Flooring types
Tile
Tile is the least forgiving floor to install and the most dependent on the substrate underneath it. The topics below map the decisions that most affect the outcome: substrate requirements, setting materials, layout and why tile and grout crack.
What this hub covers
Costs, installation, floor prep, tools, problems and maintenance for this material.
Substrates
Backer board, membranes and concrete requirements.
Flatness & deflection
Why flat and stiff both matter for tile.
Mortar & trowels
Coverage, notch selection and back-buttering.
Layout
Grid planning, cuts at walls and pattern offsets.
Grout & movement joints
Joint width, grout type and perimeter movement.
Tile problems
Cracked tile, cracked grout, lippage and hollow spots.
Start with the numbers
Plan the material and cost side of the job, or see how a contractor estimate lines up against practical planning benchmarks.