Ceramic & Porcelain Tile Pros in Washington, DC

Washington DC Ceramic Tile

In Washington DC, ceramic tile is found in kitchens and bathrooms in houses both modest and extravagant. Why does our nation's capital seem so enamored of ceramic tile? Washington DC homeowners who know tile's physical benefits are certainly likely to include it in their homes, but its appearance and history are each rich enough to make tile a popular choice even with some pretty stiff competition from newer products on the market. If you are looking to spruce up your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, entry way, or any other area where moisture is common, taking a closer look at this classic material might just have you craving ceramic tile in your home, too!

Floor Tile
When it comes to installing ceramic floor tile, Washington DC is a near perfect setting to get the full benefit of the material. You can, of course, enjoy the beauty of a well done ceramic tile floor all year round, but during a wet spring or slushy winter, that tile will not only be attractive, but will allow you to walk on your floor without worry of stains (like you'd have with carpet) or warping and scratching (like you'd have with hardwood). Floor tile comes in all shapes, colors, finishes, and sizes, but DC homeowners looking to have a safe as well as durable and attractive installation should definitely look into floor tile that has a textured surface to increase traction.

Tile for Bathrooms and Kitchens
While there are certainly new alternatives for today's kitchens and bathrooms, nothing seems quite as appropriate as tile in Washington DC. Ceramic tile's history is longer that that of the city, itself, and its incredible staying power means that it's not likely to go out of style any time soon! Though acrylic tub surrounds and plastic back-splashes might seem appealing, neither has the time-tested quality and durability of good old-fashion tile. Additionally, none of the alternatives offer the wide range of options you'll find when tile shopping; when you consider the variation you can find in size, shape, color, and the fact that tile can even be hand painted, it's easy to see that tile is the clear winner when it comes to choice!

Tile Installation Prices
HomeAdvisor keeps records of every job we process nationwide, including Washington DC tile installation. Depending on the area to be covered and the tile you choose, folks in DC have reported costs of under $1,000 to prices of over $5,000 (our statistics show that most jobs in the area cost between $1,000 and $2,000). Of course, getting quotes from more than one tile contractor before you settle on a company is going to be the best way to make sure you're getting a good price on this type of work.

Re-Grouting and Polishing Existing Tile
One of the nice things about tile's incredible longevity is the fact that old tile that is dull and/or set in grout that is stained or unstable can be made to look new again relatively cheaply. To have your old tile polished and re-grouted, prices are generally in the $300 to $700 range. The effect of this inexpensive (though often tedious) process is a surface that looks bright and new set in grout that actually IS new. Another benefit of having your tile re-grouted is that new grout is far more stable than the grout used decades ago. Once it is set and sealed, your tile is likely to look better longer than any installation done 20 or more years ago. You can even choose different colors for your grout!

Finding a Good Tile Installation Company
No matter what kind of tile project you plan on entering, the most important part of the process is not picking out the tile you'll put in, but picking out the company that does the work. As there are a very large number of contractors to choose from in Washington DC, ceramic tile installation is a job that you don't want to leave to the first company you see in the phone book!

For this and any other home improvement project, it is suggested that you talk to and get estimates from at least 3 companies before making the decision to hire one. Though it might seem a pain for a minor job like tile installation, Washington DC homeowners who are truly want the best work at the most reasonable price need to play the field! There are several advantages that come with talking to 3 or more companies before you hire. First, you'll get three different estimates, which makes it easier to judge how much your tile job should cost. Next, you'll have three different chances to find a contractor who really understands your situation and what you want from the job. Finally, you'll get three different companies' views on what the finished project will look like; this will let you know which company is more likely to produce the kind of space you envisioned.

Of course, getting three or more estimates will also be the best way to find the lowest price possible for your project, but remember: When choosing between a company with a low quote and a company you feel comfortable with, the latter is almost always the better investment!