Tile by Kelly in Oklahoma City: Custom Tile Installation and Design for Kitchens and Bathrooms
Tile by Kelly is a single-operator tile installation and design business serving Oklahoma City homeowners and contractors with custom tilework for kitchens, bathrooms, and accent walls. The business handles both material selection and installation, working from concept through completion on residential projects ranging from small backsplash updates to full bathroom renovations.
What Tile by Kelly actually does
Kelly operates as an independent tile contractor rather than a general contractor overseeing multiple trades. The work centers on tile selection, layout design, cutting, and installation using thin-set mortar and grout. Projects typically fall into three categories: kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls and floors, and decorative tile accents. The business does not handle plumbing, electrical, or structural work; those trades are coordinated separately or brought in by the homeowner's general contractor if needed. Kelly's approach includes consulting on tile pattern options, which affects both aesthetics and cost, and sourcing materials from local tile suppliers and national distributors.
Services and pricing
Tile by Kelly charges labor on an hourly basis, typically ranging from $50 to $75 per hour depending on job complexity, with a minimum engagement of 4 to 6 hours for smaller projects. A basic kitchen backsplash (30 to 50 square feet of standard subway or field tile) usually costs between $400 and $800 in labor alone. Full bathroom tile work (walls, shower surround, and floor) on a 75 to 100 square foot space runs $1,200 to $2,000 in labor. Material costs are separate and vary widely; homeowners can expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $15 per square foot for tile depending on whether they choose ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, or specialty options. Kelly provides material estimates during the design consultation and can recommend cost-effective products that do not compromise durability.
How it compares to other Oklahoma City tile contractors
Oklahoma City has both large general contractors who subcontract tile work and independent tile specialists. Major firms like Bridgeport Builders and local kitchen remodel chains typically mark up subcontracted tile labor by 20 to 40 percent, making a $600 labor job cost $720 to $840 when routed through them. Independent operators like Tile by Kelly eliminate that markup but require homeowners to manage scheduling across multiple trades. For small to medium projects, working directly with Tile by Kelly cuts costs; for full kitchen or bathroom renovations where coordinating plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, and tile is complex, a general contractor's project management may justify the markup. Tile by Kelly is the better fit for homeowners comfortable managing their own timeline or those already working with a general contractor who can slot tile installation into the sequence.
Who it suits and who it does not
Tile by Kelly suits homeowners with well-defined tile projects, clear design direction, and budgets under $3,000 in labor. It works well for those who have already selected tile or are willing to spend time at local showrooms (Bedrosians Tile and Stone on NW 23rd Street and Tile Shop Design near Piedmont carry large inventories). The business is not a fit for clients who want a designer to select materials, coordinate all trades, or provide a single point of contact for an entire renovation. It also does not suit projects requiring specialized tile work like pool surrounds or large-format porcelain installation without prior confirmation, as Kelly's specialty is residential kitchen and bath tile in standard scales.
What the first visit involves
Initial contact typically happens by phone. Kelly schedules a site visit, usually within 3 to 7 days, to assess the space, measure square footage, discuss pattern preferences, and identify any substrate prep needed (drywall repair, leveling, waterproofing). During this visit, Kelly provides a labor estimate and may recommend tile options based on the room's layout and moisture exposure. A deposit of 25 to 30 percent is standard to secure a start date; the remainder is due upon completion. Actual installation usually takes 2 to 4 days depending on scope, with curing time built in before grout work and sealing.
Hours and logistics
Tile by Kelly works by appointment only; there is no storefront or showroom. Kelly is available for consultations and work Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with occasional weekend scheduling for weekday-working homeowners. Parking at your home during installation is the only logistics consideration; Kelly brings tools and equipment in a truck and works from your site. Confirm specific availability when calling, as schedules fill 2 to 4 weeks out during spring and fall remodeling seasons.
Tile by Kelly fills a practical gap for Oklahoma City homeowners who want skilled installation without general contractor overhead and are willing to manage the tile selection and scheduling themselves.
