Why tile in South Florida
Tile handles what Palm Beach County throws at a floor. It does not swell with humidity like wood, it does not hold moisture and allergens like carpet, and it is cool underfoot. Most tile is non-porous, which keeps bacteria, mold and mildew from taking hold. It works in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoors, and if a tile ever chips, that one tile can be replaced.
Choosing the right tile
There are four main types, and the right one depends on where it is going and how it will be used.
| Type | Strengths | Watch for | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Lowest cost, wide selection | Softer, chips more easily | Walls, light-traffic rooms |
| Porcelain | Dense, hard, nearly waterproof, wood and stone looks | Costs more than ceramic | Floors, showers, patios, anywhere |
| Glass | Reflective, vivid color | Scratches, shows thinset through it | Backsplashes, niches, accents |
| Natural stone | Unique, natural look, can be polished or honed | Porous, needs sealing, higher cost | Entries, living areas, feature walls |
Porcelain plank tile that looks like wood is the most requested floor we install right now. It gives you the look of hardwood with none of the humidity problems.
What a good installation includes
The tile is only half the job. What is under it decides whether the floor is still solid in twenty years.
- Prep. The slab is cleaned and leveled. Cracks get an isolation membrane so they do not travel into the tile.
- Full coverage. Tile is set in a complete bed of thinset, not dabs. Voids under tile are the number one cause of the hollow and tented floors we repair.
- Expansion joints. Floors need room to move. Skipping this is why tile buckles in South Florida.
- Layout. Starting point and pattern are planned so cuts are balanced and the floor looks centered.
- Mud-set for stone. Natural stone is set in a mud bed for support and a flat surface.
We have repaired thousands of floors that other installers rushed. We install so you never need that call.
Outdoor installations
Patios, lanais, porches and pool surrounds need exterior-rated porcelain or stone, a textured finish for grip when wet, and planning for drainage and expansion. We install outdoor tile and pavers across Palm Beach County and can also clean and seal the stone you already have.
Commercial work
We install tile in restaurants, offices, lobbies and retail spaces, and we can work after hours so you stay open. Commercial floors take more abuse, so we lean toward porcelain and seal the grout from day one.
After installation
New grout is porous. Color sealing it before you move the furniture back keeps it uniform, makes cleanup a mop job and carries our 10-year guarantee.
