Tile Contractor
February 10th, 2026 | by Nick Kayser | Posted in
East Valley Arizona
At Mustache Approved Remodeling, we are a professional tile contractor serving homeowners throughout the East Valley, including Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Ahwatukee.
Whether you need shower tile installation with professional waterproofing, tile flooring throughout your home, or a kitchen backsplash that transforms your space, choosing the right tile contractor determines the quality, durability, and long-term performance of your tile work. Tile installation requires far more than laying material in a pattern—it demands proper surface preparation, professional-grade materials, leveling systems, and the expertise to ensure your tile lasts decades rather than failing within years.
As a licensed general contractor (ROC #309760), we specialize in tile installation for bathroom remodeling and kitchen remodeling projects throughout Arizona’s East Valley. We use premium porcelain tiles from Arizona Tile, the Raimondi tile leveling system for perfectly flat installations, Laticrete products for waterproofing and crack isolation, and professional-grade grout that never requires sealing. See your finished space before we build with our Virtual Showroom 3D design consultation.
We offer everything from shower tile installation with our exclusive S.W.A.N. Plan waterproofing to tile flooring installation for whole-home applications and tile backsplash installation for kitchen upgrades. Every tile project we complete is backed by proper preparation, premium materials, and professional techniques that separate lasting results from premature failure.
Watch: Professional Tile Installation
See the Raimondi tile leveling system we use on every large format tile installation for perfectly aligned tiles with zero lippage:
What Does a Tile Contractor Do?
A tile contractor handles the complete process of preparing surfaces and installing tile—from initial consultation and material selection through surface preparation, installation, grouting, and finishing. Unlike general handymen or budget installers who simply set tile, a professional tile contractor understands the critical preparation work that determines whether your tile lasts decades or fails within years.
Professional tile installation requires expertise in subfloor evaluation, waterproofing systems, crack isolation, proper thinset selection and application, tile leveling systems, grout selection, and finishing techniques specific to each application. Shower tile demands comprehensive waterproofing. Floor tile demands crack isolation and subfloor preparation. Backsplash tile demands precise cuts around outlets and coordination with countertops and cabinets.
At Mustache Approved Remodeling, we handle every tile project as a complete service. You don’t need to hire separate waterproofing contractors, subfloor specialists, or finishing trades. We manage the entire tile installation process—and we stand behind all of it.
Our Complete Tile Contractor Services
We offer a full range of tile installation services designed for bathrooms, kitchens, and living spaces throughout East Valley homes. Each service listed below has a dedicated page with comprehensive details about the process, timeline, cost, and what to expect.
Shower Tile Installation
Shower tile installation is our comprehensive service for walk-in showers, curbless showers, tub-to-shower conversions, and shower retile projects. Showers endure more water exposure than any other surface in your home, making proper installation critical for long-term performance.
Every shower tile project includes our exclusive S.W.A.N. Plan waterproofing system using Laticrete Hydro Ban products, Hydro Ban Board substrate on all shower walls, mandatory flood testing before tile installation, the Raimondi leveling system for perfect alignment, and premium grout that resists mold and staining. We install large format tile, subway tile, natural stone, mosaic, and accent tiles for walls, with smaller format tiles (2×2 or mosaic) on shower floors for proper slope conformity and slip resistance (DCOF 0.42+).
Shower tile installation as part of a complete bathroom remodel typically takes 4-6 weeks total (2-3 weeks for the tile portion specifically) and ranges from $8,000-$18,000 for tile and installation including substrate, waterproofing, all tile materials, professional installation, and grouting.
Learn everything about our shower tile installation services including detailed process, timeline, and cost information.
Tile Flooring Installation
Tile flooring installation is our professional flooring service for kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, entryways, and whole-home applications. Tile flooring offers unmatched durability and design versatility for Arizona homes when installed with proper preparation and professional techniques.
Every tile floor we install uses premium porcelain tiles from Arizona Tile, the Raimondi leveling system for zero lippage, back buttering on every tile for 100% thinset coverage, and professional-grade grout that never requires sealing. For wood subfloors, we use Laticrete Strata Mat for uncoupling and crack isolation. For concrete slabs with foundation cracks, we install targeted crack isolation membrane. We offer large format tile (12×24, 24×24, 24×48+), wood plank tile (6×36, 8×48, 9×48, 12×48), and pattern installations including herringbone, chevron, diagonal, offset, and straight stack layouts.
Single room tile flooring takes 5-7 days. Whole home installations take 4-5 weeks. Standard installation on concrete runs $6-10 per square foot, large format $8-12 per square foot, and pattern installations $10-15 per square foot.
Learn everything about our tile flooring installation services including detailed process, timeline, and cost information.
Tile Backsplash Installation
Tile backsplash installation is our precision tile service for kitchens—one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. A tile backsplash protects walls from cooking splatter, water damage, and grease while adding significant visual impact that transforms the entire room.
We install porcelain and ceramic backsplash tile in a variety of styles including subway tile (3×6, 4×8, 4×12, 2×8), large format tile (12×24, 24×24+), and mosaic tile (1×1, 2×2). Pattern options include offset (brick), straight stack, herringbone, vertical stack, and diagonal layouts. We recommend full-height installation from countertop to upper cabinets for the best balance of appearance, protection, and value.
Most backsplash installations take 2-3 days and range from $1,500-$3,500 for small kitchens, $2,500-$5,500 for average kitchens, and $4,000-$8,000+ for large kitchens. Backsplash installation works as a standalone project or as part of a complete kitchen remodel.
Learn everything about our tile backsplash installation services including detailed process, timeline, and cost information.
Shower Waterproofing
Shower waterproofing is the foundation that determines whether your shower lasts 5 years or 25+ years. Tile is not waterproof. Grout is not waterproof. The only protection between shower water and your home’s structure is the waterproofing membrane installed before tile.
Our exclusive S.W.A.N. Plan (Sleep Well At Night) waterproofing system uses the Laticrete Hydro Ban system with a 25-year warranty. Every shower receives Hydro Ban Board substrate on all walls, Hydro Ban Adhesive Sealant at all seams, corners, and screw heads, 2-3 thick coats of liquid Hydro Ban membrane on the shower pan extending 10 inches up the walls, anti-fracture membrane in shower pan inside corners for Arizona foundation conditions, and mandatory flood testing before any tile installation begins.
Shower waterproofing takes 3-5 days within the complete shower timeline and adds $800-$1,500 depending on shower size. The S.W.A.N. Plan is included in every shower we build—not an optional upgrade.
Learn everything about our shower waterproofing system including the complete S.W.A.N. Plan process, installation steps, and why proper waterproofing prevents $20,000-$30,000+ in repair costs.
Virtual Showroom 3D Design Consultation
Our Virtual Showroom lets you see photo-realistic 3D renderings of your finished space before construction starts. Browse our complete material library, visualize tile selections, patterns, and layouts in your actual space, and make confident decisions about your tile project. What you see is exactly what we build.
Types of Tile Projects We Handle
Shower and Bathroom Tile
Shower tile is our most technical tile work—requiring comprehensive waterproofing, proper slope for drainage, slip-resistant floor tile, and precise installation around fixtures, niches, and benches. We handle walk-in showers, curbless showers, tub-to-shower conversions, and complete bathroom remodeling projects. Bathroom floor tile coordinates with shower tile for cohesive design throughout the space.
Floor Tile Throughout the Home
Tile flooring works beautifully in every room—kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, entryways, and whole-home installations. Large format porcelain and wood plank tile are the most popular choices for Arizona homes, offering durability, waterproof performance, and stunning aesthetics. We handle single room installations to complete whole-home flooring projects as part of whole home remodeling.
Kitchen Backsplash Tile
Backsplash tile is one of the most impactful kitchen upgrades—protecting walls while adding dramatic visual impact. Whether installed as a standalone project or as part of a complete kitchen remodel, professional backsplash installation requires precise cuts around outlets, proper coordination with countertops and cabinets, and clean finishing details that separate quality work from amateur results.
What Sets Professional Tile Installation Apart
The difference between professional and amateur tile installation isn’t visible on day one—it becomes obvious over time. Professional installations maintain their appearance and integrity for decades while amateur work fails within years. Here’s what we do differently on every tile project:
S.W.A.N. Plan Waterproofing for Showers
Every shower receives our comprehensive S.W.A.N. Plan waterproofing system using Laticrete Hydro Ban products with a 25-year warranty. We waterproof every surface—not just seams and corners like many contractors. Failed waterproofing causes $20,000-$30,000+ in repairs. Proper waterproofing costs $800-$1,500 and prevents failure entirely.
Raimondi Tile Leveling System
We use the Raimondi tile leveling system on every tile installation—showers, floors, and backsplash. This professional-grade system uses clips and wedges to hold adjacent tiles perfectly flat during thinset cure, eliminating lippage (uneven edges between tiles) and creating factory-like finish quality with consistent grout joints throughout.
Back Buttering Every Tile
Back buttering means applying thinset to the back of each tile in addition to the surface—ensuring 100% thinset coverage under every tile. Many contractors skip this step to save time. The result of skipping it: hollow spots that cause cracking, loose tiles, and eventual failure. We back butter every tile on every project.
Premium Materials from Arizona Tile and Laticrete
We source premium porcelain tiles from Arizona Tile—not big-box budget materials with inferior construction. For waterproofing, we use Laticrete Hydro Ban products exclusively. For wood subfloors, we use Laticrete Strata Mat for uncoupling and crack isolation. Premium materials combined with professional installation deliver results that last decades.
Professional-Grade Grout That Never Needs Sealing
We exclusively use premium grout systems that resist mold and staining while never requiring sealing. Traditional cement-based grouts absorb moisture and stains, require annual sealing, and deteriorate over time. Our premium grout eliminates these issues entirely, providing maintenance-free performance for the life of your tile.
Proper Subfloor Preparation
Tile is only as good as the surface beneath it. We thoroughly inspect and prepare every substrate before tile installation—verifying flatness, installing crack isolation membrane over foundation cracks, using Laticrete Strata Mat on wood subfloors, and applying self-leveling compound for unlevel concrete when needed. Rushing preparation is the number one cause of tile failure.
Our Tile Contractor Process
Our tile installation process follows proven steps that ensure quality results on every project:
Step 1: Consultation and Design
We evaluate your space, discuss tile options and design ideas, review your goals and budget, and create a detailed plan for your project. For showers, kitchens, and bathrooms, our Virtual Showroom lets you see photo-realistic 3D renderings of your finished space with your actual tile selections.
Step 2: Material Selection and Quote
We provide detailed written estimates covering all work, materials, preparation, and timeline. You know exactly what you’re paying for, exactly what materials are included, and exactly when the work will be completed. No hidden fees, no surprise charges.
Step 3: Surface Preparation
This is where professional tile work separates from amateur installation. For showers, we install S.W.A.N. Plan waterproofing with Hydro Ban Board, liquid membrane, and flood testing. For floors, we prepare subfloors with crack isolation membrane, Strata Mat, or self-leveling compound as needed. For backsplash, we prep wall surfaces for proper adhesion.
Step 4: Professional Tile Installation
We install tile using proper thinset selection for each tile size and application, correct notch trowel size for full coverage, back buttering every tile for 100% adhesion, the Raimondi leveling system for zero lippage, and clean precision cuts around fixtures, outlets, and edges.
Step 5: Grouting and Finishing
After tile sets for 24-48 hours, we apply premium grout, caulk all transitions and inside corners, install transition strips and edge details, and complete all finishing work. Our premium grout resists mold and staining without ever requiring sealing.
Step 6: Final Walkthrough
We complete a thorough inspection of all tile work, review care and maintenance instructions, verify everything meets our quality standards, and ensure your complete satisfaction before considering the project finished.
Tile Contractor Timeline
Project timelines vary based on scope, square footage, and application:
Shower Tile Installation:
Tile portion within a bathroom remodel takes 2-3 weeks. Complete shower remodel including waterproofing, tile, glass fabrication, and installation takes 4-6 weeks total. Our S.W.A.N. Plan waterproofing requires 3-5 days including multiple coats with cure time and mandatory flood testing before tile begins.
Tile Flooring Installation:
Single room tile flooring takes 5-7 days including removal, subfloor preparation, Strata Mat or crack membrane, tile installation with Raimondi leveling, and grouting. Whole home tile flooring takes 4-5 weeks. Kitchen tile floors take 5-6 days. Pattern installations (herringbone, chevron) add 1-2 days per room.
Tile Backsplash Installation:
Most backsplash installations take 2-3 days. Day one covers preparation and starting tile, day two completes tile installation, and day three handles grouting and finishing. When part of a kitchen remodel, backsplash is installed after countertops.
Tile Contractor Cost Guide
Tile installation costs vary based on application, material selection, square footage, and project complexity:
Shower Tile Installation Costs:
Complete shower tile installation including substrate, S.W.A.N. Plan waterproofing, all tile materials, professional installation, and grouting ranges from $8,000-$18,000. This does not include demolition, plumbing modifications, glass enclosure, or fixtures.
Tile Flooring Installation Costs:
Tile flooring installation on concrete runs $6-10 per square foot for standard installations, $8-12 for large format tile, and $10-15 for pattern installations (herringbone, chevron). Single room projects typically run $3,000-$6,000. Whole home tile (1,500 sq ft) ranges from $20,000-$40,000. Unforeseen conditions like foundation cracks or unlevel concrete require change orders for crack isolation membrane ($1-2/sq ft) or self-leveling compound ($2-5/sq ft).
Tile Backsplash Installation Costs:
Most backsplash installations range from $1,500-$3,500 for small kitchens, $2,500-$5,500 for average kitchens, and $4,000-$8,000+ for large kitchens. Cost depends on tile selection, kitchen size, pattern complexity, and backsplash height.
What’s Included in Our Estimates:
Our detailed written estimates cover all surface preparation, waterproofing (showers), crack isolation and Strata Mat (flooring), tile materials, professional installation with Raimondi leveling system, premium grout, caulking, transitions, and cleanup. During consultation, we provide exact pricing based on your specific project, material selections, and scope.
What to Look for in a Tile Contractor
Licensing and Insurance
Always verify a contractor’s license is active and in good standing through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) website. A licensed tile contractor carries proper insurance, posts a bond, and is accountable to state licensing standards. Mustache Approved Remodeling holds ROC #309760—active, bonded, and insured.
Waterproofing Knowledge for Showers
Many tile installers can set tile, but shower tile installation requires specific expertise in waterproofing, slope work, and moisture management that general tile setters often lack. Ask your tile contractor about their waterproofing system, what products they use, whether they flood test, and what warranty covers their waterproofing work.
Preparation Expertise
Professional tile installation starts with proper preparation—subfloor inspection, crack isolation, leveling, and surface preparation. A quality tile contractor spends significant time on preparation before setting the first tile. Contractors who rush to tile without proper preparation deliver results that fail within years.
Professional Leveling Systems
Ask whether your tile contractor uses a professional leveling system like Raimondi. Tile leveling eliminates lippage (uneven edges between tiles) and creates consistent grout joints impossible to achieve by eye alone. This is especially critical for large format tiles where any imperfection becomes obvious.
Portfolio and References
Ask to see completed tile projects similar to yours. A tile contractor with a strong portfolio demonstrates consistent quality and experience with the type of work you need. Visit our project gallery to see completed tile installations throughout the East Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Tile Contractor
How long does tile installation take?
Timelines vary by project type. Shower tile takes 2-3 weeks within a complete bathroom remodel. Tile flooring takes 5-7 days for a single room or 4-5 weeks for whole home installations. Backsplash takes 2-3 days. All timelines include proper preparation, cure time, and grouting.
Can you tile over existing tile?
We generally don’t recommend tiling over existing tile. For showers, the existing tile may have waterproofing failures hidden underneath. For floors, we can’t inspect the subfloor or install proper crack isolation. Removing existing tile allows us to inspect and repair any underlying issues and install proper preparation systems.
What tile is best for Arizona homes?
Porcelain tile from Arizona Tile is our top recommendation. Porcelain is denser and more durable than ceramic, handles temperature extremes, and performs beautifully in our desert climate. For shower floors, we recommend small format porcelain (2×2 or mosaic) with DCOF ratings of 0.42+ for wet-surface safety. For home floors, large format and wood plank porcelain are the most popular choices.
Why is shower waterproofing so important?
Tile and grout are not waterproof. Without proper waterproofing behind tile, water penetrates into walls and floors causing mold, wood rot, structural damage, and eventual failure requiring complete rebuild at $20,000-$30,000+. Our S.W.A.N. Plan costs $800-$1,500 and prevents failure entirely with a 25-year Laticrete warranty.
Does your grout really never need sealing?
Yes. Our premium grout systems resist mold and staining without any sealing requirement—ever. Traditional cement-based grouts are porous and require annual sealing. Our professional-grade grout eliminates this maintenance entirely while providing superior stain and mold resistance.
What is the Raimondi leveling system?
Raimondi is a professional tile leveling system that uses clips and wedges to hold adjacent tiles perfectly flat during thinset cure. This eliminates lippage (uneven edges between tiles) and creates consistent grout joints with factory-like finish quality. We use it on every tile installation—showers, floors, and backsplash.
How much does tile installation cost?
Costs vary by project type. Shower tile ranges from $8,000-$18,000. Floor tile runs $6-15 per square foot for installation depending on tile size and pattern. Backsplash ranges from $1,500-$8,000+ depending on kitchen size and tile selection. We provide detailed estimates after consultation.
What areas do you service?
We provide professional tile installation throughout the Phoenix East Valley including Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Ahwatukee.
Do you install tile as part of larger remodeling projects?
Yes. Tile installation is often part of larger bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, and whole home remodeling projects. We coordinate tile installation seamlessly with other work including plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, countertops, and glass installation.
What happens if you find foundation cracks during flooring installation?
Foundation cracks in concrete slabs are not visible until existing flooring is removed. When discovered, we document the condition with photos and provide a change order for crack isolation membrane installation ($1-2 per square foot). This targeted protection prevents crack movement from destroying your tile as foundation settles.
Why Choose Mustache Approved as Your Tile Contractor
Licensed General Contractor (ROC #309760)
As a licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor, we handle complete tile projects including waterproofing, subfloor preparation, tile installation, plumbing coordination, and all finishing details. One contractor, one point of contact, complete accountability.
S.W.A.N. Plan Waterproofing
Every shower we build receives our exclusive S.W.A.N. Plan waterproofing system using Laticrete Hydro Ban products with a 25-year warranty. We don’t cut corners on the invisible work that determines whether your shower lasts. Mandatory flood testing on every shower—no exceptions.
Raimondi Leveling System on Every Installation
We use the Raimondi tile leveling system on every tile project for perfectly flat surfaces with zero lippage. This professional-grade system delivers factory-like finish quality impossible to achieve without proper leveling equipment.
Premium Materials
Premium porcelain tiles from Arizona Tile. Laticrete Hydro Ban for waterproofing. Laticrete Strata Mat for wood subfloor preparation. Professional-grade grout that never requires sealing. We use quality materials because we stand behind our work for years to come.
Complete Tile Contractor Service
Whether you need shower tile installation, tile flooring, backsplash installation, or tile as part of a complete bathroom or kitchen remodel, we offer the right solution for your goals and budget.
Virtual Showroom 3D Design
Our Virtual Showroom lets you see photo-realistic 3D renderings of your finished space before construction starts. Visualize tile selections, patterns, and layouts in your actual space. What you see is exactly what we build.
Proven Process
Our 6-step remodeling process ensures clear communication, quality execution, and no surprises from consultation through completion.
Transparent Pricing
We provide detailed written estimates covering all work, materials, preparation, and timeline. No hidden fees or surprise charges. When unforeseen conditions like foundation cracks are discovered during demolition, we document them with photos and provide clear change order pricing before proceeding.
Your Local East Valley Tile Contractor
We proudly provide professional tile installation services throughout the East Valley:
Ready to Start Your Tile Project?
Whether you’re planning shower tile installation, tile flooring for your home, a kitchen backsplash, or tile as part of a complete bathroom or kitchen remodel, contact Mustache Approved Remodeling to schedule a consultation. As your dedicated tile contractor, we’ll evaluate your space, discuss tile options and design ideas, show you photo-realistic renderings in our Virtual Showroom, and provide a clear plan for your project.
Our Tile Contractor Services:
Shower Tile Installation – Complete shower tile with S.W.A.N. Plan waterproofing
Tile Flooring Installation – Premium porcelain floors for every room
Tile Backsplash Installation – Professional kitchen backsplash tile
Shower Waterproofing – S.W.A.N. Plan with Laticrete Hydro Ban
Virtual Showroom 3D Design – See your finished space before we build
Additional Resources:
Bathroom Remodeling – Complete bathroom renovation services
Kitchen Remodeling – Complete kitchen renovation services
View Our Project Gallery – See completed tile installations
Whole Home Remodeling – Tile as part of larger renovation
Bathtub Installation – Freestanding tubs, slipper tubs, jetted tubs, Roman tub decks & complete tub filler installation
Bathroom Remodeler – Full-service bathroom remodeling contractor for the East Valley
Kitchen Remodeler – Full-service kitchen remodeling contractor for the East Valley
Flooring Installation – Complete flooring installation including LVP and tile
Shower Installation – Complete shower installation including walk-in, curbless, and tub-to-shower conversions
Mustache Approved Remodeling
ROC #309760 | Licensed, Bonded, Insured
Serving Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale & Ahwatukee