Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Field Tile Installation
Field Tile Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Field Tile Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Field Tile Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Field Tile Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Field Tile Installation labor cost? What are the important Field Tile Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Field Tile Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fair price for Field Tile Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Field Tile Installation expect to pay between $3.86 to $4.53 per square foot. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
Is a permit needed for Field Tile Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building department are not required for Field Tile Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association (HOA) covenants, you should verify that your Field Tile Installation project complies with association guidelines. |
Is it worth using a professional to perform Field Tile Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the field tile may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
Is Field Tile Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Field Tile Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Field Tile Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
How many days are typically required to complete the Field Tile Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Field Tile Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Field Tile Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Field Tile Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- All field tile from the same manufacturers lot
- A detailed field tile layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- The installed field tile height will be within 1/4 inch of the height of adjacent finished flooring
- Install field tile with horizontal edges level and vertical edges plumb to within 1/32 inch
- All holes, cuts and notches necessary to complete the work will be no larger than 25% of the object routed through the opening; cuts will be clean and uniform; all framing holes, notches and modifications will fully comply with local code guidelines
- Stagger field tile joint ends in adjacent courses in a (choose one): __uniform ___random pattern, with no joint ends in adjacent courses closer than 1/4 the typical field tile length
- The smallest cut dimension of field tile will be NO LESS than 50% of the uncut dimension; note: field tile layout can be changed to accommodate this requirement
- Installed field tile surface variations along a 4 foot straight edge will not exceed 1/16 inch - from any location along any direction
- All field tile will be installed with uniform spacing of __1/16 inch __1/8 inch __3/8 inch __other All "sight" lines between field tile will be "straight" to within 1/4 inch in 10 feet
- Finished field tile will feel uniformly solid and rigid under pressure
- Finished field tile will not shift, squeak or creak when walked upon
- The field tile surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Field Tile Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Field Tile Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the field tile work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of field tile, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order field tile; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of field tile; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Review material choices for Field Tile Installation with the homeowner before work begins - consider toxic exposure, allergic risks and environmental factors; purchase construction materials only after approval
- Secure subfloor to framing; eliminate squeaks and soft spots
- Install field tile using manufacturer recommended thinset adhesive, in compliance manufacturer recommendations and applicable local building code(s)
- Install field tile to fit closely around fixtures and fittings
- Apply grout and apply suitable grout sealer after grout has fully cured
- Carefully remove all manufacturers labels and clean the field tile surfaces - without scraping, scratching or otherwise damaging the field tile
- Save and label extra field tile for future repairs; make sure that manufacturer, model, color, lot and any other identifying information is noted on the label
- Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes