Tile

Gainz Construction specializes in Tile artistry.

From kitchens to bathrooms and anything in between – we will be happy to make your dream a reality. We are proud to say our entire crew is qualified and certified to install tile and waterproofing systems. Top of the line products such as Schluter Waterproofing systems and proper installation is key when handling tile! We are confident you will love our work!

Tile and Stone Services available:

Flooring
Heated flooring
Bathrooms – showers and tub surrounds
Kitchen – Backsplash, islands, accent wall
Fireplaces
Stair cases

Tile Installation

When it comes to tile installation, these days there are so many things to know. Not too long ago there was only a handful of different ceramic tiles and a few common sizes. The installation materials were basic and also limited to a few options. The Tile Installer’s job was very repetitive and after some time of doing the same thing over and over it became a quick and fairly painless process. A shower or bathtub surround could be installed very quickly. Floors also went in fast, with large ¼” grout joints and again, only a handful of basic tile options.

Fast forward 40 years to today’s average jobsite and we see the complete opposite! Ceramic tile has evolved in many ways and expanded in many directions. When shopping for new tile people are often overwhelmed by the vast amount of design options, sizes, differences in materials and endless combinations. With many of these choices and new tiles come more need-to-know information, new materials, specific materials for specific tiles, etc.

Porcelain tile manufacturers can now create tiles up to ten feet long and 5 feet wide! These “Gauged Porcelain Tile Panels” are gaining popularity and come with a whole new variety of challenges, installation tools and materials. With the added expense of these tiles and the higher probability for breakage, you definitely want to ensure you hire a contractor who is prepared with the knowledge, correct tools, and materials for the tile installation.

On the other end of the tile spectrum, we see hand made clay or ceramic tiles, glass tile, mosaics, paper-faced glass tile, cement, and encaustic tile. Of course, there’s always the timeless look of natural stone and marble tile. With each of these options comes a slightly different approach to preparation and installation. Certain installation materials are designed with specific tiles in mind. In some cases using the wrong materials can lead to a tile failure. We want to help you avoid a tile failure. We see far too many of these, and they are completely avoidable.

We are happy to discuss the many different options you have when choosing your tile. We can provide you with a step-by-step consultation on how we will approach your unique project. You might be wondering what tile choices are best suited for your child’s bathroom vs your master bathroom, and we can help you navigate the tile maze!

Tile Floors

We understand that when it comes to flooring options, you have a lot to choose from. If you are looking for an option that is permanent, clean, and green you should be seriously considering porcelain tile.

There are many options when choosing the perfect tile for your flooring needs and not all are equal. We recommend shopping with a locally owned tile distributor. They are more likely to take the time to understand what you need and are more than happy to point you in the right direction. We offer consultation for all your tile projects.

When it comes to flooring many people skip some important steps. There are many significant questions to consider before mixing the thin-set and installing the tile on the floor. Is the floor level? Has anyone checked the uniformity to ensure that it meets the recommendations from the TCNA? (Tile Council of N. America) If installing directly over concrete, has your tile installer checked the absorption rate of the concrete to ensure a quality bond? Installing tile over a wood subfloor comes with its own unique set of challenges as well as a another set of tools and materials to perform the job correctly.

Preparation is key when it comes to tiled floors and if you want something that looks amazing for generations to come while adding value to your home, we are your contractor of choice! We do not recommend installing temporary flooring and the last thing you want to do is install an expensive porcelain tile on your floors only to have to remove it due to bonding issues or other tile installation failure.

What Type of Tile for Your Floor?

We Recommend Porcelain Tile

If you are looking for longevity and durability with the least amount of maintenance, you should be shopping for a porcelain tile. Porcelain is by far the most durable tile on the market, but beware not all porcelain is created equal! Below is some information on the properties of porcelain tile to assist you in your shopping.

Porcelain tiles are typically made with "porcelain" clays that have specific properties. Typically, these tiles are dense and by definition, they have water absorption of 0.5% or less. Non-porcelain tiles have water absorption greater than 0.5%.

There are both glazed and unglazed porcelain tiles. It is important to know the difference, as the glazed variety is usually a little easier to clean. Typically, glazed porcelain tiles have filled in microscopic holes that could be present in the unglazed tile. On the other hand, unglazed porcelains may have better slip resistance.