Professional tile work from layout to finished surfaces. We handle every step of the installation process to create beautiful, durable bathrooms that last.
Call {{PHONE}}Bathroom tile work is more than just slapping tile on a wall. There's real skill involved, from the initial measurements and layout to waterproofing and grouting. When done right, your bathroom tile protects against moisture, looks sharp, and holds up for decades. Let's walk through how it actually works.
Before any tile touches the wall, we figure out the best layout for your space. This means measuring carefully, marking your grout lines, and determining where cuts will go. A good layout prevents awkward slivers at edges and ensures a balanced, professional appearance. We check for plumb and level at every step, because even small errors compound as we go up the wall.
If you're replacing existing tile, we remove the old material and prepare the substrate. This means checking for damage, replacing compromised drywall, and ensuring the surface is clean and solid. A proper substrate is non-negotiable. If the base isn't right, even the best tile installation will fail down the road.
In a bathroom, moisture protection is critical. We apply waterproof membranes to walls and floors in wet areas. This creates a barrier that prevents water from seeping behind the tile and into your framing. Without proper waterproofing, you'll eventually face mold and structural damage. We don't skip this step.
Choosing the right tile makes a real difference. Porcelain is dense and water-resistant, holding up well in bathroom environments. Ceramic is more budget-friendly but slightly more porous. Natural stone like marble or granite adds elegance but requires sealing. Glass and mosaic tiles can create stunning accents.
We'll discuss the pros and cons of each option with you. Size matters too. Large-format tiles mean fewer grout lines and a cleaner look, but they're trickier to cut and install. Smaller tiles give you more flexibility for patterns and borders.
Your layout, budget, and maintenance tolerance all play a role in what we recommend. We source quality materials from suppliers we trust, ensuring you're getting real value for your money.
We use thin-set mortar for bonding tile to the wall. It goes on the wall in even ridges, and the tile presses in to create full contact. Rushing this part is a common mistake. We take our time to get it right.
Grout fills the spaces between tiles. It's not just decorative. Good grout seals gaps and protects against moisture intrusion. We use polymer-modified grout in wet areas for better water resistance. And yes, grout needs to be sealed after it cures, especially if you're using natural stone or light-colored tile.
Here's how our bathroom tile installation process actually unfolds on your project:
We inspect and prep the wall or floor surface. Any damage gets repaired. The surface must be clean, flat, and structurally sound. We use a straightedge to check for dips or high spots that could cause problems later.
In shower walls and wet areas, we apply a waterproof membrane per manufacturer specs. This is our first line of defense against moisture. It dries fully before we move to the next step.
We snap chalk lines to establish grout line patterns. This ensures straight, even lines across the entire surface. We adjust the layout to minimize cuts and avoid thin slivers at edges.
Thin-set mortar goes on in ridges using a notched trowel. The ridges collapse when the tile is pressed in, creating a full bed of mortar behind each piece. This provides the support and adhesion the tile needs.
Tiles are pressed into place firmly and evenly. We use spacers to maintain consistent grout lines. We check constantly to keep everything level and plumb. This is where patience and precision matter most.
Once the mortar sets, we remove spacers and apply grout. Grout is forced into the spaces between tiles using a float. After it sets slightly, we clean away excess. Sealing follows when the grout fully cures.
We've done hundreds of tile installations. We know how to work with different materials, handle tricky angles, and solve problems as they come up. This experience translates into quality work and fewer mistakes.
Many DIY projects fail because waterproofing gets overlooked or done incorrectly. We treat moisture protection seriously. This protects your home from expensive water damage down the road.
Getting grout lines perfectly straight takes skill and the right tools. We maintain even spacing and alignment throughout the entire installation. This is what separates a pro job from an amateur one.
We install tile that will last. We use quality materials, apply adhesive and grout correctly, and seal everything properly. Your bathroom tile will hold up for years, not start failing in three years.
A professional bathroom tile installation is faster than DIY. We work methodically but don't drag it out. You're back to normal bathroom use sooner, and you don't have the headache of managing the project yourself.
Bathrooms are rarely perfectly square. Pipes are in weird places. Older homes have settling and uneven surfaces. We know how to adapt, solve issues on the fly, and still deliver a professional result.
A bathroom tile installation is an investment. When you hire professionals, you're paying for quality materials, expertise, and results that look sharp and hold up. That's worth it.
We work throughout Portland, serving homeowners and contractors across the city. Whether you're in a neighborhood close to downtown, in the southwest hills, northeast Portland, or anywhere else in the metro area, we can handle your tile installation. Every neighborhood has its own character, and we bring the same level of care and craftsmanship to each one.
No matter where your bathroom is located in Portland, we show up ready to work and deliver professional tile installation that meets our high standards. We understand the unique aspects of different Portland homes, from historic Victorians to modern builds, and we know how to approach each project appropriately.
The final touches separate a good tile job from a great one. After grout is set and sealed, we focus on clean edges and transitions. Trim pieces, whether they're bullnose tiles or metal edges, frame your work professionally. We pay attention to corners and transitions between different surfaces, ensuring everything looks intentional and finished.
We also take care during cleanup. Excess grout and mortar gets removed carefully to avoid damaging the new tile. Your bathroom gets left in a condition where you can step right in and enjoy your new tile work.
For more comprehensive bathroom work, you might also consider bathroom flooring installation or vanity installation to complete the space. If you're doing a full bathroom remodeling project, we can coordinate all aspects of the work. For more specialized needs, we also offer shower installation and other plumbing-related upgrades as part of larger projects.
Let's talk about your bathroom tile project. Call us today for a free consultation and estimate. We'll discuss your vision, timeline, and budget, then get to work delivering professional results.
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