What’s the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?

Ceramic tiles are more porous and generally softer than porcelain, making them easier to cut but less water-resistant. Porcelain is denser, harder, and better suited for high-traffic or wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor spaces. It also tends to cost more but offers better durability over time.

Can you tile over existing tile?

Yes, but only if the existing tile is firmly bonded, level, and free of cracks. We first assess whether the surface meets code, check for moisture issues, and apply bonding agents if approved. Tiling over tile can save time and demolition costs, but it adds height to the floor, which may affect door clearance or transitions.

Can floor tiles be used on walls and vice versa?

Floor tiles are typically stronger and heavier, and can be used on walls if the wall can support the weight. Wall tiles, on the other hand, are thinner and not rated for floor traffic — using them on floors would lead to premature cracking or wear. Always use tiles within their rated application.

What is “lippage,” and how do you prevent it?

Lippage is when adjacent tiles are uneven, causing edges to stick up and create tripping hazards or visual flaws. It often happens with large-format tiles or on uneven subfloors. We prevent this by properly leveling the substrate, using self-leveling compounds when needed, and employing tile leveling spacers during installation.

Do I need waterproofing under my bathroom or shower tile?

Absolutely. Tile and grout are not naturally waterproof — they’re water-resistant at best. We use waterproofing membranes (like Red Gard or Schluter systems) behind walls and under floors in wet areas to prevent leaks, mold, and structural damage over time.

What kind of grout should I use, and does it need sealing?

It depends on the location and tile type. Sanded grout is used for wider joints (typically >1/8"), while unsanded is better for narrow joints or softer tile like glass. Epoxy grout is stain-resistant and durable but harder to apply. Cement-based grout often requires sealing, especially in moisture-prone areas like showers or backsplashes.

New floors Installation

Tiles are one of the most durable, low-maintenance, and design-flexible materials you can use in your home, but their longevity depends entirely on how they’re installed. Working with professional flooring installers will help you choose the right flooring style for each space and ensure it meets all your flooring needs.
Where we install tile
Whether upgrading a residential property or fitting out a high-traffic commercial facility, we handle surface preparation and tile setting across all interior and exterior spaces:

Bathrooms & Wet Areas: Waterproof tile installations for main bathroom floors, vanity walls, curbless transitions, and soaking tub surrounds.

Showers & Shower Pans: Continuous waterproofing systems, slope-to-drain shower pans, custom niches, and floor-to-ceiling surrounds.

Kitchens & Backsplashes: Precision backsplash tiling, under-cabinet walls, island wraps, and high-durability kitchen floor installations.

Floors & Entryways: Heavy-duty, slip-resistant floor installations built to withstand high foot traffic, dirt, and mudroom wear.

Accent Walls & Fireplaces: Custom feature walls, fireplace hearths, and full-height vertical tile wraps.

Basements & Utility Rooms: Moisture-resistant tile solutions ideal for concrete subfloors, laundry rooms, and lower-level spaces.

Commercial Spaces: Heavy-duty floor and wall tiling for retail locations, office lobbies, hospitality venues, and multi-family residential buildings.

What Homeowners Should Know About New Floors Installation

Proper tile installation goes far beyond simply placing tiles. It requires subfloor leveling, waterproofing membranes (especially in showers), expansion joints, and the right grout to prevent cracks, leaks, and shifting.
Large-format tiles demand a perfectly flat surface and the correct mortar to avoid lippage, while natural stone must be sealed and maintained over time. Each material comes with unique prep and performance needs, so understanding these requirements is essential before starting.

Start Your Project

Materials

Tile Material Guide

Ceramic

Key Characteristics

Cost-effective, easy to cut, wide range of glazes and colors.

Best Applications

Indoor walls, kitchen backsplashes, light-traffic floors.

Maintenance & Care

Low maintenance; non-porous glazed surface resists stains.

Porcelain

Key Characteristics

Extremely dense, highly durable, water-resistant, frost-resistant.

Best Applications

High-traffic floors, showers, outdoor spaces, commercial areas.

Maintenance & Care

Minimal maintenance; highly resistant to moisture and scratches.

Natural Stone

Marble, Slate, Travertine

Key Characteristics

Unique natural variation, high aesthetic value, durable finish.

Best Applications

Fireplace surrounds, primary bath floors, accent walls, vanity surrounds.

Maintenance & Care

Requires periodic sealing and pH-neutral, non-acidic cleaning agents.

Glass

Key Characteristics

Non-porous, reflects light, adds visual depth and color vibrancy.

Best Applications

Accent bands, full shower walls, kitchen backsplashes, decorative borders.

Maintenance & Care

Easy to wipe down; requires non-abrasive cleaners to prevent scratching.

Mosaic

Key Characteristics

Small tiles on mesh backing; flexible for curves and high-traction floors.

Best Applications

Shower pans, accents, feature wall niches, decorative borders.

Maintenance & Care

Requires attention to grout line maintenance due to higher grout density.

Large Format

Key Characteristics

Minimal grout lines; creates seamless, modern visual layouts.

Best Applications

Living area floors, expansive shower walls, open commercial spaces.

Maintenance & Care

Low grout maintenance; requires perfectly flat substrate prep.

Selection Guide

How to Choose Tile

Selecting tile involves more than picking a style, it requires matching material characteristics to the demands of your environment:

Step 01

Moisture Exposure

High-water areas like showers and exterior entryways require low-absorption materials such as porcelain or properly sealed natural stone.

Step 02

Slip Resistance (DCOF Rating)

Floor tiles in wet areas should meet recommended Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) ratings to ensure adequate traction underfoot.

Step 03

Substrate & Load Capacity

Heavy large-format tiles and thick natural stone require rigid subfloors and specialized polymer-modified thin-sets to prevent flexing and cracking.

Step 04

Grout Line Density

Smaller mosaic tiles offer higher slip resistance due to frequent grout lines (ideal for shower floors), whereas large-format tiles reduce grout maintenance in larger spaces.

Step 05

Long-Term Maintenance

Glazed ceramic and porcelain offer near-zero maintenance, whereas natural stone requires periodic sealing to maintain its finish and resist staining.

Tile Installation Services Available In

Monarch Contracting provides expert tile and flooring installation services across our regional service locations:

Ceramic

Porcelain

Natural Stone

Glass

Mosaic

Large Format

1: Subfloor Prep & Substrate Inspection

We inspect wood subfloors or concrete slabs for structural deflection, moisture content, and levelness.

2: Waterproofing & Moisture Protection

In wet zones, such as showers, tub surrounds, and commercial wet rooms, we apply sheet or liquid waterproofing membranes paired with uncoupling systems.

3: Layout Planning & Pattern Alignment

Before mixing mortar, we measure and dry-fit tile layouts to balance cuts, align focal points, and center grid or running bond patterns.

4: Precision Tile Cutting & Setting

Using wet saws, diamond blades, and manual tile cutters, each tile is cut to fit around outlets, plumbing fixtures, and wall angles.

5: Grouting & Sealing

Grout is applied with a float to fill every joint completely without voids. Flexible color-matched sealant is used at all expansion joints and plane changes.

6: Clean-Up & Final Walkthrough

All haze is removed from tile surfaces, grout lines are inspected, job sites are thoroughly cleaned, and a final walkthrough is conducted to ensure quality control and complete any final touch-ups.

Timing, Temperature, & Transitions

Tile isn’t just about how it’s laid, it’s also about when it’s laid. Temperature, humidity, and setting time all affect how adhesives cure and how grout bonds. If installation happens too early in a project, heavy foot traffic or trades can damage fresh work. Planning transitions to other flooring materials in advance ensures a smooth look and the right flooring style, avoiding awkward height differences or visible breaks.

Common Tile Installation Challenges & How We Solve Them

Uneven subfloors — we level before installation

Moisture-prone areas — we use proper waterproofing systems

Cracks and shifting — we use uncoupling membranes where needed

Complex layouts — we dry-fit and center patterns for clean alignment

Start Your Project

1. Consultation

We review your vision, assess the space, and lay the groundwork.

2. Planning & Team Kickoff

You meet your project team and get a clear roadmap for the build.

3. Permits & Pre-Inspections

We secure permits and inspect the site to ensure a smooth start.

4. Site Prep & Build-Out

We mobilize, prep the site, and begin structural construction.

5. Finishes & Detailing

Interior and exterior elements are installed with expert precision.

6. Walk-Through & Warranty

We review the final work with you and provide post-project support.

How much does professional tile installation cost per square foot?

Tile installation costs vary depending on tile material, subfloor preparation requirements, pattern complexity, and overall square footage.
Large-format porcelain, natural stone, and intricate mosaic layouts require specialized surface prep and labor compared to standard ceramic tile.

How long does a tile installation project typically take?

Most residential tile installations take between 3 to 7 days depending on scope.
Subfloor prep, leveling, and waterproofing take 1 to 2 days, tile setting takes 1 to 3 days, and drying, grouting, and sealing require additional cure time before the space can be used.

Does all tile need to be sealed?

No. Glazed ceramic and glazed porcelain tiles do not require sealing because their surface layer is non-porous.
However, natural stone tiles (such as marble, slate, or travertine) and cementitious grouts must be sealed upon installation and periodically resealed to prevent moisture absorption and staining.

How do I clean and maintain my tile after installation?

Glazed ceramic and porcelain can be cleaned with warm water or a pH-neutral tile cleaner.
For natural stone, avoid harsh or acidic cleaners (like vinegar, ammonia, or bleach) and use stone-safe cleaners along with periodic re-sealing.

Can tile be installed directly over existing flooring?

Tile should never be installed directly over carpet, vinyl, or floating floors.
While setting tile over existing sound tile or concrete is possible under specific conditions, best practices require stripping down to the subfloor, leveling the substrate, and installing an uncoupling membrane or backer board.

What is the difference between sanded, unsanded, and epoxy grout?

Sanded Grout: Contains fine sand particles for strength; used for grout joints 1/8 inch or wider.
Unsanded Grout: Smooth texture used for narrow joints (under 1/8 inch) and delicate polished surfaces that sand might scratch.
Epoxy Grout: A stain-proof, waterproof resin-based grout ideal for showers, commercial kitchens, and high-moisture zones.

Experienced Technicians

Our in-house team includes licensed professionals across every major trade, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and finish work. Every technician is carefully selected for their skill, reliability, and commitment to quality craftsmanship.

1K+

Completed Projects

From small residential upgrades to full-scale commercial renovations, we’ve delivered exceptional results for over a thousand clients. Our consistent focus on communication, detail, and execution has earned us lasting relationships and repeat business.

States Served

We proudly operate in six states and continue to expand. Our regional presence allows us to bring our proven systems, skilled labor, and high standards to a growing number of homeowners, property managers, and developers across the Tristate area, helping meet all their flooring needs and next project goals.

Built with Purpose

Every project we take on is more than just construction, it’s a long-term investment in your space. Whether it’s new floors, a complete renovation, or updating your home’s flooring style, we treat every structure like it’s our own, with an eye for function, form, and future value.

Trust First

Clear timelines, no hidden costs, and straight answers, that’s how we operate. We believe trust is built with consistency, communication, and showing up when it matters.

Organized Execution

From project management software to daily job site check-ins, we keep every aspect of your renovation organized and under control. No chaos, no confusion, just high-quality results for your next project.

Craft Comes First

Great builds don’t come from shortcuts. We work with top-tier technicians and trades who take pride in their work, ensuring quality at every step — from framing to finish.

Ready for Complexity

Tight timelines, structural challenges, custom requests, we’ve handled it all. Our team thrives in high-pressure environments where precision matters most, delivering beautiful flooring galleries and spaces that meet your unique flooring needs.

Always Advancing

Construction is evolving, and so are we. From better materials to smarter tools, we stay ahead of the curve to deliver projects that last and exceed expectations in every project.