Long before the Egyptians fired clay and stone tiles have been used for expression, decoration and a durable covering. This long term popularity has been for no reason. Very little can match tile in beauty, durability, easy maintainence and sanitation characteristics. Tile also has a fifty year plus lifespan if installed correctly and is the cheapest covering for the lifespan cost of the product. Kelly Marston Tile & Stone is a small business that specializes in custom tile and remodeling services. Like all true craftsman, I specialize and am professionally trained with over 12 years hands on experience. Because I specialize, you receive expert advice along with the finest craftsmanship available in and around the St.Louis area. My work speaks for itself and I am hired because of my expertise, superb craftsmanship, customer service and excellent references. PLEASE, NO SOLICITORS.
THE VALUE OF TILE :
As mentioned above, tile is the cheapest covering for the lifespan cost of the covering. Tile has an estimated lifespan of 50 plus years IF installed correctly. Carpet and vinyl last about 10 years. Hardwood is the only floor covering that can compare to tile in lifespan but the scratching, scarring characteristics and maintenance costs far outweigh that of tile. Tile can also be replaced individually if any accidents happen with dropping heavy objects and tile is not affected by water if a tub or toilet overflows. You will not find this with any other floor covering and this is why tile can be installed interior and exterior. Quality tile will not burn, scratch, fade, warp, flake or dent like the other floor coverings that possess one or more of these characteristics. With tile, there are dozens of patterns that can be created with thousands of different tiles to create them with. You also have your choice of ceramic, porcelain, stone, glass, metal, resin and quarry tile. Tiles are created to mimic faux finishes, wood and wallpaper. Tile will also add appeal to your home if you decide to sell it and you will get back whatever money you spent on it by the value it adds to your home. If you think about it, you was able to enjoy a product and you actually received something for nothing.
PROFESSIONAL TILE INSTALLATION:
As easy as tile installation is proclaimed to be by cable networks, big box stores and novice installers; many residential installations have failed or have turned out nothing close to professional standards. Many installations have needed to be torn out due to faulty workmanship and being an eyesore. Tile setting goes far past the basic floors and walls that the DIY media has stapled in the publics minds. Unfortunately, what the media does not do is tell the audience the "True" specs, time frames and costs associated with that installation. The directions given are to make the installation as easy as possible but are far from what any professional would actually do. One simple mistake and that installation needs tore out and redone. With tile, very little is salvageable if installed incorrectly or poorly. So, the specifications must followed to the letter. About anything can be tiled with proper modification. Custom Built; showers, walk in tubs, fireplaces, countertops, porches, balconies, tables, stairways and swimming pools. Each installation has it own specifications established through testing and the stamp of approval. A professional installer has went through the training, installs to the specs established, has the equipment needed and spends hours each week learning about new products and procedures. Before hiring anyone to perform your tile installation; get recent references and from years back, ask to see a portfolio (any true installer will have one) and get a written warranty on workmanship.
HOW IT WORKS :
To be able to provide a final quote for a project, an in home consultation - estimate is needed. But first, the tile(s) need to be chosen for that project. The tile(s) chosen will determine the installation specs, the other materials needed, how long it will take and the cost. Unless I am designing your project and choosing the tile for you, a sample tile or sample board is needed to be provided by you. With the thousands of different tiles currently available, only a showroom can come close to providing you with an idea of what is available. For your savings, I am a member of a trades only wholesale showroom(s) that has three locations. The locations are Collinsville, Earth City and Fenton. I can personally meet you at the Collinsville location and help you choose as well as design. Considering that most tiling projects consist of more than just setting the tile and grouting, other items have to be taken into consideration. The flooring system may not even meet deflection requirements and the joists need modification. Existing floors may need tore out, doors may have to be cut, dishwashers modified to fit back under the countertop due to raising the floor, islands removed and reinstalled, plumbing lines and valves replaced in bathrooms, etc. ... And this is just for installing tile on floors. I can only acquire the information needed to provide you with a final quote, by performing an in home consultation and knowing what product is being installed.
BUSINESS POLICIES :
* I do everything on written contract. * A retainer of some type is required on all projects. * Material calculations are only provided with a signed contract. * Extensive projects will be discounted. * Lein waivers are presented upon clearing of final payment. * I do not practice "buying work". Buying work is charging a cheaper rate outside of established rates because of the promise of future work. I do offer repeat customer discounts though.
WHAT I DO :
* Custom Tile / Pavers / Stone Work * Remodeling - Carpentry, Drywall, Painting, Etc. * Handyman Services * Tile - Ceramic / Porcelain / Stone / Glass / Metal / Resin / Vinyl * Design / Install / Repair * Interior / Exterior * Soundproofing / Heating Systems * Waterproofing / Joist Repairs * Stone Fabrication * Regrouts and Grout Staining
* Apprenticeship trained professional * Over 12 years hands on experience * Hundreds upon hundreds of installs under my belt * Many past customers as references * Two year written warranty * All work performed to meet the A.N.S.I. specifications * Product warranties stay intact * No callbacks to date due to poor workmanship * Registered with the BBB * Past installer for numerous flooring centers as well as union and non union tiling contractors * Licensing - There is NO state licensing whatsoever in IL or MO to be a tiling, remodeling or even a general contractors. In fact, Mo does not have state level licensing for any trade and IL only licenses roofing and plumbing contractors. What this means is, anyone can operate as a tiling, remodeling or general contractor in these states without having to prove training, experience or take a state level competence exam. This lack of licensing is destroying the skilled trades and is badly needed. The faulty workmanship by untrained, inexperienced "installers" and contractors is flooding the market. For consumer safety it is best to stick to those who are professionally trained, have a portfolio, give labor warranties and have mutiple references from homeowners they have done work for recently and a few years back.
Rate Details: Every project is unique. The quotes reflect your project. Extensive projects will be discounted.
Other Details: Unlike some contractors, I will install tile that has not been aquired through me. One thing I will not do is open a contractors account through places like Home Depot Expo, so my customer can get the contractors discount on material from the competitor.
