The tile notebook
A little knowledge. A better project.
Practical reading for the decisions ahead: materials, preparation, shower repairs and what to ask before work starts.
Troubleshoot
Why tile showers fail
A shower can look beautifully tiled and still have a problem underneath. Start by separating the finish from the assembly that manages water.
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Tile shower or acrylic insert?
Compare the fit, finish, installation scope and care you want. Neither material choice removes the need to deal with the existing bathroom correctly.
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Large-format or smaller tile?
Tile size changes the rhythm of a room and the preparation behind it. Choose with the room dimensions, substrate and cuts in view.
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Porcelain slab or tile shower walls?
Both can create a striking shower. Panel size changes handling, access, seams and fabrication as well as appearance.
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Epoxy or cement-based grout?
Choose grout with the tile, application and cleaning routine in mind. The exact product matters more than the broad category.
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Curbless or curbed shower?
The entry choice affects floor construction, drainage and movement through the bathroom. Look below the finish before deciding.
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Electric or hydronic floor heat?
A bathroom comfort upgrade and a broader home-heating project can lead to different systems. Begin with the goal and the existing equipment.
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A leaking shower: what to record
Stop using a shower that is sending water into surrounding construction. Record what you can see so the right professional can investigate.
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Why tile cracks or comes loose
A damaged tile is a symptom. Check whether the problem is isolated or points to movement, moisture or the assembly beneath it.
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Regrout or rebuild the shower?
A sound shower with worn joints and a leaking shower are different jobs. Choose the scope after the condition is understood.
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Hiring a tile contractor in WA & OR
Verify the contractor, compare written scopes and ask to understand the assembly beneath the tile.
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Bathroom remodel permits: where to start
Permit needs follow the work and the jurisdiction. Tile finishes, plumbing changes, electrical work and structural changes are separate questions.
Read the guide ↗Your space. Your next step.
Let’s make it
feel like yours.
A photo of your space is a good place to start.