
Bathroom tile installation in Vancouver
Shower, wall and floor tile set on properly prepared, waterproofed surfaces, with layouts planned before the first tile goes down.
Tile is the finish you see most
Tile covers more of a bathroom than any other finish, so the layout, the grout lines and the quality of the setting are what people notice. What they do not see, the preparation and waterproofing underneath, is what decides how long it lasts.
QUAY Construction provides bathroom tile installation across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland for showers, walls and floors, as part of full bathroom renovations.
Back to Bathroom Renovations Vancouver ↗Bathroom tile work we do
Tile layout is planned in advance so cuts are balanced and lines meet at corners, niches and drains.
Floor tile
Porcelain and stone floors set flat on a prepared subfloor.
Wall tile
Full-height or wainscot-height tile for durable, easy-clean walls.
Shower tile
Walls, bases, niches and benches tiled over a waterproof membrane.
Large-format tile
Big tiles and slabs that need flat substrates and careful handling.
Mosaic and feature tile
Accent walls, niches and shower floors.
Substrate preparation
Levelling, backer board and membranes before any tile is set.

Flat, sound and waterproof first
Tile fails when the surface beneath it moves, is uneven or lets water through. We correct the substrate and waterproof wet areas before tiling.
Setting materials and membranes are given the time they need to cure.
Shower tile installation over a waterproof system.
The shower is where tile work is tested hardest.
Shower tile installation starts with a sloped base and a continuous membrane on walls and floor. Tile is then set with full coverage so water has nowhere to collect behind it.
- Membrane system: continuous waterproofing on walls, base and niches
- Sloped bases: water directed to the drain without pooling
- Niches and benches: built in and waterproofed with the walls
- Sealed transitions: movement joints at corners and changes of plane
Bathroom wall tiles for protection and style.
Wall tile protects the areas that get splashed and sets the look of the room.
Bathroom wall tiles can run full height, to wainscot height, or just behind the vanity. Subway, large-format, stacked and feature patterns each give a different character.
- Full-height tile: a durable, hotel-like finish
- Half-height tile: tile below with paint above
- Feature walls: a contrasting tile behind the vanity or tub
- Trim and edges: metal profiles or mitred edges for clean terminations
Bathroom flooring and non-slip floor installation.
A bathroom floor has to handle water and stay safe underfoot.
Porcelain tile is the most common bathroom flooring because it is dense, water resistant and easy to clean. For safety, non-slip floor installation uses tile with a textured or matte surface, or smaller formats with more grout lines for grip, particularly in showers.
- Porcelain tile: durable and water resistant
- Non-slip surfaces: textured and matte tile for wet areas
- Heated floors: electric in-floor heating beneath tile
- Level transitions: smooth thresholds to adjoining rooms
Grout and regrouting to refresh existing tile.
Sound tile with tired grout can often be renewed.
Regrouting removes cracked, stained or missing grout and replaces it, with fresh sealant at corners and around the tub. It suits tile that is firmly bonded with no water damage behind it. Where tile is loose or water has got through, replacement is the right fix.
- Grout removal and replacement: old grout cut out and new grout installed
- Sealant renewal: new flexible sealant at joints and edges
- Grout colour: a new colour to update the look
- Assessment: checking whether regrouting is enough or the tile should be replaced
One bathroom. One accountable team.
Planning, pricing, procurement and construction are coordinated through one renovation process rather than managed as isolated pieces.
One Point of Contact
Design, trades, materials and scheduling are coordinated by QUAY, so you are not managing separate contractors or chasing updates.
Fixed-Price Proposal
Scope and pricing are established before construction so you know what is included and what the renovation is expected to cost.
Plan Before Construction
Materials, trades, sequencing and major project decisions are coordinated before the bathroom is taken apart.
365-Day Warranty
Our workmanship is backed by QUAY's 365-day We-Fix-It-Free warranty after project completion.
Planned as a whole. Finished in the details.
Tile, vanities, glass and fixtures are coordinated so the finished bathroom feels considered in every detail.
View Renovation Projects ↗


Local service. Across the region.
We provide bathroom renovation services throughout Vancouver and the surrounding municipalities. Choose your city for local details.
Vancouver neighbourhoods we serve ↗All service areas ↗
Explore related services.
Layout, fixtures, waterproofing and budget all shape a bathroom renovation. These pages cover the related topics in more detail.
Ensuite Renovations ↗
Condo Bathrooms ↗
Guest Bathrooms ↗
Spa Bathrooms ↗
Steam Showers ↗
Floating Vanities ↗
Bathroom Permits ↗
Bathroom Renovation Timelines ↗
Bathroom Renovation FAQ ↗
Bathroom Inspiration ↗
Luxury Bathroom Renovation ↗
Walk-In Shower Installation ↗
Clear before construction. Organized through completion.
Each stage is defined before the next begins so decisions, materials and trades remain connected throughout the renovation.
Discovery Call
We discuss your home, priorities, desired timeline and expected investment to determine the right next step.
On-Site Consultation
We review the existing rooms, measurements, building conditions, layout opportunities and practical project requirements.
Scope & Proposal
The renovation is defined through a detailed scope, selections, pricing and construction plan before work begins.
Construction
Trades, materials and installations are coordinated through an organized schedule with consistent communication through completion.
Plan the renovation. Understand the investment.
Bathroom renovation cost in Vancouver is driven by scope, not square footage.
Tile cost depends on the area, the tile chosen, the layout pattern and how much preparation the surfaces need. We define the scope with you and provide a fixed-price proposal before construction begins.
Rather than quoting a generic square-foot price, we define the actual scope and provide a fixed-price proposal before construction begins. For typical ranges by room, see our renovation cost guides.
Bathroom tile questions answered
What tile is best for a bathroom? +
Porcelain is durable, water resistant and available in a wide range of looks.
Is tile waterproof? +
No. Tile and grout shed water but are not waterproof, which is why a membrane is installed beneath them in wet areas.
Can new tile go over old tile? +
Sometimes, but removing the old tile lets us inspect and prepare the surface properly.
What makes a bathroom floor non-slip? +
Textured or matte tile and smaller formats with more grout lines improve grip.
When should I regrout instead of retile? +
When the tile is firmly bonded and there is no water damage behind it. Loose tile or soft walls call for replacement.
How long before I can use a newly tiled shower? +
Setting materials, grout and sealant need time to cure. We tell you when the shower is ready.
Do you renovate older and character homes? +
Yes. We check older homes for outdated wiring, old plumbing and hazardous materials. That way, these issues are part of the plan instead of a surprise mid-project.
Does QUAY Construction provide a warranty? +
Yes. QUAY Construction provides a 365-day workmanship warranty following completion of the renovation.
Planning new bathroom tile?
Tell us about your home, your priorities and when you'd like to renovate. We'll help you determine the right next step.