Tile Installation Vancouver BC
From clean modern porcelain to detailed mosaics and stone, we install tile with a layout-first mindset—so every cut, joint, and transition feels intentional. Expect clear communication, meticulous prep, and a finished surface that holds up in busy homes and high-traffic commercial spaces across Vancouver, BC.
Designed to look sharp for years
Crisp alignment, practical grout choices, and correct detailing—so your tile stays easy to live with and easy to maintain.
Professional Tile Installation for Residential and Commercial Spaces
Looking for a tile installer in Vancouver, BC who can deliver clean lines, flat planes, durable waterproofing, and a finish that still looks perfect years later? Priority One Flooring provides professional tile installation for homeowners and commercial spaces across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland—planned properly, prepped correctly, and installed with the kind of precision that protects your investment.
This page is your hub for tile projects: bathrooms, kitchens, entries, laundry rooms, retail spaces, lobbies, tenant improvements, and more. If your project needs something more specialized, you’ll also find direct links to our dedicated service pages for floor tile, wall tile, kitchen backsplashes, and large-format tile installations.
What “professional tile installation” really means
Tile is not forgiving. A floor can look great on day one and still fail months later if the substrate wasn’t flat enough, movement joints were ignored, waterproofing wasn’t continuous, or the thinset choice didn’t match the tile and conditions. Professional tile installation is a complete system: assessment, prep, layout, setting materials, curing, grout choice, finishing details, and protection so everything performs as intended.
Our approach is simple: build the assembly correctly, finish it beautifully, and communicate clearly. That means honest recommendations, tidy job sites, on-time scheduling, and documentation that helps you make confident decisions—especially if you’re balancing design preferences with durability, budget, and timelines.
If you want the best outcome, start with the right questions: Is the surface flat enough for your tile size? Do you need crack isolation, uncoupling, or waterproofing? What grout is best for stain resistance? How should the layout align with sightlines, drains, and fixtures? We guide you through those decisions in a way that keeps the result premium without overcomplicating the process.
Tile projects we handle in Vancouver, BC
We install tile for a wide range of residential and commercial environments. For homeowners, that often means bathrooms, showers, tub surrounds, kitchen floors, entries, mudrooms, laundry rooms, fireplaces, and feature walls. For businesses, it may include washrooms, staff areas, reception and retail zones, hallways, and durable finishes in tenant improvements.
The right tile and assembly depend on the room’s moisture exposure, foot traffic, cleaning routines, and the substrate underneath. We help you match the tile type and installation method to how the space is used so you get the look you want with the performance you expect.
Residential tile installation
- Bathroom floors, shower walls, niches, benches, and tub surrounds
- Kitchen floors and backsplash-ready wall prep
- Entryways, hallways, mudrooms, and laundry rooms
- Fireplace surrounds and decorative feature walls
- Heated floors and transitions to hardwood, vinyl, or carpet
If your project is specifically a kitchen backsplash, see our dedicated service page for detailed layout styles, edge finishing, and grout selections. Kitchen backsplash installation.
Commercial tile installation
- Retail floors and durable tile finishes for customer-facing areas
- Tenant improvements and light commercial renovations
- Washrooms, lobbies, corridors, and back-of-house spaces
- Stair landings, thresholds, and high-traffic transition detailing
- Schedule coordination with other trades for a clean turnover
For commercial settings, we focus on maintainability, slip resistance where required, movement accommodation, and long-term durability. The goal is a premium finish that performs under real-world use.
Tile types and finishes we install
Tile selection affects everything: the cutting method, layout, grout width, edge detailing, and the type of setting materials used. We work with common tile categories and help you choose options that fit your design goals and the way your space is used in Vancouver’s conditions.
Not sure what to pick? If you’re aiming for a clean, high-end look, we’ll talk through grout color, joint size, trim profiles, and how the pattern will read from the doorway. If your priority is durability and easy cleaning, we’ll steer you toward materials and finishes that stay looking good without constant upkeep.
Our tile installation process
A premium tile finish is the result of a consistent process. Here’s how we typically run tile projects in Vancouver, BC for both homeowners and commercial clients, with the goal of predictable timelines and high-quality results.
1) Assess the space
We start by looking at the substrate, moisture exposure, existing finishes, and what the tile needs to do in that space. We check for deflection concerns (especially on wood subfloors), surface flatness, and transitions to adjacent flooring.
For bathrooms and showers, we plan waterproofing continuity, drain placement, slope requirements, and where seams and corners must be reinforced.
2) Prep and protection
Prep is where most tile failures begin—or get prevented. We protect adjacent areas, control dust where possible, and prepare surfaces for proper bonding. Depending on the project, this can include patching, leveling, crack isolation, or installing a suitable underlayment.
For wall installations, we ensure the substrate is sound, flat enough for the tile size, and appropriate for wet or dry conditions.
3) Layout for clean lines
Layout isn’t just about aesthetics—it prevents awkward cuts and keeps alignment consistent through a room. We plan for focal points, sightlines, fixture centers, thresholds, and corners. On larger spaces, we establish reference lines so the pattern stays true across long runs.
If you’re choosing a statement tile or a large format, layout planning becomes even more important. A few millimeters of drift can be noticeable over distance, so we build the plan before we set the first tile.
4) Set, grout, finish
We use the right thinset or mortar for the tile type, size, and conditions. We maintain consistent coverage, correct trowel selection, and proper curing windows. Then we grout with a product matched to performance goals—stain resistance, ease of cleaning, and durability.
Finishing details include edges, trims, corners, silicone/caulk where appropriate, and clean transitions to adjacent surfaces so the final look is polished and intentional.
Our goal is a result that looks sharp on close inspection: straight grout lines, clean edges, flat surfaces, and a finish that holds up to Vancouver’s day-to-day use—wet boots, busy households, and real cleaning routines.
Subfloor and substrate prep: the foundation of long-term performance
Tile is only as good as what it’s bonded to. That’s why we put so much emphasis on substrate preparation. In Vancouver, many homes and condos include a mix of concrete slabs, plywood subfloors, and older surfaces that have been repaired over time. Each one requires a different prep approach.
Flatness is a major factor. Larger tiles demand flatter substrates to prevent lippage and to support full contact. If the substrate isn’t flat enough, we may recommend leveling or patching before tile is set. This is not a “nice to have”—it’s a critical step for both aesthetics and durability.
Movement control matters too. Buildings move, wood expands and contracts, and cracks can telegraph through rigid surfaces if not addressed. Depending on the project, a crack isolation membrane or uncoupling layer may be recommended to reduce the risk of cracks transferring to the tile surface.
For wet areas, waterproofing is not optional. A shower or tub surround needs a continuous waterproofing strategy that accounts for seams, corners, penetrations, and transitions. We plan these details carefully so you don’t get hidden moisture issues behind the tile.
Bathrooms and wet areas: waterproofing, slopes, and detail work
Bathrooms are where tile is most commonly used—and where installation quality matters most. A bathroom tile project can include floors, shower walls, niches, benches, curbs, tub surrounds, and accent bands. Each element has its own requirements for water management, movement accommodation, and finishing.
The most important principle is continuity: water should be managed intentionally, not “hoped away” by grout. Grout is not a waterproof barrier. Waterproofing should be built into the assembly where it belongs, with proper attention to corners, seams, and fixtures. A professional tile installation should help protect the structure of your home, not just make the space look good.
If your project includes wall tile in wet zones, the substrate and waterproofing method must be appropriate. For a deeper dive into wall-specific considerations and design approaches, visit our dedicated page: Wall tile installation.
Kitchen tile: durability, cleanability, and a premium finish
Kitchens are a balance of aesthetics and practicality. Tile can be a smart choice for floors and backsplashes because it’s easy to clean, resistant to moisture, and available in a huge range of styles. The key is selecting the right finish and grout for your cooking and cleaning habits.
For kitchen floors, we focus on durability and transitions that feel seamless into adjacent spaces. For backsplashes, the focus shifts to detail: clean alignment, balanced cuts, and edges that look intentional around outlets, cabinets, and range hoods.
If your project is specifically a backsplash, our dedicated page goes deeper into popular layout options and finishing details: Kitchen backsplash installation.
Floor tile vs. wall tile: choose the right service page
Floor tile and wall tile can look similar, but the demands are different. Floors deal with load, impact, and traffic; walls deal with vertical alignment, flat planes, and clean edge terminations. This hub page stays broad so the specialized pages can rank cleanly for their own intent.
If your project is primarily floors, visit: Vancouver floor tile installation. If your project focuses on walls, visit: Wall tile installation.
Large-format tile: modern look, higher standards
Large-format tile reduces grout lines and creates a clean, continuous surface, but it demands better prep and tighter execution. Flatness becomes more important, coverage must be consistent, and layout lines must be controlled across long runs.
For large-format specifics and best practices, visit: Large-format tile installation.
Commercial tile installation in Vancouver, BC: performance first
Commercial environments require a practical approach. The best commercial tile installation is one that looks high-end while holding up to cleaning routines, high foot traffic, and day-to-day wear. That means selecting tile and grout that resist staining, planning movement joints correctly, and coordinating installs around other trades so timelines stay predictable.
For businesses, we keep communication clear and scheduling tight. We can coordinate around access constraints, noise rules, elevator bookings, or phased work so you can keep operations moving. The goal is a refined finish that’s built for durability.
Specialized tile services inside this hub
This page is intentionally broad, so it can guide you to the exact service you need without blurring intent across multiple pages. If you already know your project category, jump straight to the relevant page below for deeper details.
Floor tile installation
Entries, kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and high-traffic spaces require the right prep, underlayment strategy, and transition detailing. Visit floor tile installation.
Wall tile installation
Showers, tub surrounds, feature walls, and vertical installations depend on flat planes, clean edges, and the right substrate for the environment. Visit wall tile installation.
Kitchen backsplash installation
A backsplash is about detail: alignment around cabinets and outlets, clean trims, and grout choices that stay looking fresh. Visit kitchen backsplash installation.
Large-format tile installation
Modern, premium surfaces with fewer grout lines—done right with the higher standards large tiles demand for flatness and coverage. Visit large-format tile installation.
Frequently asked questions
Do you install tile in Vancouver condos and high-rises?
Yes. We regularly work in Vancouver condos and can coordinate around building requirements like elevator bookings, work hours, protection rules, and disposal logistics. We keep job sites tidy and communicate clearly so your project runs smoothly.
Can you install tile over existing tile?
Sometimes, but it depends on the condition of the existing tile, the bonding surface, elevation changes, and whether waterproofing or movement control is needed. In many cases, removal and proper prep is the best long-term option. We’ll recommend the approach that protects performance and avoids future failures.
What grout should I choose for easier cleaning?
The best grout choice depends on tile type, joint width, and the space’s exposure to moisture and stains. We can recommend grout options that prioritize stain resistance and practical maintenance, especially for kitchens and bathrooms.
How do you prevent lippage and uneven tile edges?
Lippage control starts with substrate flatness and correct setting methods. Tile size and rectified edges raise the standard for prep. We plan layout, use appropriate techniques for coverage and alignment, and ensure the surface meets the requirements for the tile being installed.
Do you provide tile layout guidance for patterns like herringbone or offset?
Yes. Patterned layouts require careful planning and reference lines. We’ll help you choose a layout that complements the room and avoid awkward cuts at corners, thresholds, and focal points.
Can tile be installed with radiant floor heat?
In many cases, yes. The key is using the appropriate system and ensuring the substrate and setting materials are suitable. We can discuss your heated floor plan and recommend an approach that supports performance and longevity.
Get a tile installation quote in Vancouver, BC
Tell us what space you’re planning, the tile size and style you like, and your timeline. We’ll help you choose a performance-safe approach, clarify prep requirements, and deliver a result that looks sharp and lasts.
#130 – 7900 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC V6X 1A5
Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland
Information on this page is provided for general planning and education. Final recommendations depend on site conditions, tile specifications, and the intended use of the space. If you need a more detailed breakdown for a specialized category, use the dedicated pages linked above so you can review the most relevant guidance for your project.