Site visit first
We look at the floor, walls, and plumbing before we price the job.
Tile installation
in Aurora, IL
Floor, wall and shower tile for Aurora homes and shops.
Older houses and newer subdivisions need different prep
Aurora has plenty of both. In an older house near downtown, we often find plank subfloors, floors that slope toward the middle of the house, and walls that are out of square. We check for those first because they decide the layout: where the first row starts, where the narrow cuts end up, and whether the floor has to be built up before tile goes down.
In a newer subdivision home the framing is usually flatter, and the job is more often swapping builder-grade tile or carpet for something larger and tougher. Removal is the messy part. We take the old tile and thinset down to a clean subfloor, check the underlayment, and replace any sections that cracked or came loose.
Bathroom, kitchen, and basement tile in Aurora
Most of our Aurora calls are for bathrooms: a tub surround, a walk-in shower, or a new floor. Every shower gets a waterproofing membrane behind the tile, sealed at each seam, corner, niche, and valve, because tile and grout let water through on their own. On floors we often add an uncoupling membrane to keep the tile from cracking when the subfloor moves. That is a separate product from waterproofing.
Kitchen jobs are usually a backsplash, or a floor that has to meet the cabinets, the island, and the next room at the same height. In basements, tell us about any dampness, musty smell, or white residue on the slab. Water coming up through concrete has to be fixed before tile goes down, since tile won’t hold it back.
Large tile, grout, and winter entries
Large-format tile, anything 15 inches or longer on a side, needs a very flat floor. We grind the high spots, fill the low ones with leveling compound, and back-butter big pieces so mortar covers the whole back. Every so often we lift a freshly set tile to check coverage, following the tile maker’s instructions for the mortar and trowel.
We leave movement joints at the walls and inside corners and fill them with flexible sealant. For a back entry, pick a mid-tone grout: white grout by the garage door turns gray by February. Sweep up road salt and sand before you mop so it doesn’t get dragged across the tile. Natural stone also needs a sealer.
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Services
Residential tile installation
Kitchens, bathrooms, entries, mudrooms and heated floors.
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Commercial tile installation
Stores, offices, salons and other business spaces, scheduled around your hours.
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Bathroom & shower tile
Shower walls and floors, waterproofing, niches and benches.
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How we work
Old houses welcome
Sloped floors and plank subfloors are normal in older Aurora homes. We level them first.
Shops and salons too
We also tile storefronts, salons, and small offices around Aurora.
Care tips at handoff
Before we leave, we tell you when you can walk on the floor and how to clean the grout.
When should I contact a tile contractor for an Aurora bathroom or kitchen plan?
Call while you’re still planning, before cabinets, fixtures, or the shower valve go in. That gives us time to measure, order tile, and fit our work around the plumber and cabinet installer.
What tile size works best for an Aurora home?
It depends on the room. Big tiles, 24 inches and up, look good in open kitchens and living areas but need a very flat floor. Shower floors need small tile, usually 2-inch or mosaic, so it can follow the slope to the drain.
Should an Aurora basement tile project include moisture testing?
Yes, if the basement has ever been damp, smelled musty, or shows white residue on the slab. We check the slab before we quote. If water is coming through, that gets fixed first. A membrane under the tile won’t stop it.
Can you tile over an existing Aurora floor or backsplash?
Sometimes. If the old tile is bonded tight, flat, and uncracked, and the extra height won’t block doors or appliances, we can tile over it. Loose or cracked tile comes out. We’ll tell you which once we’ve seen it.
How should tile be planned for Aurora winter entry traffic?
Use porcelain with a matte or textured finish and a mid-tone grout, and leave room for a mat inside the door. Sweep salt and sand often so it doesn’t scratch the surface. Natural stone in an entry needs sealing and more upkeep.
How long does a tile installation in Aurora take?
A backsplash is often done in a day or two. A full bathroom with demolition, waterproofing, and tile takes longer, because the membrane, mortar, and grout each need time to cure. You get a schedule with the quote.
Planning a tile project?
Call us or send a few details. You don’t need measurements yet.