Custom Tile Showers
A tile shower is only as good as what's behind it. We build every shower on a full Schluter or Wedi waterproofing system, then layout the tile, niches, shelves, and benches so the details land exactly where they should.
Installation Process
Tear-out down to studs. We check framing plumb, blocking for niches and benches, and slope to drain before anything else goes in.
A properly sloped mud base or foam tray sends water to the drain — 1/4" per foot minimum. Bonded flange drain sits flush with the waterproofing layer.
Full Schluter-KERDI or Wedi system on walls, curb, and floor. Every seam banded, every corner pre-formed. Optional 24-hour flood test before tile.
Story pole layout keeps grout lines centered on niches, benches, and controls. Large-format wall tile back-buttered and set with unmodified thinset per warranty.
Epoxy or high-performance cement grout in wet areas. Natural stone gets a penetrating sealer. Silicone (never grout) in every change of plane.
Waterproofing
Cement board with a coat of paint-on membrane is not enough. We install full-system waterproofing — Schluter-KERDI or Wedi — with banded seams, pre-formed corners, and bonded-flange drains. Warranty compliant, and it lasts.
Custom Features
Framed and waterproofed into the wall — sized to your bottles, not a stock box. Slope the sill, miter the edges, and center the tile pattern for a clean recess.
Cut-in stone or matching tile shelves add function in tight showers. Blocked and waterproofed behind — no adhesive-only shelves that fail in a year.
Full-width or floating benches, built with foam or framed and fully waterproofed. Curbless entries with linear drains available when the subfloor allows.
Detail Gallery
The details that make a shower last live behind the tile. Here's what each custom feature looks like at the rough-in stage versus the finished result.
Framed into the wall between studs, waterproofed with the surrounding membrane, mitered marble edges and a sloped sill so water drains out instead of pooling.
Solid stone corner shelf blocked into the framing before waterproofing — not glued on after tile. Subtle slope keeps standing water off the surface.
Framed with pressure-treated blocking, wrapped in the same waterproof membrane as the walls, then tile-clad with a stone cap. Fully cantilevered for easy cleaning.
Bare cement board is not waterproof. We install a full Schluter-KERDI system — banded seams, pre-formed corners, bonded-flange drain — before a single tile goes up.
Material Pairings
Bookmatched slabs or 12×24 tile. Sealed with a penetrating sealer at install and again yearly.
Filled and honed for a smooth, slip-resistant surface. Warm tones that soften the whole bathroom.
Grout & Edging Guide
Grout and edge trim are the last decisions, but they make the biggest difference in how long the shower stays clean and how finished it looks.
We pick grout after the tile is chosen, not before. The decision depends on the tile material, joint width, how much water hits the surface, and how much maintenance you want.
Epoxy grout
Best for: Porcelain & ceramic showers, wet floors
Why: Essentially waterproof, stain-proof, and never needs sealing. Best for showers that see daily use.
Urethane grout
Best for: Natural stone, large-format tile, moderate joints
Why: Flexible, crack-resistant, and easier to clean up than epoxy. A good middle-ground for stone and textured tile.
High-performance cement grout
Best for: Budget-focused remodels, narrow joints
Why: Economical and time-tested, but must be sealed annually in a wet area. We only use polymer-modified formulas in showers.
The right edge profile protects the tile, finishes the cut, and ties in with fixtures. We match the profile shape to the tile thickness and the visual style of the shower.
Schluter-Jolly
Best for: Thin wall tile, exposed side edges
Why: L-shaped profile with a clean reveal. The go-to for modern porcelain and ceramic wall installations.
Schluter-Quadec
Best for: Square-edged finishes, outside corners
Why: Creates a crisp, square edge on tile tops and curbs. Looks sharp with large-format and rectified tile.
Schluter-Rondec
Best for: Curbs, benches, bullnose alternatives
Why: Rounded edge that is comfortable and safe underfoot. Great for shower curbs and bench noses.
Photo Gallery
Removed a dated fiberglass insert and built a walk-in shower with large-format porcelain, a floating bench, and a recessed niche.
Tore out to the studs, waterproofed, and wrapped the shower in marble-look tile with brass fixtures and a built-in bench.
Shower FAQ
Get a Quote
Send the rough measurements, your timeline, and how to reach you. We'll follow up within 24 hours.
Send a few photos and the rough dimensions. We'll walk through waterproofing options, niche placement, and material choices before we ever quote.