Get matched with top backsplash installation pros in Newton, IA

The best types of tiles for a shower are ceramic and porcelain tiles. These materials are durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain, making them ideal for wet environments. Porcelain tiles are slightly more durable than ceramic. Both options come in a wide variety of styles, so you can achieve the perfect look for your bathroom.

Technically, you can start tiling in a corner and work your way out. However, it's not traditionally how tiling is done. Instead, work from the bottom middle of the wall. Tile out the entire row with whole tiles before moving on to the next row. Once you finish installing all of the whole tiles, then you focus on tiling the corners.

Replacing tile flooring can take a few days for a pro, but larger rooms will need more time. It takes eight to 12 hours for a tiling pro to remove old grout and tiles across 100 square feet. Then, it will take about four hours to prep the subfloor for tiles and another eight to 10 hours for a pro to install new tiles. Your tiling project may take up to a week, depending on the size of the room.

Yes, you can install a backsplash directly onto drywall, provided the wall is properly prepped, clean, and dry. For best results, especially in kitchen areas, your walls should be made of moisture-resistant drywall, often called green board. If your current wall isn't moisture-resistant, it's recommended to replace it before installing the backsplash. For even greater protection against water damage, you can remove the existing drywall and install a tile backer board or cement board instead. While properly installed standard drywall is typically strong enough to support a backsplash, some local building codes may require water-resistant materials in kitchen areas, so it's a good idea to check.