Tile installation
Bathroom tile installation, from substrate to grout line
Good tile work is mostly invisible preparation: flat walls, the right membrane, the right thinset and a layout that puts cuts where you won't see them. Get those right and the tile you chose looks the way it did in the showroom.
Tile we install
| Material | Strengths | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain | Dense and very low absorption; huge range of looks including stone, wood and concrete | Large formats need flat substrates and careful handling |
| Ceramic wall tile | Lighter, easy to cut, good for walls and backsplashes | Generally not for shower floors |
| Natural stone | Real depth and variation; marble, limestone, travertine | Needs sealing; acidic cleaners etch it |
| Mosaic | Grip on shower floors; follows slope to a centre drain | More grout to keep clean |
| Zellige and handmade | Colour and irregular surface | Variation is the point; lippage and chips are part of the look |
| Porcelain slabs | Almost jointless walls | Delivery and templating, especially in towers |
Choosing between the first and third rows? Read porcelain vs natural stone for bathrooms.
What goes under the tile
Tile and grout shed water but are not waterproof. In showers and wet rooms we install a bonded waterproofing membrane between the backer board and the tile, carried into the drain, over the curb and into every niche. Outside the shower, floors in Miami bathrooms still see a lot of water, so we treat the floor near the shower as a wet area too.
Flatness
Large tiles magnify every dip in a wall. We float or re-board walls where needed and use levelling systems so edges sit flush.
Movement joints
Concrete buildings move with heat and settlement. Corners and perimeters get flexible sealant instead of grout so the tile has somewhere to move without cracking.
Choosing tile for this climate
For floors, slip resistance in wet conditions comes first. For showers, lower absorption and grout that won't hold mildew. Near the coast, avoid metal trims that can corrode. Our guide to choosing bathroom tile for South Florida covers ratings, sizes and finishes.
Tile as part of a larger project
Most tile work we do is part of a shower remodel or a full renovation. Floor-only projects are covered on bathroom flooring.
Questions we hear about this
Can you install tile I bought myself?
Usually, yes. We'll check the quantity, the batch numbers and that the tile is rated for where it's going, a floor tile on the floor and a wet-area rating in the shower, before installation starts.
Epoxy or cement grout?
Epoxy grout is stain-resistant and doesn't need sealing, which suits showers and humid bathrooms, but it's harder to install and costs more. Modern high-performance cement grouts are a good middle ground. We choose by location and by tile type.
How much extra tile should I order?
Typically around ten percent for straight layouts and more for diagonal, herringbone or large-format tile where offcuts can't be reused. Keep a box after the job for future repairs.
Related services
Related guides
Have a tile in mind?
Tell us what you've picked, or what you're choosing between. We'll advise on whether it suits the space and quote the installation.
(305) 712-5953 Total Bathroom Remodeling Miami10800 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33161
Open daily, 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM