Expert Tile Installation for Bathrooms, Kitchens, Floors & Backsplashes Since 2005
Quality tile installation transforms ordinary spaces into stunning showcases of craftsmanship and design. At Chris Gray Carpentry, we've been providing professional tiling services throughout Kingston, Amherstview, Gananoque, Napanee, and Belleville since 2005. Our expertise spans residential and commercial tile installations, from elegant bathroom floors to eye-catching kitchen backsplashes.
Tile installation is both an art and a science. It requires precision, patience, proper techniques, and an eye for detail. Whether you're renovating a bathroom, updating your kitchen, or installing beautiful new floors, our experienced tile installers deliver flawless results that stand the test of time. We work with all tile types including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, and mosaic tiles.
From initial design consultation through final grouting and sealing, we handle every aspect of your tiling project with meticulous attention to detail. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and customer satisfaction has made us Kingston's trusted choice for professional tiling services.
Complete bathroom tile installation including floors, walls, shower surrounds, tub surrounds, and accent features. Waterproof installation techniques ensure lasting beauty and protection.
Kitchen floor tiling and stunning backsplash installations. From classic subway tiles to intricate mosaic patterns, we create beautiful, functional kitchen surfaces.
Durable, beautiful floor tile installation for any room. Ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone flooring that withstands daily use while enhancing your home's aesthetic.
Transform your kitchen or bathroom with custom backsplash designs. Protect walls from moisture and splashes while adding visual interest and value.
Custom shower tile work including walls, floors, niches, and benches. Proper waterproofing membranes and slope ensure no leaks or water damage.
Professional tile installation for commercial properties. Offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and businesses. Durable solutions for high-traffic areas.
Crack repairs, broken tile replacement, grout repair and recoloring, and seal refreshing. Restore your existing tile installations to like-new condition.
Decorative borders, medallions, custom patterns, and artistic tile arrangements. Make your space truly unique with personalized tile designs.
In-floor heating system installation beneath tile floors. Enjoy warm, comfortable floors throughout Kingston's cold winters.
Ceramic tiles are the most popular and versatile tile option for Kingston homes. Made from clay and fired at high temperatures, ceramic tiles offer excellent durability, water resistance, and affordability. They're available in virtually unlimited colors, sizes, shapes, and finishes.
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Porcelain tiles are a premium option offering superior durability and water resistance. Denser and harder than ceramic, porcelain is ideal for high-traffic areas and wet environments. Modern porcelain tiles beautifully mimic natural stone, wood, and concrete at a fraction of the cost.
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Natural stone tiles including marble, granite, travertine, slate, and limestone bring timeless elegance and unique character to any space. Each stone tile is one-of-a-kind, featuring natural variations in color and pattern. Stone requires proper sealing and maintenance but offers unmatched beauty.
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Glass tiles add sparkle, light reflection, and contemporary style to any space. Available in countless colors and finishes, glass tiles are perfect for creating stunning accent walls and backsplashes. They're non-porous, easy to clean, and resist mold and mildew.
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Mosaic tiles are small tiles (typically 2 inches or smaller) mounted on mesh backing for easier installation. They create intricate patterns, visual interest, and artistic designs. Mosaics work beautifully as accents, borders, or entire surfaces.
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Large format tiles (12x24 inches and larger, up to 48x48 inches) create modern, sleek looks with minimal grout lines. They make small spaces appear larger and are easier to clean. Require expert installation to ensure proper support and leveling.
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We meet with you to understand your vision, assess the space, take measurements, and discuss tile options. We provide recommendations on tile types, sizes, patterns, and layouts that best suit your project and budget. Bring inspiration photos or we can show you examples from our portfolio.
Within 48 hours, you receive a comprehensive written estimate including material costs, labor, timeline, and any additional work required. We break down costs clearly with no hidden fees. We help you source tiles or work with your selected materials.
Proper preparation is critical for lasting tile installation. We remove existing flooring or wall surfaces as needed, repair or replace damaged substrate, install cement board or waterproof membranes in wet areas, and ensure perfectly level surfaces for tile installation.
Before setting any tile, we carefully plan the layout. We determine starting points, plan for symmetry, minimize small cuts, and mark reference lines. For patterned or specialty tiles, we dry-lay sections to ensure proper pattern alignment and spacing.
Using premium thin-set mortars appropriate for your tile type and application, we install each tile with precision. We maintain consistent spacing with proper spacers, ensure level installation, back-butter large format tiles, and check alignment continuously throughout installation.
After proper curing time, we apply grout using techniques that ensure complete fill and proper bonding. We clean excess grout, shape grout lines, and allow proper curing. For natural stone and appropriate applications, we apply quality sealers for protection and longevity.
We perform thorough cleaning to remove all haze and residue, conduct detailed quality inspection, touch up any imperfections, and walk through the completed work with you. We provide care and maintenance instructions to ensure your tile installation remains beautiful for years.
We bring beautiful, functional tile installations to Kingston homes. From single-room updates to whole-home renovations, we deliver personalized service and attention to detail that makes your house feel like home.
We understand the unique demands of commercial tile installations. Durability, code compliance, timeline management, and minimal business disruption are priorities in every commercial project we undertake.
Tile installation costs vary based on tile type, project size, and complexity. On average, ceramic tile installation ranges from $8-$15 per square foot, porcelain $10-$18 per square foot, and natural stone $15-$30 per square foot (including materials and labor). Complex patterns, small tiles, and difficult access increase costs. We provide detailed quotes for all projects.
Timeline depends on project scope. A standard bathroom floor typically takes 1-2 days for installation plus curing time. Full bathroom tiling (floor, walls, shower) takes 3-5 days. Kitchen backsplashes usually take 1-2 days. Larger projects like whole-floor tiling may take 1-2 weeks. We provide specific timelines during estimates.
Porcelain is denser, more water-resistant, and more durable than ceramic, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, commercial installations, and wet environments like shower floors. Ceramic is less expensive and works well for walls and moderate-traffic floors. For Kingston bathrooms and high-use areas, we typically recommend porcelain for best longevity.
In some cases, yes, but it's not always recommended. Existing tile must be firmly bonded, level, clean, and in good condition. Installing over existing tile raises floor height, which can cause issues with doors, transitions, and appliances. We assess each situation and recommend the best approach, which often involves removing old tile for optimal results.
Large format tiles (12x24 inches or larger) create modern looks with fewer grout lines and make small spaces appear larger. Medium tiles (8x10 to 12x12 inches) are versatile classics. Small tiles and mosaics provide better slip resistance for shower floors and create intricate patterns. We recommend sizes based on your space, style, and functional needs.
Regular sweeping or vacuuming removes abrasive dirt. Mop with pH-neutral tile cleaner diluted in warm water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage grout. For natural stone, use stone-specific cleaners and reseal annually. Clean grout lines with grout cleaner or baking soda paste. We provide detailed maintenance instructions for your specific tile type.
Most ceramic and porcelain tiles don't require sealing (they're already sealed by the manufacturing process). Natural stone tiles should be sealed before grouting and resealed annually. All grout should be sealed after installation to prevent staining and moisture penetration. We seal all appropriate surfaces as part of our installation process.
We do our best to match discontinued or existing tiles. Sometimes we can source matching tiles from specialty suppliers. If exact matches aren't available, we can create design solutions using complementary tiles or create intentional accent areas. For best results, keep extra tiles from original installation for future repairs.
Sanded grout contains fine sand particles and is used for grout joints wider than 1/8 inch. It's stronger and resists shrinkage in wider joints. Unsanded grout is smooth and used for joints narrower than 1/8 inch, wall tiles, and delicate surfaces like marble or glass that sand could scratch. We select appropriate grout for each application.
Tile installation requires temperatures above 50°F (10°C) for proper adhesive curing. Kingston winters require heated workspaces for tile installation. Interior projects proceed year-round with proper heating. We schedule outdoor tile work (patios, entryways) during warmer months unless heated enclosures are available.
Yes, we install electric radiant heating systems beneath tile floors. Heated floors are particularly popular in Kingston bathrooms, providing comfortable warmth during cold months. The system installs on the substrate before tile installation. We coordinate with electricians for proper power supply and controls.
Wait 24-48 hours before walking on new floor tiles (light foot traffic). Wait 72 hours before heavy traffic or furniture placement. Shower walls and floors need 72 hours before water exposure. Grout needs 72 hours to cure before sealing. We provide specific curing guidelines based on products used and environmental conditions.
Two decades of tile installation expertise serving Kingston and Eastern Ontario.
Meticulous attention to detail ensures beautiful, long-lasting tile installations.
Expertise with ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, and mosaic tiles.
Detailed written estimates with no hidden fees or surprise charges.
Fully licensed contractor with comprehensive liability insurance and WSIB coverage.
We maintain clean, organized work areas and protect your home throughout the project.
We respect your time and complete projects on schedule.
All workmanship backed by warranty for your peace of mind.
Professional tile installation serving Kingston and surrounding communities:
Contact Chris Gray Carpentry for expert tile installation in Kingston and Eastern Ontario. Free estimates and professional service guaranteed.
Licensed & Insured | 20+ Years Experience | Serving Kingston Since 2005