- 5.0
- Since 2010
- GTA +100Km
Tile that lasts starts with a flawless base. Across Toronto, the GTA, and beyond, we laser-map floors and walls, correct dips and crowns, then prime, patch, and pour self-levelling where needed. Transitions are planned, movement joints are detailed to EJ171, and waterproofing/uncoupling is specified for the room. The result is a flat, quiet, tile-ready surface that lets large formats sit flush with tight 2 mm joints. Get a fast estimate or use the cost calculator to plan your project.
From survey to handover, our five-step surface preparation delivers a flat, dry, ready-to-tile substrate. We map heights/moisture, correct planes with SLC or skim, and verify to ≤ 2 mm over 10 ft;
so tile installation runs faster and cleaner.
Map highs/lows; note transitions, doors, fixtures; choose method.
We map surface variations, check heights to adjacent floors, note door clearances and fixture locations, then select the best prep method for your specific requirements.
Mechanical clean, prime, address cracks as required.
Thorough mechanical cleaning, crack treatment where needed, and primer application to ensure optimal adhesion for the levelling compound.
Skim, SLC, or dry-pack per plan; control thickness and edges.
Apply the selected correction method—skim coat, self-levelling compound, or dry-pack—with precise thickness control and clean edge work.
Verify flatness with straightedge; confirm
heights to adjacent floors.
Straightedge verification of achieved flatness, height confirmation against adjacent surfaces, and final quality check before cure completion.
Movement gaps
verified; cure windows
documented; site
protected.
Final perimeter gap check, cure time documentation, site protection for next trades, and handover to tile installation team.
Request a detailed surface-prep estimate. We assess levels, transitions, moisture, and movement joints, then hand over a clean, primed surface—often in 1–2 days.
We match the preparation method to your substrate, timeline, and tile size—then execute with tight tolerances for large-format work.
Skim coating provides fast correction for minor surface imperfections. Applied in thin layers, it quickly levels small waves and fills minor depressions while maintaining existing height profiles.
When to use:
Self-levelling compound (SLC) flows to create perfectly flat surfaces over large areas. Ideal for achieving the tight tolerances required by large-format tiles while building controlled thickness.
When to use:
Dry-pack mortar allows precise thickness control and slope formation. Perfect for creating custom drainage slopes and managing height transitions near thresholds and drains.
When to use:
Proper substrate preparation creates the foundation for beautiful, long-lasting
tile installations that perform flawlessly for decades..
Problems are solved before tile goes down.
Straight joints, tight corners, and tidy transitions.
High coverage produces a solid, quiet floor.
Defined cure windows and clear handover to the tile stage.
Request a detailed surface-prep estimate. We assess levels, transitions, moisture, and movement joints, then hand over a clean, primed surface—often in 1–2 days.
Different surfaces require different flatness tolerances. We test and verify every surface meets the standards for your specific tile type.
Large-format tiles require strict flatness tolerances to prevent lippage and ensure proper adhesive contact.
Quick test steps:
Place 10-foot straightedge across surface
Check for gaps under straightedge
Measure maximum deviation
Mark high and low spots for correction
Re-check timing: 24-48 hours after levelling
1/8″ in 10 feet
Wall surfaces need tighter tolerances to maintain straight grout lines and prevent tile slippage during installation.
Quick test steps:
Use 8-foot straightedge vertically
Check horizontally at multiple heights
Verify plumb with level
Test diagonally for twist
Re-check timing: 12-24 hours after skim coat
1/16″ in 8 feet
We correct dips and crowns, pour self-levelling where needed, and plan movement joints and transitions so your tile installs level and stays that way. Trusted materials from leading suppliers, delivered by a crew that specialises in prep. Yes, we have a crew just for that.
Waterproofing Systems
Adhesives & Grouts
Installation Products
Tile Supplier
Innovative Tile
Professional Tools
Flooring & Tile
Tile Tools
Tile Retailer
Flooring Supplies
Premium Surfaces
Natural Stone
A complete, compatible prep system from base to profiles. Start with a quick estimate or call our team.
See some of our recent tile installation projects across Toronto, the GTA, and beyond!
Join our satisfied customers across Toronto, the GTA and beyond. Get a detailed estimate for your tile installation project.
Watch our customers describe their tile installation experience and see the quality results we deliver.
Perimeter and field movement joints are required; substrate joints must carry through the tile assembly.
Subfloors must meet or exceed deflection criteria under all loads: L/360 for ceramic/porcelain; L/720 is often cited for stone and demanding façades. Upgraded mortars cannot fix structural deficiencies.
We test moisture and select compatible primers so SLC/patches bond and cure as designed. Manufacturer data sheets specify coverage rates, thickness limits, and recoat windows—plan your schedule around them.
Most residential prep completes in 1–2 days depending on area, moisture, cure times, and condo logistics. Use our Cost Calculator for an estimate—scope is confirmed on site.
Free tile cost calculator with instant estimates based on your specific project requirements.
Waterproofing expertise
Trusted 15+ years
Proven client satisfaction
Safety & Compliance
+ 100km radius from Toronto
Get answers to common questions about substrate preparation, flatness requirements, and our surface prep services in Toronto, the GTA, and beyond.
No. Flat means in one plane. A floor can be flat yet intentionally sloped (e.g., showers) and still meet tile tolerances.
Use skim for minor, local corrections; use SLC when you need broad, predictable plane correction or when heights must be controlled precisely.
We place a 10-ft straightedge and measure the maximum gap; we also check local areas with a 24″ reference to catch short waves.
Yes. Perimeter and field movement joints are essential to accommodate building and thermal movement; substrate joints must continue through the finish.
Walls for large-format tile should meet the same flatness principles. We often aim tighter (e.g., ≤1/16″ over tall runs) to keep grout lines razor-straight.
Traditional drains require ≈1/4″ per foot; linear drains allow a single-plane slope that pairs well with large tiles.
Poor substrate flatness increases lippage risk even with perfect setting. Meeting flatness before tile is the best prevention.
Typical homes: 1–2 days depending on area, moisture, and product cure times. Dry-pack and heavy SLC may extend timelines to allow proper drying.
Yes. We plan elevator bookings, corridors, and quiet hours, and we use dust-managed methods for common areas.
Start with our Cost Calculator to outline budget and timing, or call to discuss your space.
