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Sanctuary School & Studio
Welcome to our School & Studio! Where you can Learn "how It's Done" and pick out options via our studio below within the sub service you have selected to view:
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School: Knowledge on how the sub-service is done.
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Studio: Options on all materials/colors for selected sub-service.
Interior Flooring
Tile Flooring
What is Tile Flooring?
- Tile flooring is a popular choice for Orange County homes due to its durability and versatility. Composed of natural materials like clay and stone, or manufactured materials like porcelain and ceramic, tile is well-suited for various applications. Its resistance to moisture, scratches, and stains makes it a practical option for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Available in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes, tile flooring can complement a range of design styles, from a classic look in a Newport Beach home to a contemporary feel for an Irvine residence. Sanctuary Design & Build has extensive experience installing tile flooring in Orange County, ensuring proper techniques for a long-lasting and visually appealing result.
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School
Our official "How It's Done" section to help educate our clients to understand our industry leading installation process!​​
Course: How are tile floors installed?
Process - Tile Flooring Installation
Discover our step by step guide on how we bring your remodeling projects to life. Unless otherwise stated in your contract, all installations pertaining to Tile flooring are performed in the exact outlined method!
Phase 1: Subfloor Assessment & Preparation
A stable and properly prepared subfloor is absolutely essential for a successful and long-lasting tile installation. Any imperfections in the subfloor can lead to cracked tiles, loose grout, and costly repairs down the road. We perform a thorough inspection of the existing subfloor (typically concrete or plywood) to assess its condition:
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Levelness: The subfloor must be flat and level. Any unevenness greater than 1/8" over a 10-foot span (or as specified by the tile manufacturer) needs to be addressed. We use a long level (at least 6 feet) and a straight edge to identify high and low spots.
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Deflection (for wood subfloors): Wood subfloors must be rigid and free from excessive flexing or movement, which can cause tiles and grout to crack. We check for proper joist spacing (typically 16" or 19.2" on center) and subfloor thickness (minimum 5/8" plywood for tile installations). We also check for any signs of rot or water damage.
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Moisture: Excessive moisture can cause significant problems with tile installations, including mold growth and adhesive failure. We perform moisture tests on concrete subfloors using a calcium chloride test or other appropriate methods. We also check wood subfloors for signs of water damage, such as staining, warping, or soft spots.
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Cleanliness: The subfloor must be clean and free of debris, dirt, dust, grease, paint, sealers, and old adhesive residue. These contaminants can interfere with the bond between the thin-set mortar and the subfloor.
Phase 2: Underlayment Installation
An underlayment is often recommended, and sometimes required by tile manufacturers, especially over wood subfloors, to provide additional stability, prevent cracking, and create a suitable bonding surface.
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Cement Board (Highly Recommended for Wood Subfloors): Cement board is a durable, water-resistant underlayment made of cement and reinforced with fiberglass mesh. It provides an excellent surface for tile and helps to prevent movement in the wood subfloor from transferring to the tile. Cement board is installed over the wood subfloor and fastened with cement board screws, ensuring proper spacing and staggering of the seams.
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Crack Isolation Membrane (Optional for Concrete, Sometimes Recommended): A crack isolation membrane is a flexible membrane that is applied to the concrete subfloor to prevent cracks in the subfloor from transferring to the tile. This is especially useful in areas prone to seismic activity or where the concrete subfloor is known to have existing cracks. These membranes can be liquid-applied or sheet membranes.
Phase 3: Tile Layout and Setting
Careful planning of the tile layout is essential to minimize cuts, create a visually appealing pattern, and ensure proper alignment.
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Layout Planning: We use chalk lines, laser levels, or other layout tools to establish straight lines, center the pattern in the room, and ensure proper alignment of tiles. We consider factors such as the room's dimensions, focal points, and any architectural features.
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Thin-Set Mortar Application: We apply thin-set mortar to the subfloor or underlayment using a notched trowel. The size and shape of the notches depend on the size and type of tile being used. The mortar is applied in small sections to prevent it from drying out before the tiles are set.
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Tile Setting: We set the tiles into the mortar, pressing them firmly and using spacers to maintain consistent grout lines. We use a level to ensure that the tiles are flat and even, avoiding lippage (uneven edges). We also check for proper bonding by tapping the tiles gently with a rubber mallet.
Phase 4: Grouting
After the thin-set mortar has cured for the recommended time (typically 24-72 hours, depending on the type of mortar and environmental conditions), we begin the grouting process.
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Grout Application: We apply grout to the joints between the tiles using a grout float, ensuring that all joints are completely filled and compacted. We work in small sections and remove excess grout as we go.
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Grout Cleanup and Shaping: After the grout has partially set (usually 15-30 minutes), we use a damp sponge to remove excess grout from the tile surface. We then use a grout shaping tool to create the desired grout profile (e.g., concave, flush, or v-shaped). This process ensures consistent grout lines and a professional finish.
Phase 5: Sealing (Recommended) & Moldings
Sealing the grout and some types of tile (especially natural stone, porous porcelain, and some types of ceramic) is highly recommended to protect against staining, water penetration, and mildew growth.
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Sealer Application: We apply a quality sealer appropriate for the type of tile and grout according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually involves applying the sealer with a brush, sponge, or applicator and allowing it to penetrate the surface before wiping off any excess.
Click Here to see our molding/trim options to finalize the look of your new Tile floors!
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Studio
Our Official Studio will guide you through all options we carry within the selected category to expertly guide you in your decision making process!
Studio Display: Our Selection of Flooring Tiles!