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Tile, Grout, and Installation Tips

Tile Shapes and Grout

• Subway and Square Tiles: Classic 3x6 subway tiles or square 4x4 tiles are popular for kitchen backsplashes and shower walls. Popular patterns are: brickset, staggered or even herringbone. Square porcelain tiles (like the old 12"x12") are common for floors; larger squares or rectangles (e.g. 12"x24") give a modern look with fewer grout lines to clean. Large-format tiles can make a small room look bigger.
• Hexagon and Mosaic Tiles: Hexagon tiles and mosaics are great for adding accents. Small mosaic pieces have lots of grout lines, which improve slip resistance – great for shower floors.They’re often used in bathroom floors or as accent walls (more grout lines also mean a bit more maintenance to keep clean)
• Specialty Shapes: If you want a unique look, tiles like fish scale, arabesque, or chevron patterns can be installed. These are often used for feature areas like a fireplace surround, a backsplash behind a stove, or a decorative shower wall niche. Don’t shy away from interesting shapes – with a good design plan, even a bold tile shape can remain within budget.
  
  

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Now, about grout choices: grout isn’t just a filler between tiles; it affects both performance and look. There are two main types of grout – cement grout (the traditional kind, sanded or unsanded) and epoxy grout. Sanded cement grout (with fine sand) is used for wider grout lines (usually 1/8" or more) and is durable for floors; unsanded (smooth) grout is used for narrow seams or delicate surfaces like polished marble (it avoids scratching). Cement grout is budget-friendly but needs sealing and can stain over time. Epoxy grout is extremely durable and stain-proof, never needs sealing, and resists mold – good for shower floors or where moisture and spills are frequent. Epoxy is a bit more costly and tricky to install.

Proper Installation: Subfloors, Underlayment, and Heated Floors

One common DIY mistake is installing tile directly over plywood subfloor. We never do this, and any tile installation contractor will be against it. It can lead to cracked tiles or grout. Instead, tiles need a stable, moisture-resistant underlayment:

• Cement Backer Board: Often called HardieBacker or Durock (among other brands), these are cement-based boards that get screwed down on top of your plywood subfloor. They provide a firm, water-resistant base that mortar can adhere to.
  
  
• Schluter® Ditra Membrane: Ditra is an orange plastic uncoupling membrane that serves the same purpose as cement board (to prevent cracks) but with some added perks. It’s only ~1/8" thick. Ditra’s grid of little square cavities allows a bit of flex, so if your wood subfloor moves or a joist has slight deflection, the tile doesn’t crack – it “uncouples” the movement. 

It can be a bit more expensive material-wise than cement board, but it often saves labor time and helps keep floor height to a minimum. We often choose Ditra for bathroom floors or any floor where height and waterproofing are concerns.

• Waterproof Boards for Walls: In showers or tub surrounds, you also don’t want tile directly on drywall. Two popular systems we work with are Wedi® panels and HydroBlok® boards – these are lightweight foam panels that are 100% waterproof once seams are sealed. Schluter has a similar Kerdi-Board product. Using these systems, we can build a fully waterproof shower without needing a separate plastic liner or coating every surface with liquid waterproofing  shower that is well-protected against mold and rot.
  
  

These prep steps might not be visible in the finished job, but they are crucial. It’s one reason you might notice some contractors charge a bit more – because we’re doing the job right, not skipping the materials under the tile. This protects your home and saves money on repairs. We even have experience with tricky installations, like tiling around windows in showers (yes, sometimes bathrooms have a window in the shower!). It requires careful waterproofing and trim work to wrap tile into the window recess, but it can be done so that it looks clean and keeps water out of the walls.

• Heated Floor Systems: If you’re renovating a bathroom or even a basement floor, consider adding radiant heat under the tiles. In Victoria damp winters, heated floors are a welcome luxury – no more stepping onto an ice-cold bathroom tile at 6 AM! They also help with moisture: a warm floor helps water dry faster reducing the chance of mold mold. The heat can slightly warm the room too, which is energy-efficient. Installation of floor heat does add some cost, but many homeowners feel it's one upgrade that makes a difference in their quality of life. If your budget allows, ask about options.

Creative Designs Without Breaking the Budget

Finally, a word on design: Don’t settle for “trivial” tile choices if you want something special. We often hear homeowners say they picked a plain tile because they assumed creative patterns or unique tiles would cost a lot. In reality you can often get a stunning look without blowing your budget, especially if you get advice from knowledgeable people. For example, a basic white subway tile can be turned into a design by installing it in a herringbone pattern or with a bold grout color – same inexpensive tiles but totally different look. Or, you might mix two affordable tiles for a border or accent stripe. A good contractor or designer will have lots of these tricks up their sleeve.

At Renova Renovation, we love to help homeowners design their tile for free as part of our service. With a bit of extra planning, you can often get a high-end look with standard-priced materials. The key is asking the right questions and not being afraid to get creative. 

New tile is one of the best ways to add value and style. By selecting the right tile shape and grout, ensuring proper installation with quality underlayments and knowledgeable advice, you can avoid common mistakes and end up with a beautiful result that lasts. The bottom line is we’re here to help, not just to sell – our goal is to guide you toward a tile installation you’ll love for years to come

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