Bathroom & Shower Tile

Wet areas done properly — waterproofing first, tile second.

Walk-in shower with large travertine wall tiles, hexagon mosaic floor, and built-in niche shelf

Why Wet Areas Are Different

Bathroom and shower tile involves more than setting tile on a flat surface. Water intrusion behind tile is the most common cause of structural damage in residential bathrooms — rotted framing, mold in wall cavities, and failed shower pans. The tile itself is the last line of defense, not the first.

We apply a waterproofing membrane to all shower walls and floors before any tile goes up. The specific membrane depends on the substrate and the shower type: sheet membranes for pre-sloped shower pans, liquid-applied membranes for walls and curb areas. Every seam and corner is embedded and sealed. This is not a step we skip to save time.

Shower floor tile also requires a proper slope toward the drain — 1/4 inch per foot is the standard. We build or verify this slope before setting floor tile. A flat shower floor holds standing water and accelerates grout deterioration.

What a Bathroom Tile Job Includes

Shower Installation

  • Substrate inspection and repair
  • Waterproofing membrane on walls and floor
  • Slope verification or construction
  • Wall tile setting and grouting
  • Mosaic or small-format floor tile
  • Built-in niche framing and tile (if included)
  • Grout sealing

Bathroom Floor and Walls

  • Subfloor assessment and underlayment
  • Floor tile setting with consistent joint lines
  • Wainscot or full-height wall tile
  • Tub surround tile
  • Transition strips at doorways
  • Grout color selection and application

Tile Choices for Wet Areas

Not every tile is appropriate for shower floors. The DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) rating determines slip resistance — shower floors require a rating of at least 0.42. Small-format tiles and mosaics naturally provide more grout joints, which increases traction. We confirm DCOF ratings for any floor tile before installation in a wet area.

For shower walls, large-format porcelain is a popular choice because fewer grout joints mean less maintenance. Natural stone on shower walls requires a penetrating sealer applied before grouting and periodically thereafter. We walk through these tradeoffs with you during the estimate visit so the tile you choose fits how the bathroom will actually be used.

Clean beige bathroom with large-format wall tile, walk-in shower, and floating wood vanity

Bathroom Tile in These Communities

We install bathroom and shower tile across the south Denver metro. Each area has its own typical bathroom configurations — from compact mid-century bathrooms in Sheridan to larger primary suites in Cherry Hills Village.

Englewood Cherry Hills Village Sheridan

To schedule a walkthrough and get a written estimate, call (970) 592-5442 or visit our contact page.