Common Questions

At Stone Dragon Arts LLC, we take pride in being a premier tile contractor, dedicated to bringing your vision to life with exceptional craftsmanship. Our team specializes in a variety of tile services, ensuring that every project meets our high standards of quality. Still wondering if our services are right choice for you? Check out answers to some clients’ most common questions below. If there’s something we missed, just get in touch, and we’ll do our best help you.

Common Questions

Prep, prep and more prep

Before starting the tiling process, it’s essential to prepare the area for successful installation. This is why we work from studs out. First, clean the surface thoroughly to remove dust, dirt, or old adhesive. Next, check whether the floor or wall is level; if it isn't, use a leveling compound to create a smooth base., make sure the surface is completely dry beforeing to ensure proper adhesion.

Waterproofing

It's important to note that although tiles are typically water-resistant, the grout and thin set around them can be porous. When installing tiles in areas, keep in mind two key concerns: the possibility of water vapor penetrating walls or floors and the risk of leaks that could in moisture issues. These factors can create an environment conducive to mold mildew growth. Make sure your tile installer has a reliable waterproofing plan before starting your tile installation!

Repairs and Fixes

Repairs and fixes on existing tile installations often conceal underlying issues that can lead to more significant problems down the line. For this reason, our company does not offer repair services. We believe in addressing problems at their source to ensure the integrity and longevity of your tile work. By focusing full installations, we provide solutions that truly meet your needs and expectations.

Questions to Ask When Choosing an Installer

Are they licensed and insured?
- Always ensure your installer has insurance and can get you an Accord before starting work in your home. This not only covers incidentals while on the job but also any issues that may arise after the job.
Do they follow TCNA standards for tile installation?
- This is a big one for tile installation. While anyone can install tile; Do they follow the National Standards set forth by Tile Council of North America?
Do they specialize in tile installation?
- A majority of tile installers do have other skills, but certain tile installs require a working knowledge of procedures and standards.
Do they warranty their work?

Understand, there is a multitude of prep that needs to be completed before actual installation of tile. From reframing walls to insure plumb for rock board to waterproofing with a trusted membrane or topical application.
Installation of tile has a whole list of specifications and even prep needed.

The use of specific tools for tile such as a wet saw and snap cutter.
Design details such as herringbone, stagger, mosaic and single setting mosaic rock.
Size of the tile. The bigger the tile the more prep is needed to insure proper installation.
The sealing of certain tile, such as stone, before installation and after.
Insuring changes of plane are properly given a silicone joint, not caulked.

This is just a small list, do your diligence and research before hiring the cheapest. They may cost you more in the long run.
Every job has different aspects and cost associated with the scope of work.
Depending upon tile choices and design aspects you can expect to spend anywhere from $4k to $30K for showers and bathrooms. Backsplashes are set at a base pricing, starting at $1800 for a small simple layout and scale up.
These prices include quality installation materials, with the exception of tile.
Quality tile installation is not cheap nor quick.

Tile Organizations

ANSI, American National Standards Institute, a standards development organization.
ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials International, a standards development organization.
NTCA, National Tile Contractors Association, Established in 1947, the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) is a nonprofit trade association dedicated to the professional installation of ceramic tile and natural stone. It is widely recognized as the largest and most respected tile contractors association in the world.
TCNA, Tile Council North America. TCNA is a trade association representing manufacturers of ceramic tile, tile installation materials, tile equipment, raw materials, and other tile-related products.
CTDA, Ceramic Tile Distributor Association,
CTEF, Ceramic Tile Education Foundation,
TCAA, Tile Contractors Association of America.
TCA Team, The TCA Team, a subsidiary of the TCNA, was launched to address the growing demand for tile installation consultations, inspections and expert witnesses.
Tile Heritage Foundation, For research and preservation of ceramic surfaces

Slide Title

This is a Paragraph. Click on "Edit Text" or double click on the text box to start editing the content.