Floor Tile Installation in Norfolk, VA
Tile for Norfolk’s older bathrooms and modern kitchens, set over a leveled, stiffened and waterproofed base.
Tile Stabilization for Historic Subfloors
Older homes in Ghent, Larchmont, and Colonial Place feature settled, uneven subfloor joists. Laying rigid ceramic or porcelain tile over these flexing wood structures results in cracked tiles and crumbling grout lines. We calculate your floor's structural "deflection" before installation, reinforcing joists where needed. We then install premium uncoupling membranes (like Schluter-Ditra) over the subfloor to absorb shear stress, protecting your delicate tile from structural shifting.
For coastal properties in Ocean View and East Beach, we apply advanced liquid waterproofing membranes to block damp, humid air.
Choosing the right floor
Our Premium Tile Materials
We specify and install only the highest quality materials designed to withstand moisture and high foot traffic.
Porcelain & Ceramic Tiles
Porcelain resists water, stains and the sand that blows in from Ocean View and East Beach. In Norfolk entryways, mudrooms and older bathrooms, porcelain is the tile we recommend most.
Natural Stone & Slate
Add classic old-world elegance with premium marble, travertine, slate, or traditional mosaics. Marble, slate and travertine are sealed after grouting so spills wipe off instead of soaking in.
How we work
Our 4-Stage Tile Installation Process
Straight grout lines and flush tile edges come from doing the prep in the right order.
1. Laser Alignment
Before setting anything, we lay out centerlines with a laser so cuts are balanced at doors and walls in Norfolk’s often out-of-square older rooms.
2. Cement Backerboard
Cement backer board, screwed down on a tight pattern, gives the tile a base that will not swell or flex like plywood.
3. Anti-Lippage Locking
We use tile-leveling clips during thinset installation, locking adjacent tiles completely flush to prevent any uneven raised edges (lippage).
4. Hydrophobic Grout
Joints are filled with stain-resistant grout, transitions are fitted to neighboring floors, and the room is cleaned before we leave.
Our Turnkey "Broom-Clean" Commitment
Tile demolition is the dustiest part of any Norfolk job, so we plan for it. Doorways are sealed with plastic, saws and grinders run under dust extraction, and debris goes straight out to the truck rather than through your living room.
Choosing a layout
Pick a tile layout for your Norfolk project.
The same tile can look completely different depending on how it is laid. Tap a layout to see where it works best.
Straight lay, large format
12×24 porcelain
- Looks
- Clean and modern, with few grout lines
- Best for
- Living areas, kitchens, open floor plans
- Labor
- Standard
- Note
- Big tiles need a very flat floor. We level first.
Offset brick lay
Subway or rectangular tile
- Looks
- Classic and relaxed
- Best for
- Bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms
- Labor
- Standard
- Note
- We keep the offset to a third on long tiles to avoid lippage.
Herringbone
Rectangular tile at 45°
- Looks
- High-end, with lots of movement
- Best for
- Entryways, bathrooms, feature floors
- Labor
- More cuts and layout time
- Note
- Allow about 15% extra tile for cuts.
Hexagon mosaic
Small sheets
- Looks
- Vintage and textured
- Best for
- Bathrooms and shower floors
- Labor
- Careful sheet alignment
- Note
- Lots of grout lines give bare feet extra grip.
Wood-look plank
6×36 or 8×48 porcelain
- Looks
- Hardwood style, fully waterproof
- Best for
- Kitchens, baths, basements
- Labor
- Leveling clips on every joint
- Note
- Laid in a random stagger so it reads like real boards.
Norfolk tile FAQ
Can you tile a bathroom in an old Norfolk house with sloping floors?
Yes, after leveling and stiffening the subfloor, which is essential for tile.
01Do you do classic hex and subway tile?
Yes. They suit Norfolk’s older homes beautifully.
02Can you waterproof a basement-level bath near the river?
Yes, with membranes under and behind the tile.
03How long does a shower take?
Several days including waterproofing, tile, grout and cure.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Describe the room and the tile look you want, and Max will come by at no charge to inspect the subfloor and sketch a layout.
"The cuts are perfect, job was done perfectly."