Is it better to tile or use a tub surround?

• <div><p>The choice of whether to tile or use an acrylic tub surround is up to you and can be based on a number of factors, including aesthetics, cost, waterproofing, ease of cleaning, and maintenance.</p><p>Tile is a beautiful, classic bathtub surround choice; while <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tile-installation-cost.htm">tile installation cost</a> is higher, it’s customizable and offers visual appeal. Tile is also harder to clean and presents waterproofing problems because of grout lines. Acrylic surrounds can be more affordable, don’t require much maintenance, and are easier to clean. However, they aren’t usually as visually appealing and may need to be replaced if they become damaged.</p></div>

Get matched with top ceramic tile pros in Kodiak, AK

Q: What do you put under a tile floor?

• <div><p>To ensure an even and unbending surface to lay tiles on, you&rsquo;ll typically need to put a subfloor under a tile floor. Fiber cement backboards are the most common choice, but using plywood is also possible. Don&rsquo;t neglect this step, or you could risk water damage and grout or tiles prematurely cracking or crumbling, especially in an area with high foot traffic. </p></div>

Q: How long does bathroom tile last?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-long-does-tile-flooring-last.htm">lifespan of bathroom tile</a> is 50 or more years, depending on proper installation and regular maintenance. Leaving installation to a pro and regularly cleaning, resealing, and regrouting the tile can help lengthen the life of your tile and save you money in repairs and retiling in the long run.</p></div>

Q: Do I need a backer board for wall tile?

• <div><p>No, you don&rsquo;t technically need a cement backer board for a wall tiling project, but not using it risks disastrous moisture damage. Cement is naturally water-resistant, whereas drywall soaks it in, which can lead to warping or mold growth. Always use a backer board treated with a waterproof membrane for bathrooms and other chronically damp areas to ensure complete <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/your-shower-tile-really-waterproof.htm">tile shower waterproofing</a>.</p></div>

Q: How long do retiled bathrooms last?

• <div><p>Unfortunately, retiled bathrooms don't always get much mileage. Because the tiles are constantly being walked on, they can wear out more quickly. However, a well-done tile job can last many decades, and with proper care and regular resealing, it can last 10 years or more before needing a retiling. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Ceramic Tile Service pros in Kodiak, AK

*The Angi rating for Ceramic Tile Service companies in Kodiak, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Ceramic Tile Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Ceramic Tile Service companies in Kodiak, AK is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Ceramic Tile Service needs.

Last update on January 06, 2026

Reviewed in February 2025
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Singh Test Appliances
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Reviewed in April 2021
Great! You get quality at good price.
Contracting Master
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Reviewed in July 2020
Called me immediately and was even out early the next morning! Made sure I understood what my issue was and how they repaired it! Also that i know how to schedule my irrigation and use the timer!
Greenworld Irrigation Repair and Landscaping
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Reviewed in August 2013
Riick Ricker Pest Control managed to fit me in before I left Cape Coral to fly back to my home in Alaska and sent Tom to do a treatment on my home I had just purchased...he was there for over two hours spraying in and out perimeters around my home, plus he dusted my attic and dusted each one of...
Rick Ricker Termite & Pest Control Inc
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Reviewed in May 2013
The salesmen was very professional and patient. I bought a wood casement window that looks great in my kitchen!
Pella Windows and Doors
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Reviewed in May 2013
When my AC unit froze over, I went to their location to ask for their advise. Without hesitation they assured me it was most likely an easy fix that they encounter often. Someone was at my house within the hour that same day. The problem was identified when the tech found defrost wires that...
George & Company Heating, A/C & Electrical
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Reviewed in November 2012
These guys are top notch. Courteous service on the phone. They walk you out to your car to inspect after they finished to make sure you are happy with the job. I think they used an enzymatic cleaner (expensive) because my car is progressively smelling better as the days go on. Also,...
Denali Detail LLC
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Find Ceramic tile pros in Kodiak

A Plus Contractor

4.92(

)

A Plus Contractor

4.92(

)

Customers say: True professional

Recommended by 94% of Angi customers

A+ Painting provides interior and exterior painting services for both residential and commerical buildings. We provide services from Anchorage to the Mat-Su Valley Area, whether it's just one room or an entire home. As painting specialists we pride ourselves in our workmanship and can guarantee your satisfaction. You can find more details and some photos on my website.

"Excellent performance by A Plus Contracting. Yong and his crew far exceeded my standards. Very thorough and meticulous. He was on time and efficient. His crew were very hard working and treated our yard and home as if it were their own. I would hire them again without any hesitation."

Tim G on June 2020

"Excellent performance by A Plus Contracting. Yong and his crew far exceeded my standards. Very thorough and meticulous. He was on time and efficient. His crew were very hard working and treated our yard and home as if it were their own. I would hire them again without any hesitation."

Tim G on June 2020

Case & Gamble Construction

5.00(

)

Case & Gamble Construction

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We are general contractors licensed, bonded, and insured with a residential endorsement (#117477) meaning that we can provide new construction, additions, remodels, and renovations. We provide all services related to the above from the ground up. We strive to provide a custom experience for each homeowner. We are a partnership business with a combined 25+ years of experience. Please call or email to set up a free estimate.

"Great! Case & Gamble were very professional and communicated well throughout the process. Would absolutely hire again."

Daniel J on May 2019

"Great! Case & Gamble were very professional and communicated well throughout the process. Would absolutely hire again."

Daniel J on May 2019

AKE electric service LLC

5.00(

)

AKE electric service LLC

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

We are a family owned and operated business with several years of experience. We specialize in residential interior remodeling, cabinets, tile and much more. Please reach out to us directly at 907-885-7227 for more information.

"They do great work and can do it all. They don’t have to sub out work. Saved me money this way."

Veon K on January 2022

"They do great work and can do it all. They don’t have to sub out work. Saved me money this way."

Veon K on January 2022

A&A Quality

No reviews yet

A&A Quality

No reviews yet

26 years of experience

Specializing in bathroom remodeling from complete demo and redo to just a shower reno. I am a perfectionist and guarantee top notch quality workmanship. Also do residential and commercial tile, shower pans, minor plumbing and electrical.

Skilled in all aspects of my trade including new construction or remodel, residential or commercial. In 1997, I began my career in tile/stone masonry in Las Vegas with Bricklayer's and Allied Craftsmen Local #13. After the financial crisis, I left Nevada to come back home to Alaska in 2009. I learned my trade from some of the best tile/stone masons in the country. I am owner and sole employee of my business so, all work done by TileMaster is done by me. Please verify my Alaska contractor's license (#171572) and Alaska business license (#10147598) at https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/Home.aspx You can also view my portfolio on Facebook.com (TileMaster)

Ceramic Tile questions, answered by experts

To ensure an even and unbending surface to lay tiles on, you’ll typically need to put a subfloor under a tile floor. Fiber cement backboards are the most common choice, but using plywood is also possible. Don’t neglect this step, or you could risk water damage and grout or tiles prematurely cracking or crumbling, especially in an area with high foot traffic.

The lifespan of bathroom tile is 50 or more years, depending on proper installation and regular maintenance. Leaving installation to a pro and regularly cleaning, resealing, and regrouting the tile can help lengthen the life of your tile and save you money in repairs and retiling in the long run.

No, you don’t technically need a cement backer board for a wall tiling project, but not using it risks disastrous moisture damage. Cement is naturally water-resistant, whereas drywall soaks it in, which can lead to warping or mold growth. Always use a backer board treated with a waterproof membrane for bathrooms and other chronically damp areas to ensure complete tile shower waterproofing.

The choice of whether to tile or use an acrylic tub surround is up to you and can be based on a number of factors, including aesthetics, cost, waterproofing, ease of cleaning, and maintenance.

Tile is a beautiful, classic bathtub surround choice; while tile installation cost is higher, it’s customizable and offers visual appeal. Tile is also harder to clean and presents waterproofing problems because of grout lines. Acrylic surrounds can be more affordable, don’t require much maintenance, and are easier to clean. However, they aren’t usually as visually appealing and may need to be replaced if they become damaged.

Unfortunately, retiled bathrooms don't always get much mileage. Because the tiles are constantly being walked on, they can wear out more quickly. However, a well-done tile job can last many decades, and with proper care and regular resealing, it can last 10 years or more before needing a retiling.

The Kodiak, AK homeowners’ guide to ceramic tile services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Alison Kasch
•
Dec 9, 2025Dec 9, 2025
How Much Does Tile Repair Cost? [2025 Data]
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Allie Ogletree
•
Dec 29, 2025Dec 29, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Seal Grout? [2025 Data]
Sealing your grout goes a long way toward extending its life span. This guide breaks down the cost factors for sealing grout, including size, materials, and labor.
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•
Dec 29, 2025Dec 29, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Install Travertine Tiles? [2025 Data]
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•
Dec 19, 2025Dec 19, 2025
Top 13 Best Tile Tools for Your DIY Tile Project
Tackling a tiling project can be challenging if you don’t have the right tools to work with. Here are the essential tiling tools you’ll need for your next DIY.
Barbara Bellesi Zito
•
Dec 18, 2025Dec 18, 2025
How to Cut Tile Step by Step
Need to install a backsplash or repair that shower surround? Use this guide on how to cut tile using affordable tools that are easy to use.
Rachel Presser
•
Dec 17, 2025Dec 17, 2025
How to Fix a Cracked Tile Yourself
Life happens and tiles crack. This two-method guide will show you how to fix cracked tile in as little as an afternoon—with no experience necessary.