Tile Installation in Delaware for Floors, Walls and Showers
Tile is one of the most durable and water-resistant surfaces you can put in a home, but a lasting result depends on what happens before the first tile is set. Waterproofing, a flat substrate and a thoughtful layout matter as much as the tile you choose.
HomeMax installs tile floors, kitchen backsplashes, shower walls and tub surrounds for homeowners in Lewes, Millsboro and throughout Kent and Sussex counties. Here is what to know about materials, layout and grout as you plan your project.
Ceramic, Porcelain or Natural Stone
Ceramic tile is lighter and easier to cut, which makes it a good fit for backsplashes and walls. Porcelain is denser and absorbs very little water, so it holds up well on floors, in showers and in busy areas, and through-body porcelain hides chips better because the color runs all the way through. Natural stone such as marble, slate and travertine offers one-of-a-kind character, but it is more porous and typically needs sealing, and marble and travertine can etch from acidic spills or cleaners.
Waterproofing Wet Areas the Right Way
Tile and cement-based grout shed water, but neither is a waterproof barrier. In showers and tub surrounds, a waterproofing membrane is built into the wall and floor assembly behind the tile, the shower floor is sloped toward the drain, and corners, niches, benches and valve openings are sealed carefully. Skipping these steps can let water reach the framing, where damage often stays hidden until it is serious.
Planning the Layout and Pattern
A good tile job is laid out before any mortar is mixed. Centering the pattern on the room or a focal point, avoiding thin slivers along walls and lining up joints with fixtures or cabinet edges all make the surface look deliberate. Large-format tiles need an especially flat surface to keep edges even. Popular patterns include:
- Straight lay: clean and simple, suited to almost any room
- Offset or brick pattern: the classic look for subway tile
- Herringbone or chevron: adds movement to floors and backsplashes
- Diagonal: can make a small floor feel wider
Choosing Grout for Floors, Showers and Backsplashes
Sanded grout suits wider joints, unsanded grout suits narrow joints and polished surfaces that could scratch, and epoxy or other stain-resistant grouts work well in kitchens and showers. Cement-based grout usually benefits from sealing. A grout color close to the tile gives a seamless look, while a contrasting color highlights the pattern and the shape of each tile.
Where tile meets a countertop, a tub or another wall, a flexible sealant usually replaces grout so the joint can handle slight movement without cracking.