F.A.Q.

Don's Carpet One Frequently Asked Questions

Click any of the questions below to find out the answers.

• What grout will you use?
  
• When installing tile over my newly poured concrete, how long before I can install my tile?
  
• Can this tile be installed over my existing particleboard?
• What type of tile can be used on my fireplace?
• Can I use this high gloss tile on my kitchen countertops?
• When you're tiling my bathroom floor, is it necessary to remove the toilet?
• Can you install this cement board directly to the floor joists?
• Isn’t porcelain tile delicate and easy to break?
• Can you use this floor tile on my walls?
• Can this ceramic tile be used outdoors?

What grout will you use?
Unsanded grout is used in grout joints smaller than 1/8”. Sanded grout is used for grout joints larger than 1/8”. Either can be used for a 1/8” joint.

When installing tile over my newly poured concrete, how long before I can install my tile?
Industry standards are 28 days.

Can this tile be installed over my existing particleboard?
We recommend against it. We will be installing an exterior grade plywood or concrete backer board.

What type of tile can be used on my fireplace?
Any tile can be used on the face of a fireplace. I would not recommend putting the tile directly in the firebox.

Can I use this high gloss tile on my kitchen countertops?
It is not recommended. Structurally it will be OK, but the high gloss will eventually show scratching.

When you're tiling my bathroom floor, is it necessary to remove the toilet?
Yes, it gives a much nicer look. If you tile around the toilet instead of removing it, when the toilet needs to be replaced, it will be difficult to find a toilet that will fit in the same space as the old one.

Can you install this cement board directly to the floor joists?
Unfortunately, cement backer board is not a structural member. It must be installed over an exterior plywood subfloor, 5/8” minimum thickness.

Isn’t porcelain tile delicate and easy to break?
No. There are different types of porcelain, including dishes and dolls, which can be very fragile. Porcelain tile, on the other hand, is tough and long lasting because it is fired at extremely high temperatures (2000 degrees F and above) until it becomes vitrified (glass-like). This process makes porcelain tile 30% harder than natural stones such as granite and marble.

Can you use this floor tile on my walls?
Yes, floor tile can be installed on walls using proper installation methods.

Can this ceramic tile be used outdoors?
To be used outdoors, the tile must be frost proof and unglazed for floor use. Make sure the absorption rate is 0.5% or less.