Should I replace the toilet or tile first?

• <div><p>When working on your bathroom floor tiling, you should always tile the floor first and then refit the toilet afterward. This has both practical and visual advantages—the tile will have a better seal, and the installation will look cleaner.</p><p>On the other hand, when you try to cut the tiles to fit around the toilet, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage. It’s a lot more work, it’s hard to be precise, and mistakes or miscalculations can lead to future moisture damage to the tiling, grout, and subfloor.</p></div>

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Q: How long does it take to tile over tile?

• <div><p>The process takes two to four days, depending on the size of the area and your experience level. The first day involves assessing and prepping the existing tile, while the second day is for laying the new tile. This may take longer in complex areas. After letting the adhesive dry for 24 hours, grouting and sealing can be completed on day three. For larger projects or intricate tile patterns, expect the timeline to stretch a bit longer. Also, proper drying time between steps is essential for long-lasting results, which extends the project&rsquo;s time.</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: What’s the difference between floor and wall tile?

• <div><p>The difference between floor and wall tiles is that floor tiles generally have higher strength and porosity ratings than wall tiles. Wall tiles are typically weaker and more likely to crack or become damaged under sustained pressure like high foot traffic. </p><p>For this reason, avoid using wall tiles on floors and vice versa.</p></div>

Q: How wide should my grout lines be?

• <div><p>Grout lines should typically be between 1/8 to 3/16 inch thick. This ensures enough room for the grout to dry properly and makes them wide enough to look clean and professional. If grout lines are too small, it can be easier to see imperfections in the spacing. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Backsplash Installation pros in Lake View, IA

*The Angi rating for Backsplash Installation companies in Lake View, 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 Lake View, 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 March 09, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Beautiful windows, very friendly and professional installers. Would recommend highly
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in May 2025
We had him take down 2 trees between the street and lakeshore and had a great experience so hired him to remove multiple trees at our farm grove too. He showed up when he said, kept us informed and respected our property . He did a great job with replanting trees for us too.
King's Tree Service
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Reviewed in July 2024
Ernesto did a wonderful job on replacing our electrical panel. He followed through on everything he told me he would do. Was clean, professional and easy to work with. He also followed through on coming back to do something extra that I requested. Very satisfied with this company. I would...
JP ELECTRIC SERVICES, CORP.
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Reviewed in February 2024
Hired them for snow removal for my sister in law, they always make sure she has a safe path at her house
First Call Services
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Reviewed in June 2023
Amazing work, albeit spendy, they stripped everything down to the studs and remodeled our bathroom in under 10 hours! Simply amazing and ultimately worth the money to have it done so quick and painlessly.
Bath Planet of Des Moines
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Reviewed in March 2022
The service very good. I was pleased with his work.
Ulven Renovation Services
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Reviewed in October 2021
Very professional installers. They cleaned up after themselves. Beautiful windows!!
BRISTOL WINDOWS INC
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Reviewed in April 2021
Around the beginning of the year I had them come out to cut down a large ash tree that was showing signs of rot and I didn't want it to break and hit my house. I started the process of getting a quote online and was given a call within and hour and made arrangements for them to come look. ...
Siouxland Tree Services, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2021
The communication was on point and had responded quickly any time I had questions. You can tell there was a lot of effort put into the finish work, met my all expectations.
M & S Dirt Work
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Reviewed in January 2021
Krystal helped me from start to finish with the design. She made the overwhelming process seem easy! The installers came when scheduled which is a HUGE plus! The crew was fun to work with and very professional. We did not hire a contractor, we tore out the walls, did trim and whatever the Carpet...
Carpet One Floor & Home
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Find Backsplash installation pros in Lake View

777 Remodeling, Renovations & Repairs LLC

4.6(

)

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - InstallTile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install - For BusinessTile: Natural Stone (Granite, Marble, Slate, Quartz, etc) - Install+1 more

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"John was very efficient in providing us with an estimate and time to do the paint job. We are pleased with the workmanship and price. I recommend this business."

Response time2 days

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Job was done when they said they were going to be done and great work very happy with the work that was done in my house will call them again"

+37

Response time2 hrs

Response rate100%

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

"Mark is very professional and courteous. I am a bit of a DIYer but ran out of time on this one. Mark was willing to let me do as much as I wanted and only do what I needed him to do. His work looked very good and he was more than willing to fix any items that did not meet my satisfaction, which were very few items. I have reccomended him to several friends and relatives. We plan to continue to use Mark on future projects."

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 Lake View, 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 Lake View, 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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Carlson Construction

New to Angi

Tile: Ceramic and Porcelain - Install

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

facebook profile sending

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Shandy Home Improvements, LLC

New to Angi

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

Serving Lake View, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

At Shandy Home Improvements, LLC, we pride ourselves on being the best home improvement company in the area. We have built an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction by providing quick estimates, a great attention to detail, and competitive pricing. Being a screened and approved professional gives you the peace of mind you need to allow us to give your home the attention it deserves.

Response time6 hrs

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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 Lake View, 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 questions, answered by experts

The process takes two to four days, depending on the size of the area and your experience level. The first day involves assessing and prepping the existing tile, while the second day is for laying the new tile. This may take longer in complex areas. After letting the adhesive dry for 24 hours, grouting and sealing can be completed on day three. For larger projects or intricate tile patterns, expect the timeline to stretch a bit longer. Also, proper drying time between steps is essential for long-lasting results, which extends the project’s time.

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).

When working on your bathroom floor tiling, you should always tile the floor first and then refit the toilet afterward. This has both practical and visual advantages—the tile will have a better seal, and the installation will look cleaner.

On the other hand, when you try to cut the tiles to fit around the toilet, you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage. It’s a lot more work, it’s hard to be precise, and mistakes or miscalculations can lead to future moisture damage to the tiling, grout, and subfloor.

The difference between floor and wall tiles is that floor tiles generally have higher strength and porosity ratings than wall tiles. Wall tiles are typically weaker and more likely to crack or become damaged under sustained pressure like high foot traffic.

For this reason, avoid using wall tiles on floors and vice versa.

Grout lines should typically be between 1/8 to 3/16 inch thick. This ensures enough room for the grout to dry properly and makes them wide enough to look clean and professional. If grout lines are too small, it can be easier to see imperfections in the spacing.

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