What's included
What Our Tile Shower Installation Includes
A tile shower is only as good as the layers behind the tile. Every install covers all of them.
- Removal of the old shower down to the studs and subfloor
- A check of the framing and subfloor for rot, leaks and mold before anything new goes in
- A sloped shower pan and a continuous waterproof membrane across the floor and walls
- Tile, grout and trim set to your layout, including niches, benches and accent bands
- Valve trim and fixtures installed, followed by a final walkthrough with you
Local expertise
Tile Showers Built for Stanwood Homes
Many Stanwood showers are now reaching the age when original materials start to fail.
U.S. Census data shows the median Stanwood home was built in 2001, and about 46 percent were built between 1990 and 2009. Many of those homes still have their original fiberglass surround or builder-grade tile. After 20 years of daily use, grout cracks, caulk pulls away and water starts getting behind the walls.
That hidden water is what we see most often on restoration jobs. A shower can look fine from the inside while the subfloor under it softens and mold grows in the wall cavity. When we tear out an old shower, we check the framing, subfloor and neighboring walls. Anything damaged gets repaired before the new shower goes in.
The new shower is built in layers. A sloped pan carries water to the drain, and a waterproof membrane covers the pan and wraps up the walls. Backer board sits behind the tile, and the tile and grout are the finish on top. They are not what keeps the water out. Stanwood's long, damp winters also make a working exhaust fan important, so we check ventilation on every install.
Our process
How Tile Shower Installation Works
Five steps from the first walkthrough to your first shower in the new space.
Walk through and measure
We look at the existing shower, the plumbing wall and the space around it. You tell us how you use the shower and what you want to change. Then we measure for the layout, niches and any bench.
Agree on scope, tile and estimate
You get a written scope covering demolition, waterproofing, tile and fixtures. We help you pick tile suited to a wet floor, such as textured porcelain that grips underfoot. Work starts once the plan and price are clear.
Tear out and inspect
The old shower comes out down to the studs. We check the framing, subfloor and supply lines for leaks, rot and mold. Any damage gets fixed now, while the walls are open.
Build the pan and waterproof
We set the drain and slope the pan so water runs to it with no low spots. A waterproof membrane then goes over the pan and up the walls, sealed at every seam, corner and pipe. Nothing gets tiled until that layer is complete.
Tile, grout and finish
Tile is set to the agreed pattern, with niches and edges finished cleanly. We grout, install the valve trim and fixtures, and seal the grout where the product calls for it. A final walkthrough confirms everything works before we close out the job.
Shower options
Tile Shower Designs We Install
Every tile shower is planned around the space you have and how you use it.
Walk-in and curbless showers
A low or zero-threshold entry is easier to step into and suits aging in place. Curbless showers need the floor recessed or carefully sloped. We check the floor framing and plan that before demolition starts.
Built-in niches and benches
Recessed niches keep bottles off the floor, and a bench makes rinsing or shaving easier. Both are waterproofed as part of the shower itself. Neither is tacked on afterward.
Porcelain, ceramic, stone and pebble
Porcelain and ceramic tile are durable and easy to keep clean. Natural stone and pebble floors grip well and look distinctive, but they need periodic sealing. We explain the upkeep each choice needs before you commit.
Rebuilding a leaking tile shower
If an existing tile shower has failed, we remove it, dry out and repair the damage, then rebuild it properly. When a sudden leak caused the damage, we document it for your insurance claim.
Tile shower FAQ
Tile Shower Installation Questions, Answered
Common questions about tile shower installation in Stanwood, WA.
How long does tile shower installation take?
Most tile shower replacements take one to two weeks of work once materials are on site. Hidden damage found after tear-out, a curbless design or detailed tile patterns can add time. Your written estimate includes a schedule.
Is a tile shower better than an acrylic or fiberglass shower?
Tile offers far more design choice and lasts for decades when it is waterproofed correctly. Acrylic and fiberglass units cost less and install faster. We install both and can help you compare them for your bathroom.
What happens if you find water damage behind my old shower?
We show you what we found and explain the repair before going further. Rotted framing, soft subfloor and mold get fixed while the walls are open. If a sudden leak caused it, the repair may be covered by insurance, and we can document it.
Do I need a permit for a new tile shower in Stanwood?
It depends on the scope. Replacing a shower in the same spot usually involves less paperwork than moving the drain or valve. We confirm what the City of Stanwood or Snohomish County requires for your address before work begins.
What tile is best for a shower floor?
Small tiles, textured porcelain and pebble mosaics are good choices, because extra grout lines and texture add grip. Large polished tiles can be slippery when wet. We help you balance looks, grip and cleaning.
Can you build a curbless or walk-in tile shower in my home?
Often, yes. A curbless shower needs the floor recessed or sloped so water stays inside the shower area. We check your floor framing during the walkthrough and tell you what your bathroom allows.
A tile shower built to stay sealed.
We handle the whole job: tear-out, repairs, waterproofing, tile and fixtures, with one crew and one point of contact. Flexible financing is offered through Enhancify, and 0% interest options may be available.
Planning more than a shower? We also handle shower and tub installation, bathroom vanity installation and bathroom remodeling for Stanwood homes.