Tile Installation FAQ

In most cases, no. If the existing tile is well-bonded and the substrate underneath is solid, we can tile over it as long as the height difference will not cause problems at doorways or transitions. However, if the old tile is loose, cracked, or covering a damaged substrate, we will need to demo it first. We can handle the removal, or you can have it done ahead of time to save on project cost. We will let you know during the walkthrough what makes sense for your specific situation.

Subfloor prep is one of the most important parts of a floor tile job, and it is where a lot of cheaper installations cut corners. We check the floor for deflection (bounce or flex) and flatness. The TCNA standard calls for no more than 3/16 inch variation over a 10-foot span. If the floor is outside that range, we use a self-leveling compound to flatten it before any tile goes down. On wood subfloors, we typically install cement board or use an uncoupling membrane like Schluter Ditra to bridge the movement between the wood and the tile. This step prevents cracked grout and loose tiles months after the job is done.

It depends on the scope. A standard bathroom floor with a tub surround usually runs two to three days, accounting for setting time between thinset and grouting. A kitchen backsplash is often a single day. A full bathroom remodel with shower walls, floor, and niche work can take four to six days. Large-format floor tile in a living room or open-plan space typically takes two to four days depending on square footage and layout complexity. We will give you a realistic timeline in writing before we start.

Both are fired clay products, but porcelain is fired at higher temperatures with finer clay, making it denser and less porous. Porcelain typically has a water absorption rate below 0.5%, compared to ceramic which can absorb up to 3%. In practical terms, porcelain is more durable underfoot, handles outdoor freeze-thaw cycles better, and is harder to chip. Ceramic is generally less expensive and easier to cut, which makes it a solid choice for wall applications and lower-traffic floors. We will talk through which makes sense for your specific room and use case.

Grout type matters as much as color. Sanded grout is used for joints wider than 1/8 inch because the sand prevents cracking as it cures. Unsanded grout is used for narrow joints and polished stone where sand would scratch the surface. Epoxy grout is highly stain-resistant and works well in kitchens and commercial spaces, but it requires more careful installation and is less forgiving of mistakes. For color, lighter grouts show staining over time in high-traffic areas, while darker grouts can fade unevenly if not sealed. We can walk you through samples before the job starts so you know what you are choosing.

Yes, and we consider it non-negotiable for any shower or wet area. Tile and grout alone are not waterproof. Water that gets through grout joints needs to hit a waterproof barrier before it reaches the wall framing. We use liquid-applied membranes like RedGard or sheet membranes like Schluter Kerdi depending on the application. Corners and changes in plane get reinforced fabric embedded in the membrane before tile goes up. This step is what separates a shower that holds up for a decade from one that causes mold and framing damage within a few years.

Yes. Benches are typically framed in wood or built from cement board before tile goes up. Niches can be cut between studs or built out from the wall if stud spacing does not allow a recessed option. Both need to be waterproofed the same way as the rest of the shower walls. We plan the niche location during layout so the tile pattern runs through it cleanly rather than having awkward cuts around the opening. If you have a specific size or height in mind, mention it before we start framing.

Thinset mortar needs 24 hours to cure before grout can go down, and grout needs another 24 to 72 hours before the shower can be used with water. That means a minimum of 48 to 72 hours from when the last tile is set. Epoxy grout cures faster. In humid conditions like Texas summers, drying times can vary, so we always give you a specific window before you leave for the day. Rushing this step is one of the most common causes of grout cracking and tile movement.