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>

Where do you start tiling a hearth?

• <div><p>It’s easiest to start from an edge as it gives you a straight line. A problem may arise if your edge doesn’t line up perfectly, in which case it’s best to start from the center. Some think that starting tile from the center adds a focal point in the center of the hearth. </p></div>

Top 10 Best Backsplash installation pros in Niagara, WI

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: Where do you start tiling a hearth?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s easiest to start from an edge as it gives you a straight line. A problem may arise if your edge doesn&rsquo;t line up perfectly, in which case it&rsquo;s best to start from the center. Some think that starting tile from the center adds a focal point in the center of the hearth. </p></div>

Q: How do you stop tiles from cracking more?

• <div><p>Once cracks appear, it is hard to stop tiles from cracking more. If the cause of the problem is improper subflooring, underlying concrete, improper tile joint sizes, mold growth, or structural issues, the only way to stop floor tiles from cracking is to redo the entire floor, fixing the underlying issues first. If cracks occur after impact damage, hiring a professional tile contractor to replace the cracked tiles, <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-fix-loose-floor-tiles.htm">fix loose floor tiles</a>, and restore the grout around them can prevent further damage. It is also important to keep your tile and grout clean and maintained to prolong its life.</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: What is the best trowel for penny tile?

• <div><p>The best trowel for penny tile is a 3/16-inch-by-5/32-inch V-notch trowel. Because of the small size of the penny tile, you want a trowel with small notches that can lay a thin layer of mortar on the surface you&rsquo;re tiling. If the notches are too wide, you risk applying too thick of a layer of mortar, and it can squeeze out between the penny tiles.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Backsplash Installation pros in Niagara, WI

*The Angi rating for Backsplash Installation companies in Niagara, WI 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 Niagara, WI 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 10, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
Brew City Builders was a pleasure to have done business with. From scheduling with Amy to our project completion, it was a smooth process. They were very attentive to our design ideas and communicated with us throughout the project. We had 2 porches/decks as well as a custom fabricated fence...
Brew City Builders Decks
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Reviewed in June 2023
I request a job to remove a claw foot tub from bathroom and install a new walk in shower. He completed half the project and then left his money. I paid him because he assured me that my bathroom would be completd by the end of May.
RC Custom Builders, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
Very good worker .On time for work. Excellent installation work. Would hire again.
EDI PAINT LLC
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Reviewed in February 2022
Great product, very professional inspection & installation team!! Completed the entire project in about 6 hrs.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in January 2022
We have had Rick do several projects for us from snow removal, remodeling, landscaping, installing vinal flooring, drywall installation and painting and have found his work to be excellent. He is very meticulous in all phases of his work including cleanup after completion. I have and will...
RL Handyman Service
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Reviewed in April 2021
We are very pleased with the work performed on our gutters and downspouts by Chad and his team from Sodak LLC. Chad was particularly helpful with solving a problem with one section of existing gutter and recommended a larger size that we had his team install. His team was very efficient and...
Sodak, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2019
the sales people are so knowledgeable, the company was very prompt and delivered on all it's promises. The installation guys were friendly, clean and helpful. I love that my house feels warmer and my furnace can be kept lower without me feeling cold.
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in August 2018
Dan showed up precisely on time, quickly determined the problem and told me what was wrong and how it needed to be fixed. He suggested using a smaller expansion tank as he said the one originally installed was bigger than it needed to be. Going with the smaller tank saved me $400. He said...
Suburban Installers, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2018
From the time we first met with Grant, we felt like we were his only clients. He worked with us to create a plan that was within our budget, and an agreed upon timeline. Grant listened to our ideas, and he gave us new ideas we had not thought of on our own. His crew members were prompt,...
Grant Thompson Construction, Inc.
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Find Backsplash installation pros in Niagara

Nicholas Palm Tile and Stone

4.8(

)

Serving Niagara, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They did a great job, and got what needed to be done handled."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Jill Seidner Interior Design

3.5(

)

Serving Niagara, WI 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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Gator's Custom Tile, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Niagara, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The final outcome was pretty. It turned out to be a little more complicated than we thought for such a small area. He worked very diligently and even came back again the next day."

Not your typical Run of the Mill project

+67

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Niagara, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1980

"A tad messy but job was very difficult even for a pro."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Flawless Flooring Sales/Installation

New to Angi

Serving Niagara, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

After many years of experience we opened our business to serve your community in 1998. We use only quality materials and maintain a high standard of customer satisfaction. Call us today for any of your flooring needs.

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John Polzin Tile Construction

New to Angi

Serving Niagara, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of stone and tile services that are customizable to each individual project. We specialize in ceramic, porcelain, and a variety of natural stone tile installation. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!

Response time7 hrs

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Godfrey Flooring

New to Angi

Serving Niagara, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

With over 7 experience

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Tim the tile man - Facebook

New to Angi

Serving Niagara, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Feel free to book online with us today!

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Twin Cities Tile

New to Angi

Serving Niagara, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

At Twin Cities Tile we pride our ourselves in quality, value, and service! We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular project. We look forward to earning your business!\nWhen you contact us, you'll be given the exceptional customer service you deserve, including free quotes, up-front pricing, and no hidden fees. These benefits are provided to our clients in order to show that our company genuinely cares about customer satisfaction. Give us a call today to schedule your free estimate!

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Backsplash Installation questions, answered by experts

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.

It’s easiest to start from an edge as it gives you a straight line. A problem may arise if your edge doesn’t line up perfectly, in which case it’s best to start from the center. Some think that starting tile from the center adds a focal point in the center of the hearth.

Once cracks appear, it is hard to stop tiles from cracking more. If the cause of the problem is improper subflooring, underlying concrete, improper tile joint sizes, mold growth, or structural issues, the only way to stop floor tiles from cracking is to redo the entire floor, fixing the underlying issues first. If cracks occur after impact damage, hiring a professional tile contractor to replace the cracked tiles, fix loose floor tiles, and restore the grout around them can prevent further damage. It is also important to keep your tile and grout clean and maintained to prolong its life.

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 best trowel for penny tile is a 3/16-inch-by-5/32-inch V-notch trowel. Because of the small size of the penny tile, you want a trowel with small notches that can lay a thin layer of mortar on the surface you’re tiling. If the notches are too wide, you risk applying too thick of a layer of mortar, and it can squeeze out between the penny tiles.

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