Tile installation looks simple until it goes wrong. Hollow tiles, lippage on large format, inconsistent grout joints, cuts that don't align with the layout — these are the signs of work that prioritized speed over craft. We prioritize craft.
We install floor tile, wall tile, shower tile, and feature walls across residential bathrooms in Orléans, Ottawa, Rockland, Kanata, Barrhaven, and the surrounding area. Porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, glass mosaic, and large format rectified tile — all installed with the technical knowledge each material requires.
What Proper Tile Installation Actually Looks Like
Surface Preparation
The tile is only as good as what's underneath it. Deflection in a subfloor cracks grout. An uneven substrate causes lippage in large format tile. We assess and correct the substrate before anything goes down — grinding high spots, leveling low areas, and ensuring flatness is within spec for the tile being installed. This step is what most rushed tile jobs skip in Ottawa.
Layout Planning
Layout is decided before the first cut. We dry-lay tile, confirm center lines, and determine where cuts will fall. Cuts belong at edges, patterns belong centered on focal walls, and grout joints need to be consistent throughout. These decisions made upfront are what make the finished bathroom look intentional.
Thinset and Coverage
Large format tile requires back-buttering in addition to troweling the substrate. We use a notched trowel sized for the tile and achieve 95%+ contact coverage in wet areas — no hollow spots, no voids that allow tiles to crack or pop under load.
Grout Selection and Application
Sanded vs. unsanded, epoxy vs. cement-based, joint width — these are choices that affect both appearance and performance. We guide you through them and apply grout with consistent depth, clean joints, and no voids.
Types of Tile We Install
- Porcelain floor and wall tile — all formats
- Large format rectified porcelain (24×48, 32×32, and larger)
- Natural stone — marble, travertine, slate
- Glass mosaic accents and feature walls
- Ceramic wall tile
- Herringbone, chevron, and custom pattern layouts
- Heated floor assemblies under tile
Where We Install Tile in Orléans, Ottawa, and Area
- Bathroom floors and walls in Orléans, Ottawa, Rockland, Kanata, Barrhaven
- Shower surrounds and shower floors
- Tub surrounds and alcoves
- Feature walls and accent walls
- Laundry rooms and mudrooms
- Fireplace surrounds
- Kitchen backsplashes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long before I can walk on new tile in Orléans?
With standard cement-based thinset, light foot traffic is typically safe after 24 hours. Full cure for grouting is 24–48 hours. Heavy traffic should wait 72 hours. We'll give you the specific timeline for your project based on the thinset used.
Should I seal my grout?
Cement-based grout in wet areas and on floors should be sealed — it slows staining and makes long-term maintenance easier. Epoxy grout doesn't require sealing. We seal grout where appropriate as part of our installation.
Can you install tile over existing tile?
Sometimes. The existing tile needs to be fully bonded, the floor height increase needs to be acceptable, and the substrate needs to handle the added weight. We assess each situation honestly — sometimes it works, sometimes a full demo is the better call.
Do you install tile in Kanata and Barrhaven?
Yes. While we're based in Orléans, we serve Ottawa-wide including Kanata, Barrhaven, Gloucester, Navan, Cumberland, and Rockland. Reach out to confirm coverage for your specific location.