Porcelain or natural stone for a South Florida shower?

Both can work. Porcelain absorbs very little water and comes in convincing marble and stone looks, so it is easy to care for. Natural stone offers real variation but needs periodic sealing and gentler cleaners. One common pairing is porcelain on the walls with a stone or stone-look mosaic underfoot, like the shower on this page. Compare samples at the consultation.

Can new tile go over old tile?

Sometimes, but it is usually not the best choice in a shower. Tiling over existing tile adds thickness, can hide cracked or loose pieces, and makes it impossible to confirm the waterproofing behind it. On a sound, flat floor it can be an option. Removing the old tile first is the more dependable route, and it reveals the condition of the wall or slab underneath.

Does a tile project need a permit?

Cosmetic tile replacement may not, but a shower rebuild that moves the drain or valve, or a project that changes walls, is typically subject to permit rules set by your municipality. Those rules vary across Broward and Palm Beach. Mention your plans at the consultation and we will help you work out what to ask your building department.

Tile Installation

Tile installation for South Florida homes: walk-in showers, bathroom floors, backsplashes and laundry rooms, with layout, waterproofing and trim planned ahead.

On this page (4)

Where tile works in a home
Planning the layout
What to expect
Frequently asked questions

Tile installation is the part of a bathroom you see and touch every day, so we plan it with the rest of the room instead of choosing it last. The walk-in shower above shows what careful layout looks like: large marble-look wall tiles with matching veins, a tiled bench, a recessed niche, two shower stations, a linear drain and a stone-look mosaic floor that runs out past the frameless glass. Each of those details is decided before the first tile is set. Tile is available as part of a full bathroom remodel or as a standalone job, from a shower surround to a backsplash or a utility room floor. In a humid climate, what sits behind the tile counts as much as the tile itself, so backer board and waterproofing come up in every conversation.

Where tile works in a home

Shower walls, floors, benches and niches
Bathroom floors and accent walls
Kitchen backsplashes behind the sink and range
Laundry room floors that see spills and washer leaks
Mudroom and entry floors that handle sand, rain and wet shoes

Planning the layout

Good tile work starts on paper. Large-format tiles need very flat walls and floors, or the edges will not sit level. A shower floor must slope to the drain, and a linear drain lets that slope run in a single direction, which suits bigger tiles. We plan where the cuts will fall so thin slivers end up in back corners rather than at the entrance, line the niche up with grout joints, and settle trim and edge profiles before ordering. Tile choices also shape storage. A niche or ledge replaces a caddy hanging from the showerhead, and a tiled backsplash protects the wall behind a new vanity.

What to expect

Old tile usually comes out first, then the backer board and waterproofing go on, and only then is new tile set. Grout and sealant need time to cure before the shower is used. Expect some noise and dust while tiles are cut. Bathrooms often get new storage at the same time, and you can browse finished cabinetry and closets in our project gallery. To book a visit, call 954-213-5836.

Frequently asked questions

Porcelain or natural stone for a South Florida shower?: Both can work. Porcelain absorbs very little water and comes in convincing marble and stone looks, so it is easy to care for. Natural stone offers real variation but needs periodic sealing and gentler cleaners. One common pairing is porcelain on the walls with a stone or stone-look mosaic underfoot, like the shower on this page. Compare samples at the consultation.
Can new tile go over old tile?: Sometimes, but it is usually not the best choice in a shower. Tiling over existing tile adds thickness, can hide cracked or loose pieces, and makes it impossible to confirm the waterproofing behind it. On a sound, flat floor it can be an option. Removing the old tile first is the more dependable route, and it reveals the condition of the wall or slab underneath.
Does a tile project need a permit?: Cosmetic tile replacement may not, but a shower rebuild that moves the drain or valve, or a project that changes walls, is typically subject to permit rules set by your municipality. Those rules vary across Broward and Palm Beach. Mention your plans at the consultation and we will help you work out what to ask your building department.