Frequently Asked Questions

We serve all of Metro Atlanta including Buckhead, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Alpharetta, Marietta, Roswell, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, and surrounding areas. If you're not sure if we serve your area, please contact us and we'll let you know.

First Choice Tile LLC has been serving the Atlanta area since 2013, bringing over 10 years of experience and more than 500 completed projects in professional tile installation and flooring services.

Yes, we are fully licensed and insured. We can provide proof of insurance upon request for your peace of mind.

Yes, we provide free, no-obligation estimates for all our services. We can schedule an in-home consultation to assess your project, take measurements, and provide a detailed written estimate.

Project start times vary based on our current schedule and the scope of your project. Typically, we can begin work within 1-2 weeks of accepting your estimate. During busy seasons, it may take slightly longer. We'll provide you with a specific timeline during your consultation.

Yes, we offer flexible scheduling including weekend work to accommodate your schedule. Saturday appointments are available, and Sunday work can be arranged for urgent projects or special circumstances.

We install all types of tile including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone (marble, granite, travertine, slate), glass tile, mosaic tile, and large-format tiles. We work with materials from leading manufacturers and can help you select the perfect tile for your project.

Yes, we specialize in LVP installation. LVP is an excellent choice for busy households, offering the beauty of hardwood with superior durability, waterproof protection, and easy maintenance. We install all major LVP brands.

Absolutely! We handle both residential and commercial projects of all sizes. From single-room renovations in homes to large-scale commercial flooring installations in offices, restaurants, and retail spaces.

Yes, we provide complete demolition and removal services. We'll carefully remove your existing flooring, dispose of it properly, and prepare the substrate for your new installation. This service is included in most project quotes.

Yes, we offer tile repair services including replacing broken or cracked tiles, regrouting, and fixing loose tiles. If you have matching tiles, we can seamlessly blend repairs with your existing installation.

Yes, we install radiant floor heating systems under tile floors. Heated floors are especially popular in bathrooms and are compatible with most tile types. We'll discuss this option during your consultation if you're interested.

Absolutely! We specialize in custom tile patterns including herringbone, chevron, diagonal, basketweave, hexagon, and custom mosaic designs. Our skilled installers can bring any design vision to life.

Yes, proper waterproofing is a critical part of any bathroom tile installation. We use industry-standard waterproofing membranes and techniques to ensure your shower and bathroom floors are completely protected from water damage.

Tile installation costs vary based on the type of tile, project size, complexity, and preparation work needed. Ceramic is typically the most economical option, porcelain sits in the middle, and natural stone costs the most due to material and labor requirements. Intricate patterns, demolition, and substrate repairs also affect the price. For accurate pricing on your specific project, request a free estimate.

Generally, yes. LVP installation typically costs less than most tile options in both materials and labor, making it a budget-friendly choice. However, the best option depends on your specific needs, location (wet areas often call for tile), and design preferences. Request a free estimate to compare both options for your space.

Several factors influence project cost: type of tile/flooring material, square footage, complexity of pattern, substrate preparation needs, demolition requirements, number of cuts needed, accessibility, and any special features like waterproofing or heated floors.

No, we provide free estimates. We'll visit your home, assess the project, take measurements, discuss your preferences, and provide a detailed written estimate at no cost or obligation.

We accept cash, bank transfer, and credit and debit cards. We require a 30% deposit at the start of the project and the remainder upon completion.

For larger projects, we can discuss payment plans and financing options. Contact us to learn more about available options for your specific project.

Yes, several options can help manage costs: choosing more affordable tile materials, opting for simpler patterns, handling demolition yourself, purchasing materials during sales, or phasing larger projects over time. We'll work with your budget to find the best solution.

Our process includes: 1) Free consultation and estimate, 2) Project scheduling, 3) Surface preparation and substrate work, 4) Precise layout planning, 5) Professional tile installation, 6) Grouting and sealing, 7) Clean-up, and 8) Final walkthrough. We keep you informed at every step.

Timeline varies by project size. A standard bathroom (75-100 sq ft) typically takes 2-4 days. Kitchen backsplashes take 1-2 days. Whole-home flooring projects may take 1-2 weeks. We'll provide a specific timeline in your estimate.

Generally yes, though access to the work area will be limited. For bathroom renovations, we recommend having access to another bathroom. For flooring projects, we work room by room when possible to minimize disruption to your daily life.

We take extensive protection measures including: laying down floor protection, covering furniture and fixtures, using dust barriers, cleaning up daily, and removing all debris. We treat your home with the utmost respect.

We ask that you remove personal items, toiletries, and small furniture from the work area. Clear access paths for our team. We'll handle moving large furniture and fixtures as needed. We'll provide a detailed preparation checklist when we schedule your project.

For floor tile, you can typically walk on it after 24-48 hours, though we recommend light traffic only. Full curing takes 7-10 days. For showers, wait 48-72 hours before use. We'll provide specific instructions based on your materials and project.

It's not required, but we appreciate someone being available at the start of each day and for the final walkthrough. Many clients provide us access and check in periodically. We'll discuss the best arrangement during scheduling.

Porcelain tile is denser, more durable, and less porous than ceramic tile. Porcelain is better for high-traffic areas and outdoor use. Ceramic is more affordable and easier to cut. Both are excellent choices - the best option depends on your specific application and budget.

For bathroom floors, we recommend porcelain or ceramic tile with a textured surface for slip resistance. For walls and showers, glazed ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone all work well. Avoid very porous stones in showers unless properly sealed.

Yes, but ensure floor tiles are rated for floor use (higher PEI rating). Wall tiles are often thinner and may not withstand floor traffic. Many tiles are specifically rated for both applications.

Grout color can dramatically affect your tile's appearance. Matching grout creates a seamless look, contrasting grout highlights the tile pattern. Gray is versatile and hides dirt well. We provide samples and professional recommendations based on your tile choice.

Yes, natural stone (marble, granite, travertine) requires sealing to protect against stains and moisture. Different stones have different maintenance needs. We provide detailed care instructions and can perform initial sealing as part of installation.

Large-format tiles are typically 12x24 inches or larger, with some reaching 24x48 inches or more. They create a modern, sleek look with fewer grout lines. They require perfectly flat substrates and skilled installation - both of which we provide.

Quality LVP is 100% waterproof and excellent for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. However, proper installation is key - seams must be tight and transitions sealed. We ensure waterproof installation following manufacturer specifications.

Matte tiles hide water spots and footprints better, making them ideal for floors. Glossy tiles reflect more light and are easier to clean, making them great for walls and backsplashes. Consider maintenance preferences and the room's function.

We provide a 1-year workmanship warranty on all installations. Tile and materials also carry their own manufacturer warranties. We'll review all warranty details in your estimate and stand behind our work.

First Choice Tile LLC is a licensed and insured tile installation company with over 10 years of experience and more than 500 completed projects, all backed by a 1-year workmanship warranty. We serve the entire Metro Atlanta area including Buckhead, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Marietta, and Alpharetta. Contact us at (404) 747-8242 for a free estimate.

Tile installation cost in Atlanta depends on the type of tile (ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone), the square footage, the complexity of the pattern, and how much demolition or substrate preparation is needed. Ceramic is usually the most affordable and natural stone the most premium. For accurate pricing on your specific project, request a free estimate.

Yes! First Choice Tile LLC serves Buckhead and all surrounding Atlanta neighborhoods. We offer same-week consultations in Buckhead, Midtown, Sandy Springs, and throughout Metro Atlanta. Call (404) 747-8242 for convenient scheduling.

LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) offers several advantages over hardwood: it's 100% waterproof, typically more affordable to buy and install, scratch-resistant, and requires less maintenance. However, hardwood adds more resale value and can be refinished. LVP is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and homes with pets or children.

Tile is generally better for bathrooms because it's completely waterproof, durable, and increases home value. Porcelain tile is especially recommended for bathroom floors. While vinyl is more affordable and comfortable underfoot, quality tile installation with proper waterproofing provides superior long-term protection against water damage.

Porcelain tile is the most durable kitchen flooring option. It's scratch-resistant, waterproof, heat-resistant, and can last 50+ years with proper care. LVP is the second most durable option, offering excellent resistance to water and daily wear. Both are superior to laminate or hardwood for high-traffic kitchen areas.

Before tile installation: 1) Remove furniture and personal items from the work area, 2) Clear pathways for workers, 3) Ensure access to water and electricity, 4) Plan for alternative bathroom access during renovation, 5) Cover nearby items to protect from dust. Our team handles floor protection, demolition, and cleanup.

Quality tile flooring lasts 50-100 years when properly installed and maintained. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are extremely durable, while natural stone can last even longer. The key is professional installation with proper substrate preparation. First Choice Tile's installations include a 1-year workmanship warranty for peace of mind.

A standard bathroom tile installation takes 2-4 days for floors only, or 3-5 days for floors and shower walls. This includes demolition (day 1), waterproofing and prep (day 2), tile installation (days 2-3), and grouting (day 4). Larger bathrooms or custom designs may take longer. We provide accurate timelines during your free estimate.

Yes. We install both solid and engineered hardwood across metro Atlanta. The subfloor is moisture-tested and leveled first, the wood acclimates on site, and the installation method (nail-down, glue-down, or floating) follows the plank and the subfloor rather than a one-size default. Hardwood is quoted per project after a free in-home measure.

Solid hardwood is one piece of wood through its full thickness. It can be sanded and refinished for decades, but it moves more with humidity and belongs over a wood subfloor. Engineered hardwood is a real wood wear layer over a stable core: it handles Atlanta humidity swings better and can be glued directly to a concrete slab, making it the right choice for basements and slab-on-grade homes. We tell you which construction fits your home and let you pick the wood.

Wood absorbs and releases moisture until it matches the room it lives in. Planks installed straight off the truck adjust to your home afterward, showing up as gaps between boards or as cupping. We deliver the flooring ahead of installation and check its moisture content against the subfloor before starting. The moisture meter, not the calendar, decides when it is ready.

Often, yes. LVP can go over hard, flat, well-bonded surfaces such as existing tile, vinyl, or concrete once high spots are ground down and low spots are filled to the flatness the manufacturer specifies. It cannot go over carpet, and a floor with movement or moisture problems needs those fixed first. We check all of this during the free in-home measure and tell you exactly what preparation your floor needs.

Yes. Quality LVP is 100% waterproof and one of the best floors for Atlanta basements, where concrete slabs and humidity rule out solid hardwood. The slab needs to be flat and checked for moisture first, and expansion gaps matter even more below grade. With the right underlayment, LVP gives a basement the look of wood without the moisture risk.