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Tile Installation

Home Services Tile Installation
Our Service

Professional Tile Installation

Tile is one of the most durable and versatile finishes you can put in a home — but only when it's installed correctly. A proper tile job starts long before the first tile is set: it begins with substrate preparation, moisture testing, waterproofing membranes, and a carefully planned layout that accounts for tile size, pattern, and grout joint width.

Our team installs ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass mosaic, and large-format tiles across kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and living areas. We use Schluter waterproofing systems for wet areas, self-levelling compounds for uneven substrates, and proper thinset adhesives matched to each tile type. The result is a surface that looks flawless and performs for decades.

Pricing

Starting from $8/sq ft for ceramic, $12/sq ft for porcelain. Price includes materials, substrate prep, waterproofing where needed, and professional installation.

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Professional tile installation by SQFT Contracting in Toronto
Types We Work With

Tile Types for Every Application

Choosing the right tile depends on the room, foot traffic, moisture exposure, and your design goals. We help you select the best material and guide you through the options.

Ceramic Tile

Made from natural clay fired at lower temperatures (around 1000-1100 C), ceramic tile is more porous and softer than porcelain. Its water absorption rate is above 0.5%, which means it's best suited for walls, backsplashes, and light-traffic floor areas rather than wet rooms or heavy-use floors.

Ceramic is easier to cut and work with, making it a cost-effective choice for large wall installations and decorative projects. Available in a vast range of colours, patterns, and glazes. It's the classic go-to for kitchen backsplashes and accent walls where durability under foot traffic isn't the primary concern.

$1–15/sq ft Walls & backsplashes
Ceramic tile installation

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain is made from denser clay fired at much higher temperatures (1200-1400 C), producing a tile that is virtually waterproof with a water absorption rate below 0.5%. This makes it the ideal choice for bathrooms, showers, outdoor spaces, and any area with heavy moisture exposure.

Harder and more scratch-resistant than ceramic, porcelain can convincingly mimic natural stone, hardwood, and even concrete. Full-body porcelain has colour that runs through the entire tile, so chips are less visible. Requires a diamond wet saw for precise cuts and a high-quality modified thinset for proper adhesion.

$3–30/sq ft Floors, showers, outdoor
Porcelain tile for floors and showers

Natural Stone Tile

Marble, granite, slate, travertine, and limestone — each piece is unique, with natural veining and colour variations that no manufactured tile can replicate. Natural stone brings timeless elegance to any space, from bathroom floors to fireplace surrounds.

Stone tiles are porous and require sealing both before grouting and periodically after installation to prevent staining and moisture absorption. We use white or colour-matched thinset to avoid bleed-through on translucent stones like marble. Installation demands extra care — stone chips more easily and requires precise handling during cutting.

$5–50+/sq ft Requires sealing
Natural stone tile installation

Glass Mosaic Tile

Non-porous and naturally resistant to stains, mold, and mildew, glass mosaic tile reflects light beautifully, adding depth and luminosity to backsplashes, shower niches, and accent walls. Typically mounted on mesh backing for easier installation of small pieces.

Glass requires white thinset adhesive — grey thinset will show through and dull the colour. We use non-sanded grout or urethane grout for glass mosaics to avoid scratching the surface. Precise cuts are made with a glass-specific wet saw blade. Best for vertical surfaces and decorative accents rather than high-traffic floor areas.

$5–30/sq ft Backsplashes & accents
Glass mosaic tile for backsplashes

Large-Format Tile

Any tile with one side exceeding 15 inches qualifies as large-format — common sizes include 24x24, 24x48, and even 48x48 inches. Fewer grout lines create a sleek, modern, almost seamless look that makes spaces feel larger and more open.

Large-format tile demands a perfectly flat substrate — even slight unevenness creates lippage (uneven tile edges). We use self-levelling compound and verify flatness with a 10-foot straightedge before setting. Back-buttering is essential — adhesive is applied to both the substrate and the back of the tile to ensure 95%+ coverage. These tiles require suction-cup handling tools and extra care during installation.

15"+ per side Modern seamless look
Large-format tile installation
Our Process

How We Install Tile

Every tile project follows a structured six-step process that ensures proper adhesion, waterproofing, and a finish that will last for decades without cracking, lifting, or grout failure.

1

Measure & Plan

We take precise measurements, calculate tile quantities with 10% waste factor, plan the layout to center the pattern, and determine cut placement so small slivers end up in hidden areas.

2

Substrate Prep

The substrate must be flat, clean, and structurally sound. We apply self-levelling compound where needed, install cement backer board in wet areas, and verify flatness with a straightedge.

3

Layout & Dry Fit

Tiles are dry-laid along chalk lines to verify the pattern, check cut sizes at walls, and confirm spacing with tile spacers. We adjust the starting point to optimize the visual balance.

4

Set Tiles

Modified thinset is spread with the correct notched trowel and tiles are pressed into place with a slight twist. We back-butter large-format tiles to ensure 95%+ adhesive coverage.

5

Grout

After 24 hours of thinset cure, grout is applied at a 45-degree angle with a rubber float, packed into every joint, then wiped clean in diagonal passes. Joint widths are consistent throughout.

6

Seal & Finish

Grout is sealed with a penetrating sealer after full cure (48-72 hours). Expansion joints are caulked with colour-matched silicone. All edges and transitions are finished with trim profiles.

Expert Knowledge

Waterproofing & Grout Systems

The materials behind your tile are just as important as the tile itself. Proper waterproofing prevents costly water damage, and the right grout ensures long-lasting, easy-to-maintain joints.

SK

Schluter KERDI

A polyethylene sheet membrane applied over the substrate with unmodified thinset. Creates a fully bonded waterproof layer for shower walls and tub surrounds. Best for shower walls and wet-area vertical surfaces.

SD

Schluter DITRA

An uncoupling membrane with a grid of square cavities that anchor the tile while allowing independent movement between the tile and substrate. Prevents cracked tiles from substrate flex. Best for heated floors and over concrete slabs.

RG

RedGard (Liquid-Applied)

A liquid waterproofing and crack-prevention membrane that rolls or brushes on in two coats. Turns bright red when dry to confirm full coverage. Cost-effective for large floor areas. Best for bathroom floors and budget-friendly waterproofing.

S

Sanded Grout

Contains fine sand aggregate for strength and crack resistance. Used for grout joints 1/8" and wider. Available in dozens of colours. Needs sealing after cure to resist staining. Best for floor tiles and joints wider than 1/8".

U

Unsanded Grout

Smooth, fine-textured grout for narrow joints under 1/8". Won't scratch polished or glass tile surfaces. Easier to work into tight joints on wall tile and mosaics. Best for wall tile, glass mosaic, and narrow grout lines.

E

Epoxy Grout

Two-part resin system that is waterproof, stain-proof, and chemical-resistant without sealing. Harder to work with and more expensive, but virtually maintenance-free once installed. Best for showers, kitchen countertops, and commercial use.

What We Offer

Our Tile Installation Services

Kitchen Backsplash

Subway, herringbone, chevron, or custom mosaic — we install backsplashes with precision cuts around outlets, switches, and under-cabinet lighting. Proper edge trim and waterproof grout for an area that takes daily splashes.

Bathroom Floor Tiling

Waterproof membrane systems, properly sloped shower pans, and slip-resistant tile selections for bathroom floors. We handle moisture management from the subfloor up, ensuring no water reaches the structure below.

Shower & Tub Surround

Full waterproofing with Schluter KERDI membrane, cement backer board, and properly sealed niches and curbs. We tile from floor to ceiling with consistent grout lines and watertight corners using colour-matched silicone caulk.

Entryway Tiling

Your entryway sets the tone for your entire home. We install durable porcelain or stone tiles with patterns that make an impression — from classic layouts to intricate medallion designs. Built to withstand Toronto's salt and wet boots.

Tile Repair & Re-grouting

Cracked tiles, hollow spots, deteriorating grout, or failed caulk joints? We remove and replace damaged tiles with matched replacements, grind out old grout, and re-grout for a clean, uniform look that extends the life of your installation.

Heated Floor Tile

In-floor radiant heating systems installed beneath tile for warm, comfortable floors year-round. We work with electric mat systems and cable systems, embedded in modified thinset with Schluter DITRA-HEAT uncoupling membrane for optimal heat transfer.

Our Work

Tiling Projects Gallery

Tile installation project
Porcelain tile flooring
Natural stone tile work
Glass mosaic backsplash
Completed tiling project
Finished bathroom tiling
Results

Before & After

After tiling Before tiling
Before
After
After tiling Before tiling
Before
After
Why Choose Us

The SQFT Tiling Difference

Waterproofing Experts

We use Schluter-certified waterproofing systems — KERDI membranes for walls, DITRA for floors, and RedGard for cost-effective coverage. Every wet area is fully sealed before a single tile is set.

Pattern Masters

Herringbone, chevron, basketweave, pinwheel, brick offset, straight stack — we execute complex tile patterns with precision. Our layouts are planned digitally to ensure symmetry and balanced cuts.

Built to Last

Proper substrate prep, the right adhesive for each tile type, correct grout selection, and professional sealing. We don't cut corners — your tile installation is built to perform for decades of daily use.

FAQ

Common Tiling Questions

Both are made from clay, but porcelain is fired at much higher temperatures (1200-1400 C vs 1000-1100 C), making it denser, harder, and less porous. Porcelain has a water absorption rate below 0.5%, while ceramic absorbs more moisture. This means porcelain is better for floors, wet areas, and outdoor use, while ceramic works well for walls, backsplashes, and light-duty applications. Porcelain costs more but offers superior durability and longevity.
Yes, for any area exposed to direct water — showers, tub surrounds, and steam rooms — a waterproofing membrane is essential. Tile and grout are not waterproof on their own; water will eventually penetrate through grout joints and reach the substrate, causing mold, rot, and structural damage. We use Schluter KERDI sheet membranes for walls and DITRA or RedGard for floors. Even bathroom floors outside the shower benefit from waterproofing as a preventative measure.
Absolutely — tile is the ideal flooring for radiant heat systems because it conducts and retains heat efficiently. We install electric heating mats or cable systems embedded in modified thinset, often paired with Schluter DITRA-HEAT uncoupling membrane for optimal heat distribution. The system is tested before tiling begins, and we use flexible modified thinset that can withstand the thermal expansion and contraction cycles without cracking.
Properly installed and sealed cement grout typically lasts 15-20 years, though high-traffic areas may show wear sooner. Signs that grout needs attention include crumbling, cracking, discolouration that won't clean, or gaps forming between the grout and tile edges. Epoxy grout lasts even longer — often the lifetime of the tile itself. We recommend re-sealing cement grout every 1-2 years in wet areas to extend its lifespan and prevent staining.
Timeline depends on the area size and complexity. A standard kitchen backsplash takes 1-2 days. A bathroom floor takes 2-3 days. A full shower surround with waterproofing, tile, and grout takes 4-6 days. These timelines include required cure times — thinset needs 24 hours before grouting, and grout needs 48-72 hours before sealing. We'll provide a detailed schedule during your free estimate so you know exactly what to expect.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate on your tile installation project. We serve Toronto and the entire GTA.

Get a Free Estimate Call (437) 438-0209