Flooring Types
Tile Flooring in New Orleans
We install ceramic and porcelain tile flooring in kitchens, baths and ground floors across New Orleans. Tile set in mortar is one of the floors FEMA rates as acceptable for flood exposure, and what decides how long it lasts here is the floor under it.
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Which tile should you choose for your floor?
This page is for homeowners weighing tile for a room and wondering how it'll fare in a raised house or on a settling slab. It covers porcelain against ceramic, how tile holds up in New Orleans homes, how a tile floor goes in and how to care for the grout in our humidity.
Most floor tile is ceramic or porcelain, and the difference comes down to how much water the body of the tile absorbs.
Porcelain
The Tile Council of North America says standards define porcelain as tile with water absorption of 0.5% or less. Some tile sold as porcelain doesn't meet that, so look for the Porcelain Tile Certification Agency (PTCA) mark. The PTCA mark means it has been certified as true porcelain.
Ceramic
Ceramic tile absorbs more than porcelain's 0.5% limit.
Wood-look and stone-look porcelain
Porcelain comes printed to look like wood planks or stone. If you want the real thing, see our natural stone flooring page.
Slip rating for wet rooms
Under ANSI A326.3, tile for interior floors that get wet is classed at a wet DCOF of 0.42 or more. Ask for that rating on tile for kitchens, baths and entries.
Built for New Orleans
How does tile flooring hold up in New Orleans homes?
Before tile goes down here, check the structure under it and how it will be set.
Raised and pier homes
The Tile Council of North America's L/360 standard means a wood-framed floor shouldn't deflect more than its span divided by 360. A raised floor that bounces needs stiffening before tile goes down, or the tile and grout can crack.
Slab homes that have settled
The City of New Orleans notes that areas built on Mississippi River silt are slowly settling, and houses not on deep pilings are seeing differential settlement and cracking. A cracked tile on a slab often points to movement below, so the cause gets checked first.
Flooding
FEMA rates ceramic and porcelain tile set in mortar as acceptable for flood exposure, and the same tile set with organic adhesives as unacceptable. How the tile is set matters as much as the tile.
Rain at the door
New Orleans International Airport averages about 63 inches of rain a year, according to the National Weather Service, so entries and mudrooms deserve a wet-rated tile.
- 890459Residential license
- 3667Commercial license
- 14Cities in the New Orleans metro
- FREEEstimate on all services
How it works
How a tile floor is installed
Here's how the job runs. Our tile and grout installation page goes into each step.
- 01
Remove and inspect
The old floor comes up and the subfloor or slab gets checked for movement, moisture and flatness.
- 02
Stiffen or level
Raised floors get stiffened to the L/360 standard and slabs get leveled where needed.
- 03
Set in mortar
The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation cites ANSI A108 at 80% mortar coverage in dry areas and 95% in wet and exterior areas.
- 04
Grout and seal
Once the mortar cures, the joints are grouted and cement-based grout is sealed.
Caring for tile and grout, and how tile compares
Care comes down to grit and grout, and the right comparison depends on the room.
- Everyday care Sweep grit, mop with a neutral cleaner and keep mats at the doors. When grout gets stained or worn, our tile and grout cleaning and restoration service brings it back.
- Tile or luxury vinyl tile Luxury vinyl tile gives a tile look in a floating or glued floor. Compare the two on our luxury vinyl tile page.
Where we install tile flooring and how to get a free estimate
We install tile floors across New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Gretna, Covington and Mandeville. See every town on our service areas page.
For a free estimate, tell us the rooms, the rough square footage and whether the house is raised or on a slab.
Explore
Related flooring types
Bamboo Flooring
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Carpet Flooring
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Cork Flooring
Learn more about Cork Flooring
Reviews
What Customers Say About TurnKey Floorings
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As a builder, I’ve worked with numerous flooring contractors over the years, but my experience with Turnkey Floorings stands out. They were extremely professional, and their installation of carpet flooring for a big project was flawless. The client was ecstatic with the outcome, and I look forward to our future projects.
Charlie Cleghorn
They have transformed my hotel! Their suggestion of flake flooring for the lobby was a hit, adding an unexpected touch of luxury. Their team was professional and completed the project on time. They are the best flooring contractors in New Orleans.
Eve Harper
I recently had epoxy flooring installed in my garage by Turnkey Floorings. The quality of their work exceeded my expectations. They were professional, punctual, and their attention to detail was commendable. I am really happy with the outcome and highly recommend them.
Frank Johnson
I’m so glad I hired Turnkey Floorings for our floor heating installation. Their service was top-notch, and the crew was very informative and friendly. They made sure to explain everything and answered all of our questions. I wake up every morning to warm floors, thanks to them.
Josephine Lewis
Their team was incredibly professional and helpful when it came to choosing the right carpet flooring for my home. The installation process was quick and efficient, leaving no mess behind. The end product was fantastic. They really live up to their reputation as a top-notch flooring contractor in New Orleans.
Mary Lawson
We decided to upgrade our flooring and opted for floor coatings. Their team was extremely skilled, and the result was stunning. The floor looks sleek, shiny, and it’s so easy to clean. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing flooring services in New Orleans.
Walter Morris