Tile & Backsplash Installation

Tile is one of the most versatile and durable finish materials available to homeowners, and choosing the right tile — installed correctly — can transform a kitchen, bathroom, entryway, or laundry room from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you are envisioning a crisp white subway backsplash behind your range, a herringbone marble accent wall in your master shower, or durable porcelain floor tile throughout your first floor, CrestLine Home Pro has the expertise and attention to detail to deliver a result that looks professional and lasts for decades.

Our tile installation services cover every residential application. Kitchen backsplashes are our most popular tile project and one of the highest-impact upgrades a homeowner can make for the investment. A well-executed backsplash protects the wall behind your cooktop and sink from grease and water while adding color, texture, and personality to the room. We install subway tile, glass mosaic, natural stone, large-format porcelain, peel-and-stick-look ceramic, and handmade zellige tile — each with its own layout requirements, adhesive specifications, and grouting techniques.

Bathroom tile work demands a different level of precision because moisture management is critical. In shower surrounds and tub enclosures, we apply Schluter Kerdi or DITRA waterproof membranes to the substrate before any tile is set. This prevents water from reaching the framing and subfloor, which is the number one cause of tile failure and mold growth in bathrooms. We build shower niches, soap shelves, and corner seats with pre-formed waterproof components that integrate into the membrane system for a fully sealed wet area.

Floor tile installation begins with substrate preparation. We assess the subfloor for flatness and deflection — two factors that directly determine whether floor tile will crack over time. If the subfloor is uneven, we apply self-leveling compound. If it is too flexible, we install cement backer board or an uncoupling membrane to absorb movement. Only after the substrate meets industry standards do we begin setting tile. We use laser levels and chalk lines to establish perfectly straight layout lines, dry-fit the pattern to minimize cuts and waste, and set each tile with the proper trowel size and thinset coverage for the format.

We work with all tile materials common in Chicagoland homes: ceramic, porcelain, natural stone (marble, travertine, slate), glass, and cement-look options. Porcelain is the most popular choice for Chicago homeowners because it is virtually impervious to water, resists freeze-thaw damage in entryways and mudrooms, and is available in wood-look planks, stone-look slabs, and geometric patterns. Natural stone tile adds warmth and character but requires sealing and more careful maintenance — we walk you through the care requirements during your consultation.

Grout selection and execution are just as important as the tile itself. We offer sanded, unsanded, and epoxy grout in dozens of colors. Tight grout lines with consistent spacing create the crisp, professional finish that separates expert installation from DIY attempts. For low-maintenance bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes, we recommend epoxy grout, which resists staining and does not require annual sealing.

Every tile project includes a thorough cleanup: grout haze is buffed from the tile surface, edges are caulked with color-matched sealant, and transition strips are installed where tile meets other flooring. The result is a seamless, polished finish that elevates the entire room.