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>

Get matched with top backsplash installation pros in Washburn, WI

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>

Q: What kind of tile makes a bathroom look bigger?

• <div><p>To make a small bathroom look bigger, choose light-colored tiles in a medium- to large-format size. Lighter colors like white, cream, or light gray help open up a room, making it feel larger and more airy. While it may seem counterintuitive, small tiles can actually make a bathroom look smaller because the increased number of grout lines creates a busy pattern that visually shrinks the space. Instead, opt for medium- or large-format tiles for a more seamless, expansive appearance. For the best effect, pair your tiles with a matching or similarly colored grout to create a continuous surface that enhances the illusion of a larger area. Avoid dark colors, heavy patterns, and contrasting grout, as these can make the space feel more confined.</p></div>

Q: How long does tile installation or repair usually take?

• <div><p>Installations typically take 1-3 days, depending on area size; repairs are usually completed sooner if the issue is localized.</p></div>

Q: What can I use instead of tile spacers?

• <div><p>If you&rsquo;re out of spacers for your tile installation, you can use pennies. Each time you place a tile, stick the pennies around the edges (on the sides and the corners). Like working with spacers, you&rsquo;ll want the same amount of space around each tile before they set. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Backsplash Installation pros in Washburn, WI

*The Angi rating for Backsplash Installation companies in Washburn, 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 Washburn, 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 July 02, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
I absolutely L-O-V-E my new baths from Mad City! Peter, the installer, did an amazing job! He was unbelievably quick and knew exactly what he was doing! I was so impressed by his skill and craftsmanship. He not only took great care to cover the floors and keep everything protected, he also...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in January 2025
Very well. They did excellent work. It was a challenging job but they were up to it. The windows and patio door they installed are a big improvement over the originals.
Renewal by Andersen Lake Superior Region
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Reviewed in March 2023
We had a floor installed a year and half ago and are still asking them to meet the warranty requirements. Our claim started on day on. The floor had an acrylic finish that had not set well. This was obvious even to the installers. The floor would scratch just from shoes walking on it. Even felt...
DESIGNER'S OUTLET
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Reviewed in October 2020
They have stood by the product through a few glitches and most importantly the installation and that made a HUGE difference in the performance of the windows. GREAT follow up by everyone in the company.
Your Home Improvement Company, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2020
The Staff at Stone Concepts Corporation were great to work with. They were patient and helpful throughout the selection process and were prompt with the installation of the product we selected which looks great in our kitchen. We would gladly work with them again!
Stone Concepts Corp.
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Reviewed in April 2016
The following bold italicized text is from a letter I sent to Mr. Cady on 11-27-2015. I have been awaiting a response while running the unit through the winter to see if it would increase my homes humidity, at least as well as the previous bypass model. After the unit was installed Mr. Cady...
Cady Plumbing & Heating
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Reviewed in November 2013
These guys were great especially Tim. Gave excellent quote. Techs were on time, fast, and cleaned up after themselves. They setup and passed the inspection an hour after installing the boiler. I was most impressed by the way the company worked with me on my payment options and got the boiler in...
Northside Heating & Cooling
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Reviewed in September 2013
100% Professional!!! All debris was cleaned daily. Installed Landmark Architectural shingles on roof with complex intersections of ridges and valleys of Historic Home. Great job! <br />
BLUE WATER BUILDERS LLC
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Reviewed in September 2013
The first step they sealed and caulked multiple entry spots. After the date they could evict them they installed one way devices the bats could leave from, but not re-enter. It is a two year package that goes until November 2014. No bats after eviction at this point. They cut the price quoted as...
Bats By Day
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Find Backsplash installation pros in Washburn

Nicholas Palm Tile and Stone

4.8(

)

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

Serving Washburn, 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

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

Serving Washburn, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He did a great job. It was an absolute mess, he tackled the job and did and fixed it. I was able to recommend him to other people."

+19

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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Jill Seidner Interior Design

3.5(

)

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

Serving Washburn, 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

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

Serving Washburn, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

"He is a nice friendly guy who will show up and do a good job."

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Washburn, 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

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

Serving Washburn, 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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AB contracting

New to Angi

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

Serving Washburn, WI and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We specialize in handyman services, home repairs, remodeling, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!

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Twin Cities Tile

New to Angi

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

Serving Washburn, 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

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.

To make a small bathroom look bigger, choose light-colored tiles in a medium- to large-format size. Lighter colors like white, cream, or light gray help open up a room, making it feel larger and more airy. While it may seem counterintuitive, small tiles can actually make a bathroom look smaller because the increased number of grout lines creates a busy pattern that visually shrinks the space. Instead, opt for medium- or large-format tiles for a more seamless, expansive appearance. For the best effect, pair your tiles with a matching or similarly colored grout to create a continuous surface that enhances the illusion of a larger area. Avoid dark colors, heavy patterns, and contrasting grout, as these can make the space feel more confined.

Installations typically take 1-3 days, depending on area size; repairs are usually completed sooner if the issue is localized.

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.

If you’re out of spacers for your tile installation, you can use pennies. Each time you place a tile, stick the pennies around the edges (on the sides and the corners). Like working with spacers, you’ll want the same amount of space around each tile before they set.

The Washburn, WI homeowners’ guide to backsplash installation services

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