thanks... I do love the look. In a conversation today, they were kinda backing off what they'd stated, but I don't think I want them to do it. We have a contractor doing everything else, for whom they work - hadn't actually got a firm quote yet on that part. But I'm thinking it would be better if we went with a large flooring company - more experience & I believe there might be a better recourse if something should go wrong (even if I do pay a bit more).

Ask to SEE specific jobs done w that type of tile. Owners who are happy with the contractor are usually pleased to show off what they did for them.

Your tile choice requires A Flat & deflection rated substrate upon which to install tile. (This in itself a long conversation and different for EVERY home and its structure.)

Perhaps your installer knows your floor is not rated for Plank tile and has not explained it properly to you.

The first thing a tile floor job requires is A proper demo and Substrate preperation. This includes asessing the joist structure or slab conditions and measuring deflection ratings. After that Followed by a proper substrate prep all with the Tiles MFG rating in mind ( I.E. C1, Res2, etc. Floor rated, wall rated etc.)

I turn down a lot of floor jobs if the homeowner(s) arent willing to Address all these issues. If I cannot gurantee my tile floor job I wont take the project.

Now you have a few more questions in youre arsenal to ask prospective tile installers for your project ....best of luck.

Thanks for your responses. I have seen how some tile "planks" do seem to warp a bit, more so than squares. Are there any recommendations as to brands or what to check for to know what is better quality? Or is this something that gets 99% corrected for as it is laid?

I know they have been working on the floor to stabilize etc in order to use tile. I am not 100% sure, but my impression is that the tile guys have used it but don't like it, likely for the reasons of more work. They said they could do it when they realized I wasn't happy about them trying to talk me out of it, without offering any reasons regarding the floor itself. I'll be talking to my contractor further on Monday. For now I told them to stop work on the floors, since I'm not sure they really have the experience.

Tile wood planks are notirious for bowing and warping in the mfg process.

the MFG recommended stagger I.E 33% etc. is paramount.

a good tile installer will suck up his lippage free years of experience and pride and go ahead and use a lippage system for these installations!

all plank tile is different so choose the material wisely , there is perfectly flat material available.

consider a very close look at your material if you've already bought it and not installed it yet.

good luck

Thanks. Do you have any specific recommendations for a tile that is flat?? (in a warm tone?) Hard to tell what's what online-- unless maybe is there a spec that would tell me?

(PS: what is a lippage system?)

I would reccomend going to quality tile showrooms in your area, explain to them youre concerns. ask for mfg specs. and look closely at the material quality from sample to delivery....

a lippage sytem is a tool your tile installer can use to help aid in a flatter tile floor installation.

If you have the option, open multiple cases before purchasing and DO look at mfg LOT numbers, the sample is just a sample and meant to sell.

thanks, I'll do that!

"MLT" is a very good lippage system. For an LFT floor (Large format tile) the floor should be flat to 1/8" over 10' or 1/16" over 2'

When inspecting the tile, look at the back. Does the border cover all four sides? If no, it's cut down from a larger tile. This is NOT a "deal breaker," however. Lay two tiles face-to-face and see if they rotate. If they do, there is bowing and needs to be addressed by the tile mechanics. The amount of bowing and the expertise of your tile guys will determine exactly how flat your floor will be. By the way, "Flat and Level" are two different things. Tiles don't care about "Level." They DO about "Flat."