Tile Installation Process

We keep projects moving with clear steps, documented scopes, and tidy sites. Expect precision surface prepcertified waterproofing where needed, and clean finishing—plus straightforward communication from start to finish for your tile installation project across Toronto, the GTA & Beyond!

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What to expect

Every project follows a systematic approach designed to deliver durable, beautiful results while keeping your site organized and your timeline predictable.

Fast, accurate estimates

Share photos and rough dimensions for a same-day ballpark through our cost calculator or call us now for a quick estimate

Protection & prep first

Floor protection, dust control, and zip walls where needed. We correct flatness, moisture-test, and stabilise substrates before tile.

Waterproof & movement

Experienced with Schluter® systems (KERDI/DITRA/DITRA-HEAT). We use 2 mm grout lines and EJ171 movement joints at plane changes.

Clean handovers

Daily tidy plus a thorough final clean, care tips, and next-day check-in so you can enjoy the space sooner.

The 5 Steps to Professional Tile Installation

A clear, homeowner-friendly sequence that reduces risk, keeps your home tidy, and delivers durable results in Toronto & the GTA.

Share Details

Send photos, rough measurements, tile type/size if known, and timing goals. Use our Cost Calculator for a fast ballpark; a site visit confirms the final estimate and schedule.

Site Review & Plan

We verify measurements and map the layout: grout joint alignment, cuts, edges/profiles, transitions, heat zones, and drain positions—so the finish looks intentional.

Prep & Waterproofing

Dust control and floor protection first. We correct flatness (grind/SLC/dry-pack), moisture-test, then waterproof wet areas (Schluter® KERDI/DITRA where needed) and plan EJ171 movement joints.

Set & Finish

Directional trowelling and back-buttering for full coverage, ≤33% offsets on rectangles, 2 mm joints, lippage control, and edges finished with mitres or slim profiles. Silicone at plane changes.

Handover

Daily tidy, thorough final clean, care notes, and next-day check-in. You get a clean space ready to use—backed by our lifetime workmanship warranty.

Installer marking tile layout lines with a laser level and chalk on a protected floor during planning.

For Homeowners & Builders

We tailor our process to occupied homes and active job sites—clear expectations, tidy work areas, and documentation that keeps projects on track.

For Homeowners

What to send

Photos of the space, rough dimensions, tile type/size if known, target start date

Protecting your home

Floor protection, dust barriers/air scrubbers, safe tool setup, careful access routes

Typical day-by-day

Clear start/finish times, what happens each day, when areas need to stay off-limits

Minimising disruption

Respect for quiet hours, pet/child safety plans, daily tidy and trash removal

For GCs/Builders

What to send

Drawings, finish schedules, milestones/turnover dates, site rules, delivery/access notes

Documentation

WSIB clearance, $2M liability insurance, safety compliance; pre-start toolbox talk if needed

Coordination

Layout map (cuts, joints, profiles, transitions), heat/drain locations, hold-points for sign-off

Handoffs

Photo logs (e.g., waterproofing before cover), area protection, deficiency close-out

Prep & Tolerance Standards

Durable tile starts with a flat, stable substrate. We protect surfaces, control dust, and correct flatness before any tile is set—reducing lippage, boosting bond strength, and improving the final look.

Floor Flatness Targets

We target ≤ 1/8″ variation over 10′ for most floors, and tighten to ≈ 1/16″ over 6′ on large-format tile. The result: consistent joints and fewer shadow lines.

Wall Flatness Targets

We target ≤ 1/8″ over 10′ (≈ 1/16″ over 6′ in critical areas) so panels sit flush and glossy tiles don’t telegraph waves or dips.

How we achieve it

Survey & mark: Straightedge and laser to map highs/lows at multiple angles
Correct: Grind high spots; fill lows with SLC/skim or dry-pack as appropriate
Re-check: Verify tolerances before waterproofing and again before setting tile
Protect: Floor protection, dust barriers, and tidy end-of-day cleanups throughout

What we include vs you supply

Clear scope means no surprises. Below is what we include, what you’ll supply for finishes, and optional upgrades that many Toronto & GTA clients choose.

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We include

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You supply

Note: We’ll confirm quantities  during planning.

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Optional add-ons

Heated floors (DITRA-HEAT)

Electric underfloor heating systems

Linear drains

Modern drainage solutions for showers

Benches/niches

Custom built-in storage and seating

Slab features

Integrated counters and surfaces

Questions about scope or materials? We’ll walk through everything during the planning phase to ensure complete clarity before work begins.

Timelines & coordination

Prompt starts thanks to a 6-person crew with >100 projects/year capacity. Condo logistics, service elevators, protection, and quiet hours are scheduled as needed. We’ll outline the daily sequence and agree on access windows that fit your household or site.

6-Person Crew

Dedicated team ensures consistent quality and faster completion

~1500 Projects

Experienced capacity for reliable scheduling and prompt starts

Condo Logistics

Service elevator bookings, protection protocols, and building compliance

Flexible Scheduling

Quiet hours, access windows, and household coordination

Typical Project Timeline

Ready to discuss your project timeline and coordination needs?

Technical Details That Make Tile Last

Small choices add up. We prioritize full mortar coverage, flexible movement joints, clean edge profiles, intentional layouts, and straightforward care—so your tile performs and looks great for years.

Coverage & technique

We use directional trowelling and back-buttering (on large-format) to achieve near full coverage under every tile. This reduces hollow spots, improves bond strength, and yields a more solid underfoot feel. Where needed, we use lippage control systems to keep faces flat with 2 mm joints for clean, consistent lines.

Large-format tiles receive back-buttering on key areas, while smaller formats benefit from consistent trowel direction and proper combing techniques. Every tile is checked for proper seating before adhesive begins its initial set.

Movement joints & silicone

Tiles and buildings move. We follow EJ171 principles: soft joints at plane changes and perimeters using colour-matched 100% silicone (not grout). Result: fewer stress cracks and cleaner corners—especially in showers and sun-exposed areas.

We use high-quality, colour-matched silicone that resists mildew and maintains flexibility over time. Clean installation and proper tooling ensure joints look intentional rather than like an afterthought.

Profiles that protect

Exposed edges are finished with slim metal profiles (e.g., Schluter®) or neat 45° mitres where appropriate. Proper profile installation protects vulnerable tile edges from chipping while maintaining clean, professional lines.

 

The right profile choice can make the difference between an installation that looks built-in versus added-on.

Layout planning

We map sightlines, centre fields on focal points, and avoid sliver cuts in visible areas. Rectangles use ≤ 33% offsets to minimize warping shadows. Drains, niches, benches, and thresholds are aligned so the installation looks intentional, not improvised.

The goal is an installation that feels intentional and complete—where every cut tile looks like it belongs there, and transitions between materials enhance rather than interrupt the design flow.

Care & maintenance

Use pH-neutral cleaners, microfibre mops, and avoid harsh acids/solvents. Re-seal natural stone as recommended; refresh silicone at corners over time as needed. We provide simple care notes at handover to keep maintenance painless.

During handover, we’ll demonstrate proper cleaning techniques and explain the simple daily practices that keep your installation looking fresh. Most tile installations will look great for decades with basic care.

Free tile cost calculator with instant estimates based on your specific project requirements.

Why Choose Mallet Tile

Expert Installers

Waterproofing expertise

Since 2010

Trusted 15+ years

5.0 Google rating

Proven client satisfaction

WSIB/insured

Safety & Compliance

Service Areas

Toronto

Oakville

Muskoka

Burlington

Mississauga

Milton

Hamilton

Brampton

+ 100km radius from Toronto

Questions about our process?

We’re happy to walk through how our systematic approach will work for your specific project.

Process FAQs

Most standard bathrooms take about a week once prep starts, depending on scope and cure times. Larger spaces or custom features (benches, niches, slab accents) may add days. We provide a day-by-day plan before work begins.

Most standard bathrooms take about a week once prep starts, depending on scope and cure times. Larger spaces or custom features (benches, niches, slab accents) may add days.

Yes. Use our Cost Calculator for a same-day ballpark. A site visit confirms measurements, layout, and the final estimate and schedule when needed.

You purchase the visible finishes (tile, any specialty trims). We handle installation materials: mortars, grout, waterproofing, and standard profiles.

We set up floor protection, plastic barriers, and clean cutting stations. Tools connect to vacuums or air scrubbers. We tidy daily so walkways remain clear and safe.

We install sheet or membrane systems such as Schluter®-KERDI to create a continuous waterproof assembly. Corners get flexible joints (100% silicone) to manage movement and reduce cracking.

Yes. We frequently install Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT. It’s embedded beneath the tile for even warmth. We map heat zones during planning and coordinate electrical connections with your electrician.

We target ≤ 1/8″ over 10′ for most floors and tighten to about 1/16″ over 6′ for large-format tile. This reduces lippage and keeps joints consistent.

Yes. We help with service-elevator bookings, set up hallway protection, and noise windows. We provide WSIB clearance and liability insurance documents as requested by the building.

We include installation materials, waterproofing where required, movement joints, profiles, and daily protection/cleanup. You supply the visible finishes and any custom fixtures (e.g., linear drains). We confirm everything during planning.

If an issue arises due to our installation, we fix it. Manufacturer defects are covered by product warranties

Ready for step one?

Start with our Cost Calculator to outline budget and timing, or call to discuss your space.

GET A QUOTE

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