STLCT

What Tile Installers Do

• Bathroom tile installation (floors, walls, showers)
• Kitchen backsplash and floor tile
• Custom shower pan and waterproofing
• Natural stone installation (marble, travertine, slate)
• Large format tile installation
• Mosaic and decorative tile work
• Heated floor tile installation
• Tile repair and regrouting

When to Hire a Tile Installer

Hire a professional tile installer for any tile project, especially wet areas. Shower tile work requires proper waterproofing membranes that, if done incorrectly, lead to hidden water damage and mold. Even simple-looking backsplash projects benefit from professional precision, especially around outlets and corners.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

• What waterproofing system do you use for showers?
• How do you prepare the substrate before tiling?
• Do you install Schluter or similar systems for shower niches and edges?
• What thinset do you use and why?
• How do you handle large format tiles (special methods needed)?
• What is your process for layout to minimize cuts and balance the design?
• Do you seal grout and natural stone as part of installation?

Red Flags to Watch For

• No waterproofing membrane in shower/wet areas
• Uses mastic instead of thinset in wet areas
• Doesn't check substrate for level before starting
• No plan for layout before starting
• Uneven grout lines or inconsistent spacing
• Doesn't discuss proper curing time before grouting
• Uses standard thinset for large format tiles (requires LFT-rated products)

Cost Considerations in St. Louis

Tile installation in St. Louis costs $10-$25 per square foot for labor, with tile costs additional ($2-$20+ per square foot depending on material). Custom showers run $3,000-$8,000+ depending on size and complexity. Backsplashes typically cost $1,000-$2,500 installed. Natural stone costs more due to sealing requirements and installation difficulty. Waterproofing systems add $500-$1,500 to shower projects.