Tile & Flooring
Tile selection, installation, waterproofing, heated floors, and natural stone
How long does bathroom tile last before it needs to be replaced?
Quality bathroom tile can last 15-20 years or more with proper installation and maintenance, though the actual lifespan depends heavily on the tile ma...
Can I use peel-and-stick tiles in my bathroom?
Peel-and-stick tiles can work in bathrooms, but only in low-moisture areas and with proper preparation. They're not suitable for shower areas, around...
Is large format tile good for small bathrooms or does it look weird?
Large format tile can actually make small bathrooms look bigger, not weird. The fewer grout lines create a cleaner, more expansive visual effect that...
Should bathroom floor and wall tiles match, or can they be different?
Bathroom floor and wall tiles don't need to match - in fact, using different tiles often creates a more sophisticated and visually interesting design...
What color grout should I use with white tiles?
White tiles offer excellent flexibility for grout color choices, and your selection can dramatically change the overall look of your bathroom. The mos...
What causes grout to crack and turn black?
Grout cracks and turns black due to moisture infiltration, improper installation, and mold growth - all common issues in Ottawa's humid climate that c...
What is the best shower floor, tiles or one of those pan things?
Tile floors offer more design flexibility and durability, while shower pans provide better waterproofing and easier maintenance. The best choice depen...
How much tile do I need for a typical bathroom?
For a typical 5x8 foot bathroom, you'll need approximately 40-50 square feet of floor tile and 80-120 square feet of wall tile, depending on how high...
Is subway tile still in style or is it outdated now?
Subway tile is absolutely still in style and remains one of the most popular choices for Ottawa bathroom renovations. This classic 3x6 inch rectangula...
What is the best tile for bathroom floors that won't be slippery?
Porcelain tile with a textured or matte finish is the best choice for slip-resistant bathroom floors, offering excellent water resistance and durabili...
What flooring is safest for elderly people in the bathroom?
Slip-resistant flooring with good traction is the safest choice for elderly bathroom users. The key is selecting materials that provide grip when wet...
What flooring works best in basement bathrooms?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and ceramic/porcelain tile are the top choices for basement bathroom flooring due to their excellent moisture resistance and...
How often should grout be sealed?
Grout should be sealed every 1-2 years in most bathroom applications, though the frequency depends on the type of grout, sealant quality, and bathroom...
Can you tile over existing tiles, or does the existing tile need to be removed?
You can tile over existing tiles in some situations, but removal is usually the better long-term choice. Whether tiling over existing tile works depen...
Is heated flooring worth it in a bathroom?
Heated flooring is absolutely worth it in Ottawa bathrooms, especially given our cold winters. The comfort of stepping onto warm tiles on a February m...
Is heated flooring worth it in a bathroom?
Yes, heated flooring is absolutely worth it in a bathroom - it's one of the most appreciated upgrades homeowners make, especially in Ottawa's cold cli...