Tile work installation in Boise, ID

Yes — a waterproof membrane must go under shower tile because tile and grout are not waterproof on their own. Without it, water works through the grout joints and damages the wall framing or subfloor beneath, which is a common issue we see in older Boise homes.

Porcelain is the strongest choice for shower floors in Meridian and across the Treasure Valley because its water absorption rate is 0.5% or less, making it highly resistant to moisture. Natural stone is also a solid option when properly sealed, while ceramic is better suited to walls and dry areas.

It depends on the condition of the existing tile and the substrate beneath it — if the old tile is firmly bonded, level, and the added height does not create problems, installation over it may be possible. In many Nampa and Caldwell homes we inspect, loose or cracked existing tile needs to come out first to get a stable base.

Sealing your grout after installation is the most important step — it slows moisture absorption and makes the surface easier to wipe clean. In Boise, where the water supply carries moderate mineral content, wiping down shower tile regularly helps prevent white calcium buildup from forming in the grout joints.

We inspect the substrate for levelness, rot, flex, and moisture before any tile work begins in Eagle or anywhere else we serve. If the subfloor has soft spots, damage, or is not flat enough, those issues get addressed first — skipping that step is the most common reason tile installations fail early.

We install tile in bathrooms, showers, kitchens, laundry rooms, entryways, and other interior spaces throughout Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, Caldwell, Kuna, Star, Garden City, and all other communities in our service area. Each room type has its own substrate and waterproofing requirements, and we approach each one accordingly.