Tile Work

Complete all tile material selections including field tile, accent tile, trim pieces, and grout colors. Order all materials with 10-15% overage. Verify tile is rated for intended use (wall vs. floor, wet vs. dry areas).

• Select field tile for each bathroom and area
• Choose accent tiles and borders
• Pick matching bullnose and trim pieces
• Select grout colors for each tile combination
• Verify all tiles are from same lot/batch

Install appropriate substrate for each tile application. Cement board (Hardiebacker, Durock) is standard for most applications. Floors need solid, level substrate. Walls require properly secured cement board over moisture barriers.

• Install 1/2-inch cement board on walls
• Use 1/4 or 1/2-inch cement board on floors over plywood
• Tape and thinset all cement board seams
• Ensure substrate is flat within 1/8-inch per 10 feet
• Install Kerdi or similar membrane for wet areas

Apply waterproofing systems to shower walls, shower floors, tub surrounds, and behind bathroom vanities. This critical step prevents water from reaching wall framing and subfloor. Waterproofing failure is the leading cause of bathroom tile problems.

• Apply liquid membrane like RedGard or Hydroban
• Install sheet membrane like Kerdi or NobleSeal
• Waterproof all shower niches and curbs
• Seal corners and changes of plane with band
• Test waterproofing with water dam before tiling

Dry-lay tiles to plan the installation before setting. Center patterns on focal walls, balance cuts at edges, and ensure full tiles at highly visible areas. Avoid narrow slivers at walls and corners by adjusting starting point.

• Snap chalk lines for reference grid
• Dry-lay tiles to establish cut locations
• Center pattern on shower back wall
• Start floor tile at most visible entry point
• Adjust to avoid cuts smaller than half-tile

Set shower surround tiles starting from the bottom using a ledger board for the first row. Work up from the tub or shower pan, maintaining level and proper spacing. Install accent bands and niches as you go.

• Install temporary ledger board at first row height
• Spread thinset for 2-3 tiles at a time
• Use spacers to maintain consistent grout joints
• Check level frequently as you progress up wall
• Install bottom row last after removing ledger

Tile bathroom floors with proper slope toward drains using floor-rated tiles with appropriate slip resistance. Start layout at the door threshold and work into the room. Shower floors require small format tile to follow slope contours.

• Use floor-rated tile with DCOF 0.42 or higher
• Install 2x2 or smaller mosaic on shower floors
• Maintain 1/4-inch per foot slope to drains
• Set full tiles at door threshold
• Use large format tile in larger bathrooms for fewer grout lines

Set kitchen backsplash tile with proper layout around outlets, switches, and windows. Coordinate backsplash height with upper cabinets and range hood. Focus attention on accent areas behind the range or sink.

• Start layout centered on sink or range
• Cut outlet openings precisely for cover plate fit
• Run tile up to, not behind, upper cabinets
• Install accent tile behind range as focal point
• Use bullnose or Schluter edge at open ends

Apply appropriate grout type after thinset has cured minimum 24 hours. Work grout into joints at a diagonal angle. Clean excess promptly before it hardens. Apply grout sealer after full cure.

• Use sanded grout for joints 1/8-inch or wider
• Use unsanded grout for narrow joints and polished stone
• Work in small sections to prevent drying too fast
• Clean with damp sponge at 45-degree angle
• Buff haze with dry cloth after initial cleaning

Caulk all corners, changes of plane, and fixture penetrations with color-matched silicone sealant. Never grout these areas as movement will crack grout. Silicone allows necessary flex and provides waterproof seal.

• Use 100% silicone in all wet areas
• Match caulk color to grout color
• Caulk where tile meets tub, shower pan, fixtures
• Caulk all inside corners even on walls
• Apply in continuous bead with smooth finish

Remove all grout haze with appropriate cleaning products. Inspect for lippage, hollow tiles, grout voids, or finish defects. Apply grout sealer after 72-hour cure. Address any issues before final acceptance.

• Use grout haze remover if standard cleaning fails
• Tap tiles to check for hollow spots under tile
• Check for lippage (uneven tile edges)
• Apply penetrating grout sealer after cure
• Document any defects for installer to correct