Should you tile the shower floor or walls first?

• <div><p>It’s best to start with tiling the shower floor before moving on to the walls for the most visually-pleasing results. When taking on any tiling project, you’ll want the wall tiles to “sit” neatly on the floor tiles rather than overlapping them. Finishing your floor tiles first will allow you to place your wall tiles without any gaps, holes, or awkward intersections.</p></div>

Best backsplash installation pros near Armstrong, IA

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: What is the best tile for a shower floor?

• <div><p>Glass, ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone are all excellent choices for tiling a shower floor. Some glazed finishes can be slippery when wet. Your tiling contractor can provide more information on which tiles will work best for your shower floor.</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: Should you tile the shower floor or walls first?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s best to start with tiling the shower floor before moving on to the walls for the most visually-pleasing results. When taking on any tiling project, you&rsquo;ll want the wall tiles to &ldquo;sit&rdquo; neatly on the floor tiles rather than overlapping them. Finishing your floor tiles first will allow you to place your wall tiles without any gaps, holes, or awkward intersections.</p></div>

Q: How long does bathroom tile last?

• <div><p>The lifespan of bathroom tile can be 50 years or more, depending on proper installation and regular maintenance. A well-done tile job, whether it's a new installation or a retiling project, can last for many decades. To lengthen the life of your tile, it's best to have it installed by a professional and to perform regular maintenance. This includes routine cleaning, resealing, and regrouting as needed. With proper care, you can expect your tile to last 10 years or more before needing major repairs or retiling, especially in high-traffic areas where tiles can wear out more quickly.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Backsplash Installation pros in Armstrong, IA

*The Angi rating for Backsplash Installation companies in Armstrong, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Backsplash Installation needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Backsplash Installation companies in Armstrong, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Backsplash Installation needs.

Last update on April 08, 2025

Reviewed in April 2025
The basement floor was to be leveled before the new flooring was installed, that was not done. The flooring was installed with many mistakes and flaws that were all to be repaired or covered by trim. As time went on the contractor did not fix mistakes but made them worse and created more...
PC Obsidian
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Reviewed in January 2024
This is my second time hiring Mad City - we replaced one shower, and needed to do our other bathroom. In just two days - the agreed upon amount of time - they took out an old bath and put in a bath and shower combination that works great and looks great. They have many financing options, were...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in May 2021
My company, North Star Properties, just purchased a lake house rental property. As we were conducting renovations on the property, we noticed smell starting to develop in the basement near the downstairs bathroom. After a few weeks, I thought it may be mold. The Restoration Company was...
The Restoration Company, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2019
Ed Ymker is a very honest reliable, dependable individual who takes as much time as necessary to explain your insulation concerns. I felt completely comfortable doing business with him. Had spray foam installed and blown insulation. Would highly recommend YMKER.
Ymker Insulation
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Reviewed in May 2019
The contractor who did the work was SUPERIOR in every way. Absolutely outstanding and we are so pleased with the new siding and the quality of his installation.
Paramount Siding & Windows, Inc.
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Reviewed in August 2012
They covered their shoes when they came into the house. I was not around when they did the work, but I was very happy with the units that they installed. I was very happy with their service. I had received a couple of estimates, but my husband went with them. They were punctual.
DAY PLUMBING HEATING & COOLING
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Reviewed in June 2012
The installation was good on most windows but on a couple the installer just installed the window right over a very rotted window sill instead of replacing the sill first. <br /> On another window the top of the window fogs up with condensation at times and we cannot even see out of the...
Borderline
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Reviewed in February 2007
The salesman and installers were professional and courteous.
Window Concepts of Minnesota, Inc.
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Top-Rated Backsplash installation pros in Armstrong - Updated Nov 2026

Gregor Made, LLC

4.9(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For Business

Serving Armstrong, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Quick response. Great communication and repaired the door very quickly."

Response time12 hrs

Response rate98%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Dave Navarro Construction

5.0(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For Business

Serving Armstrong, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

We are a General contracting company. We perform all services involved in the completion of unfinished space. We do hire sub contractors when needed. We also stand by their work as well. Though we have only been in buisness for a short time. we have a combined 37 years construction experience.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Jill Seidner Interior Design

3.5(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For Business

Serving Armstrong, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"The design was totally useless to me. I was extremely disappointed.
"

Recommended by55%of homeowners

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JD MO BUILDERS

New to Angi

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For BusinessTile: Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Slate, Quartz, etc) - Install

Serving Armstrong, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that \nwe provide to meet your needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship \nand complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. \nIn order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, \nwe take great care to work and communicate with every customer a professional manner. \nOur reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large \nor small the job.

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Backsplash Installation FAQs, 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.

Glass, ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone are all excellent choices for tiling a shower floor. Some glazed finishes can be slippery when wet. Your tiling contractor can provide more information on which tiles will work best for your shower floor.

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.

It’s best to start with tiling the shower floor before moving on to the walls for the most visually-pleasing results. When taking on any tiling project, you’ll want the wall tiles to “sit” neatly on the floor tiles rather than overlapping them. Finishing your floor tiles first will allow you to place your wall tiles without any gaps, holes, or awkward intersections.

The lifespan of bathroom tile can be 50 years or more, depending on proper installation and regular maintenance. A well-done tile job, whether it's a new installation or a retiling project, can last for many decades. To lengthen the life of your tile, it's best to have it installed by a professional and to perform regular maintenance. This includes routine cleaning, resealing, and regrouting as needed. With proper care, you can expect your tile to last 10 years or more before needing major repairs or retiling, especially in high-traffic areas where tiles can wear out more quickly.

The Armstrong, IA homeowners’ guide to backsplash installation services

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•
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Can You Put a Backsplash Directly on Drywall?
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•
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Do You Need a Backsplash in Your Kitchen? Beautify and Protect Your Remodel
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•
Jul 10, 2026Jul 10, 2026
How To Install a Kitchen Backsplash in 12 Steps
When installing a kitchen backsplash, you’ll need the right tools, materials, and knowledge. Our guide will show you how to install a kitchen backsplash.