping projects. Beautiful Alameda County has many gorgeous examples of using tile to beautify an outdoor space, and increase its utility. Tile walkways, stepping stones, trails, bench blocks, fountains, pools, and patios are all excellent examples of how tile can create something wonderful outside.

acid wash tile
Treatment to the face of a stone to achieve a distressed texture or finish.

adhesive
Tile adhesive is an adhesive substance used to bond tile to a surface.

backsplash
The wall area located between the countertop and upper cabinets is known as a backsplash. Backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms are often made of tile or decorative tile sheets to prevent water from damaging the wall.

acid wash tile
Treatment to the face of a stone to achieve a distressed texture or finish.

adhesive
Tile adhesive is an adhesive substance used to bond tile to a surface.

backsplash
The wall area located between the countertop and upper cabinets is known as a backsplash. Backsplashes in kitchens and bathrooms are often made of tile or decorative tile sheets to prevent water from damaging the wall.

blending
The proper positioning of adjacent floor slabs, or tiles, by their predominant color.

border
A strip of tile with contrasting design, texture or color is known as a border.

brushed finish
A specialty finish from treating the stone surface with a coarse wire rotary brush.

bullnose
A trim tile with a convex radius or finished edge on one side.

buttering
Slathering a bond coat of thinset to the back of a tile immediately before the tile is installed. Helps ensure a level surface.

caulk
A soft, water resistant material used for sealing.

cove
A trim connecting tile with one edge a concave radius.

cure
The time period for adhesive to set fully (or cure) is known as the cure-time

decorative tile
Decorative tiles are any tile with decorations or designs on the surface.

epoxy adhesive
Epoxy tile adhesive is a two part adhesive system used for bonding ceramic tile or stone to backing material.

epoxy grout
Epoxy grout is a two–part grout system used to fill joints between tiles. Stain and chemical resistant epoxy grout is a popular choice.

field tile
Field tile is the primary type of tile used to cover a wall or floor.

floating
A popular method of aligning mortar using a straightedge is known as ‘floating’.

floor tile
Floor tiles are a tiles of any material durable enough to withstand traffic, pressure and abrasion.

frost resistant tile
Vitreous tile that absorbs .5% to 3% is considered frost-resistant tile.

frost proof tile
Frost proof tile is tile that is impervious to water or that absorbs 0% to 0.5%.  This type of tile is recommended for outdoor use in areas where the temperature ever falls near or below freezing.

grout
Tile grout is a material used to fill the joints between tiles. It may be made of silica sand, cement and a chemical mix. Tile grout is available in many colors.

glazed tile
Glazed tiles are those with a finish of gaseous ceramic materials fused to the surface of the tile.

granite tiles
Granite tiles are made of granite, a very durable natural stone that is more dense than marble. Granite tiles are available in polished, honed or flamed (rough) surfaces and are ideal for indoor or outdoor use

impervious tile
Impervious tile has a water absorption of 0.5% or less and is therefore considered impervious to water.

limestone tiles
Limestone is a sedimentary stone that can have fossils or shells embedded in it. Limestone tiles are softer than other types of natural stone tiles and usually have a matte finish.

listello
A decorative tile border, primarily for walls.

marble tiles
Marble tiles are made of marble, a natural stone product with a distinctive polished shine. Marble tiles add a rich, luxurious look to any room.

mastic
Tile mastic is a ready to use organic glue used for holding tiles in place.

monocottura
This is a method of producing tile by a single firing in which the tile body and glazes are fired in kilns at temperatures over 2000 degrees.

mosaics
Tile designs mounted on mesh and cemented in place are known as mosaics. Many shapes and designs available with any type of tile including glass, ceramic, metal, porcelain and stone.

mud
“Mud” is the slang term referring to thick mortar made of sand and cement.

porcelain tile
Porcelain tiles are harder and more durable than ceramic tile due to the ingredients and higher firing temperature. Porcelain tiles have very low water absorption and are quite stain resistant.

sealer
Tile sealant is applied to prevent the absorption of liquids into tiles. Sealant is used with porous materials like quarry tile, grout, and natural stone. Sealer is not necessary for glazed ceramic tile.

slate
Slate tiles are made of a natural material with colors ranging from grey to purple to black. Slate tiles are popular for use outside and inside.

spacers
Tile spacers are small plastic pieces that are used in installation to evenly separate tile. Tile spacers are manufactured in various thicknesses and shapes to accommodate different tile designs.

substrate
Substrate is the underlayment for the ceramic tile installation. Different types of tiles require various substrates to support the tile body.

thin–set
The bond coat in a thin bed installation is known as ‘thin-set’. It is made of sand, cement and usually a latex additive.

travertine
Similar in composition to limestone but with holes created by hot springs, travertine is a popular type of natural stone tile.  Travertine tile colors include beige, red, yellow and brown, with some variation from piece to piece.

tumbled tiles
Tumbled tiles are created with a specialty finish. This finish is created with a tumbling machine or acid, which wears down the natural surface of stone tiles for a unique appearance.

vitreous tile
Vitreous tile has water absorption of more than 0.5%, but not more than 3%.

wall tile
Glazed tile with a body suitable for interior use is often called ‘wall tile’. Not expected to withstand excessive impact or be subject to freezing/thawing conditions, wall tile is also not is not appropriate for use on a floor.

Q: Why should I choose a Diamond Certified Tile Contractor?
A: Diamond Certified tile contractors are backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Only local tile contractors who have proved their quality work and superior customer service through an in-depth rating process earn Diamond Certified.

Q: Why should I choose a Diamond Certified Tile Contractor?
A: Diamond Certified tile contractors are backed by the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Only local tile contractors who have proved their quality work and superior customer service through an in-depth rating process earn Diamond Certified.

Q: What rights to I have as a customer of a Diamond Certified tile contractor?
A:Customers of Diamond Certified tile contractors have the right to receive a written estimate of services before the project begins. The Diamond Certified Guarantee ensures that all aspects of the original contract be met, as well as complete customer satisfaction. The work is already done for you to hand pick the best of the best contractors who have a well deserved reputation for excellence and customer service. If anything goes awry, American Ratings Corporation is there to back up the work to your satisfaction.

Q: Is it really important to choose a certified contractor to complete my tile project?
A: Tile installation is a labor intensive process. Once it is completed, it is a semi-permanent renovation that will add value to your home or property. Fixing a bad tile job usually requires everything to be torn out and completely redone. So you want your tile work done right the first time. Hiring an unlicensed contractor, or an unknown tile guy means you have no legal way to ensure that any mistakes will be remedied should they occur. It could be an expensive lesson.

Q: How long will my tile installation take to complete?
A: The time it takes to complete your tile installation project depends upon several factors including the size of the area to tile, if it is ready to begin working, and what kind of materials and designs you will include. Adding decorative designs or special features will take longer than just covering the surface with a single color tile. In general, tile jobs take from a couple days to a couple of weeks depending on the scope of work and availability of the contractor’s crew. Be sure to ask your tile company representative for an estimate of work completion before they begin. You can request to make this timeline part of your written contract.

Q: How will tiling my property affect the value of my property?
A: A quality tile job can make a huge positive difference in the value of your home on the resale market. Home buyers notoriously prefer upgraded kitchens in particular. A special feature like a beautiful fountain in a tiled patio, artfully tiled pool area, or a uniquely tiled bathroom may be just the feature that captures the heart, and the pocketbook of your buyer. Tile is more durable, and more customizable than many other common surface covers like linoleum, vinyl or formica. Tile installation is as much an art as a trade. The right artist can work a miracle in your home.