Pricing Question About Tiling Exterior Walls

R.Ashton

Hello all,

I just joined the forum (looks like a great place BTW). I'm in Denver and I used to build larger custom/spec homes but now I flip properties and I take on occasional side work when time allows. (tile being the bulk of that work)

I have a question and I hope you guys can help keep me in line here. I also hope it's appropriate to post this question here, since it's not exactly contruction, not exactly flooring.

Please allow me to set the stage:
I have a city that's approached me with a project whereas they have a tunnel going from a park to a shopping center....This tunnel goes beneath a major roadway, is formed concrete (not the smoothest job, either) and has "wing walls" that flank the entrance on both sides.

They are looking for me to tile the walls of this tunnel after they have approx. 3000 sf of tile decorated by kids. The tiles will be glazed and re-fired following the painting. The tile size it 12"x12" per spec. There will be a pattern that lines both sides of the tunnel and spills over onto the wing walls which are truley exposed to the elements. Thus, it's essentially a "Tile by number" scenario. Grouting and sealing will also be part of the job

I have three questions: 1) Pricing....I do tile the most, but ususally interior floors, showers and baths, granite counters, custom backsplashes, etc....My flooring has started at $4 psf and gone up from there depending on the job and tile size. Walls start at a higher rate and go up depending on the job and tile size. How should I price (psf) tiling these exterior walls on a tile-by-number basis? I've heard that it may be 5"x5" tile, so how should the price increase?

2) What is the best product for adhering exterior wall tile? I use mastic (AcrylicPro tile adhesive) for interior wall tile, but I'm worried about it not holding up to the elements (located in Denver)

3) Is there an on-line pricing guide you guys use? I've always bid by job, # of days, or by my own psf guidelines for smaller jobs. I'd like to check myself when these things come up.

Thank you in advance for any help....They're kinda in a hurry to have me submit my bid