Tile Installation in Waterbury, Connecticut
Waterproofed showers, flat floors, and clean backsplashes.
Tile lasts for decades when it's installed right and fails fast when it isn't. Stringa Construction installs tile showers, tile floors, and kitchen backsplashes across Waterbury and central Connecticut, with proper waterproofing, flat substrates, and careful layouts.
Our Watertown bathroom remodel included a new tiled shower and floor. We install tile throughout Waterbury, Naugatuck, Cheshire, Watertown, Middlebury, Southbury, Wolcott, Prospect, Southington, and Woodbury — as a standalone job or part of a bathroom or kitchen remodel.
We're a registered Connecticut home improvement contractor (HIC.0667855) based at 64 Ellen St in Waterbury.
What's included
Tile showers
Walk-in showers and tub surrounds with niches, benches, and glass-ready edges.
Waterproofing
A continuous waterproof membrane behind every shower — the part you never see and the part that matters most.
Tile floors
Bathrooms, kitchens, entries, and laundry rooms on a stiff, flat subfloor.
Backsplashes
Kitchen and bath backsplashes with neat cuts at outlets, windows, and cabinets.
Heated floors
Electric heat mats under bathroom floors on their own circuit.
Tile repair
Replacing cracked tile, regrouting, and resealing.
Tile types compared
| Porcelain | Ceramic | Natural stone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | Very high | Good (walls, light floors) | High, softer surface |
| Water absorption | Very low | Low–medium | Varies — needs sealing |
| Upkeep | Low | Low | Seal periodically |
| Best for | Floors and showers | Walls and backsplashes | Feature walls, high-end baths |
| Large-format tile | Common | Less common | Common in marble |
Layout is what makes tile look professional. Before we set the first tile, we plan where cuts will land so you don't end up with thin slivers at a doorway or along the tub. We line grout joints up with focal points like a vanity or window, and we use leveling systems with large-format tile so edges sit flush.
Porcelain is the workhorse of tile. It's dense, absorbs very little water, and comes in looks from marble to wood plank. Large-format porcelain needs an especially flat floor, which is why we check and level the subfloor first.
Ceramic tile is a great value for walls and backsplashes. Natural stone — marble, travertine, slate — looks beautiful but is softer and needs to be sealed and cleaned with the right products.
In showers, what's behind the tile matters most. We use a continuous waterproof membrane over a proper backer board, with sloped shower floors so water drains instead of sitting under the tile.
Signs you need new tile or a new shower
- ✓Cracked or loose tile
- ✓Grout that's crumbling, stained, or missing
- ✓Soft spots around the tub or shower
- ✓Water stains on the ceiling below a bathroom
- ✓Mold that keeps coming back in corners
- ✓A dated tub you'd like to turn into a walk-in shower
Repair or redo?
A few cracked tiles or worn grout can often be repaired by replacing tiles and regrouting.
If tile is loose in several areas, there are soft spots around a tub or shower, or you see water damage below, the substrate or waterproofing has likely failed. Then a full redo is the only real fix.
Our process & timeline
- Step 01
Visit
We look at the space, check the floor and walls, and talk through tile and layout.
- Step 02
Written scope
Fixed price with tile, waterproofing system, trim pieces, and any plumbing work.
- Step 03
Demo & prep
Remove old tile, fix framing and subfloor, and install backer board and membrane.
- Step 04
Tile
Layout from the center or a focal point, set, grout, and seal where needed.
- Step 05
Finish
Trim, fixtures, caulk, and a final walkthrough.
Permits & licensing in CT
Tile alone usually doesn't need a permit, but moving plumbing or changing a tub to a shower often does. We pull permits under our registration and use licensed plumbers. Stringa Construction is a registered Connecticut home improvement contractor, HIC.0667855, and fully insured. Registration protects you: it's required by state law for home improvement work, and it gives homeowners access to the state's guaranty fund.
Warranty
How to prepare your home
- ✓Plan to use another bathroom while a shower is being rebuilt.
- ✓Clear vanities, counters, and the floor of the work area.
- ✓Choose tile early and order some extra for cuts and future repairs.
- ✓Decide on niches, benches, and grab-bar locations before we close the walls.
- ✓Expect cure time between steps — waterproofing and grout need time to set.
Tile Installation projects we've completed
Tile Installation near Waterbury
Related: Kitchen Remodeling · Flooring Installation
Tile Installation questions
How do I get a price for a tile shower?
Every home is different, so we don't publish prices. Reach out for a quick quote — call (203) 343-8838 or send your project details, and we'll visit, look at the existing conditions, and give you a free written fixed price.
How do I get a price for a backsplash?
Every home is different, so we don't publish prices. Reach out for a quick quote — call (203) 343-8838 or send your project details, and we'll visit, look at the existing conditions, and give you a free written fixed price.
Can you convert my tub into a walk-in shower?
Yes. We remove the tub, adjust the drain and valve with a licensed plumber, waterproof, and tile the new shower.
What tile is best for a bathroom floor?
Porcelain is the most common choice — hard, low-absorption, and available in many looks, including wood and stone.
Can tile go over my existing floor?
Usually not. Tile needs a stiff, flat base. We remove old flooring and fix the subfloor first.
Do you install heated tile floors?
Yes. Electric heat mats go under bathroom tile and run on a thermostat.
How long before I can use my new shower?
Once the grout and caulk have cured, usually a day or two after we finish. We'll tell you the exact time for the products we used.
What grout do you use?
We choose grout for the job — standard cement grout for many areas, or stain-resistant and high-performance grouts for showers and kitchens. We'll walk you through the options.
Can you add a niche or bench in my shower?
Yes. Niches and benches are framed and waterproofed as part of the shower system, so they need to be planned before tile goes up.
Ready for tile installation?
Free on-site estimate and a written fixed price. Serving Waterbury and the surrounding towns.