How do porcelain tiles compare to ceramic tiles?

• <div><p>Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from clay, but porcelain tiles are fired in a kiln at a higher temperature. This makes them more durable, but it also means porcelain is more expensive than ceramic at <b>$3 to $5 more per square foot</b>.</p><p>Even with the higher price point, many people choose porcelain over ceramic because there are more color and design options.</p></div>

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Q: What tiles should not be used on a shower floor?

• <div><p>When choosing tiles for a shower floor, avoid highly porous tile materials, like those with a water absorption rating over 7%. Don&rsquo;t use non-vitreous tiles, or tiles fired at low temperatures, because they will absorb more water. If you use a highly porous tile in the shower, the tiles can wear down faster, meaning they&rsquo;ll need to be replaced much sooner. </p></div>

Q: Can I cut tile without a wet saw?

• <div><p>Yes, it&rsquo;s possible to cut tile without a wet saw; instead, you can use an angle grinder, a glass cutter, a snap cutter, tile nippers, or a rotary tool with a tile-cutting blade. A manual tile cutter or snap cutter works well for the larger tiles that wet saws are typically used for, while smaller projects might just require nippers or a glass cutting wheel. If you&rsquo;re working with large quantities of tile, however, power tools are best.</p></div>

Q: Do you tile over hot mop?

• <div><p>You cannot tile directly over hot mop waterproofing because tile requires a smooth, solid surface to adhere properly. Additionally, the shower bed pan needs to be raised and sloped toward the drain to prevent water from pooling. However, you can hot mop and apply a sloped mortar bed over the top (to which the tile can then be adhered). </p></div>

Q: How do you use T-shaped tile spacers?

• <div><p>Add a T-shaped spacer to each corner of a tile when placing it. You&rsquo;ll want to nudge the tiles closer together so the spacers are touching each corner. When you&rsquo;re done installing your tile, you can remove each spacer, wash them, and use them for your next project. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Ceramic Tile Service pros in Kotzebue, AK

*The Angi rating for Ceramic Tile Service companies in Kotzebue, 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 Kotzebue, 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 November 19, 2025

Reviewed in May 2024
I hired them to repair a whole in my flooring as it was missing a large portion of laminate. He was able to tile the section of missing floor to seamlessly match my laminate. Looks great!
I. E. J., LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
Caleb keenly listened to my specific requests and took initiative to complete overall project in a highly professional and skilled manner. I was impressed with his integrity and work ethic that superseded my expectations, Mr. Shoop communicated throughout remodeling project to explain and keep...
Agape Love LLC
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Reviewed in December 2020
The tile installation for the backsplash was challenging. The work was OK. But there was one section of the tile that was put in backwards. The tile around the outlets were not cut away enough so we the homeowners had to fix that ourselves. There were many many many air holes in the grout so we...
Steven Lucero
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Reviewed in April 2018
I had Acme remodel two bathrooms that were still the same from the 70s. Cast iron blue bathtub and basically horrendous. Now I have two awesome bathrooms! Great tile work and attention to detail. They were great to work with and were not done until I was happy. They communicated with me...
Acme & Sons, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2015
I had a large, (6200sq.ft.) custom home that I was preparing to put on the market and had H.E.R. Inc. come in to do many tasks. They prepped the kitcken for the new counter tops. Installed the new sink, faucet, wall ovens and cook top. Because the house had matching coustom woodwork throughout,...
H.E.R. Inc
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Reviewed in November 2014
Lawrence called back quickly and was able to come over within the week. Lawrence arrived on time and worked for a solid 4 hours. He sanded and finished the wood trim around all the sinks that had some water damage. He removed the old caulk and put a beautiful line of new caulk all the way around...
Lawrence Harrison
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Reviewed in September 2014
We were happy with Straight Ahead Construction. They were within budget. The work was done well. The tile job was great. There were a few things I would have liked to have better communication on but for the most part, it all went smoothly. I will definitely use them again.
Straight Ahead Construction,llc
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Reviewed in July 2013
Jim, the plumber was prompt, professional and courteous. He did a good job problem-solving on the job also. He answered all questions clearly and with a friendly attitude. He even came back after the tile work around the tub was finished to finish attaching faucets, and doing a "test run" on...
Alaska Best Heating and Plumbing Inc
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Reviewed in May 2013
The overall performance was great. The Kitchen turned out great and the mud room is now functional. The whole process took two months to complete. This included a three week wait between measuring the counter top and cutting/installing the counter top. Handy Hubby did not install nor is...
Handy Hubby
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Reviewed in October 2012
I called Robert to see if the company was interested in this small job. He suggested I might want to try putting a sealer on the sub floor to see if that blocked the odor. I was pleasantly surprised that he was offering me a cheaper fix for no charge. I told him I wanted a more permanent...
Rising Fast Construction LLC
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Find Ceramic tile pros in Kotzebue

TileMaster

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TileMaster

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4 years of experience

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)

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

Ceramic Tile questions, answered by experts

When choosing tiles for a shower floor, avoid highly porous tile materials, like those with a water absorption rating over 7%. Don’t use non-vitreous tiles, or tiles fired at low temperatures, because they will absorb more water. If you use a highly porous tile in the shower, the tiles can wear down faster, meaning they’ll need to be replaced much sooner.

Yes, it’s possible to cut tile without a wet saw; instead, you can use an angle grinder, a glass cutter, a snap cutter, tile nippers, or a rotary tool with a tile-cutting blade. A manual tile cutter or snap cutter works well for the larger tiles that wet saws are typically used for, while smaller projects might just require nippers or a glass cutting wheel. If you’re working with large quantities of tile, however, power tools are best.

You cannot tile directly over hot mop waterproofing because tile requires a smooth, solid surface to adhere properly. Additionally, the shower bed pan needs to be raised and sloped toward the drain to prevent water from pooling. However, you can hot mop and apply a sloped mortar bed over the top (to which the tile can then be adhered).

Add a T-shaped spacer to each corner of a tile when placing it. You’ll want to nudge the tiles closer together so the spacers are touching each corner. When you’re done installing your tile, you can remove each spacer, wash them, and use them for your next project.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are made from clay, but porcelain tiles are fired in a kiln at a higher temperature. This makes them more durable, but it also means porcelain is more expensive than ceramic at $3 to $5 more per square foot.

Even with the higher price point, many people choose porcelain over ceramic because there are more color and design options.

The Kotzebue, 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

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