Surfaces & Lighting

Interior Tile & Stone Work in Houston, TX

Backsplashes, showers, floors and fireplace surrounds set on proper substrate prep, so the tile stays flat and the water stays out.

Get a Free Estimate Call (281) 660-3903

Interior tile and stone work looks simple from the finished side, but nearly every tile failure we see starts underneath: a shower built over drywall, a floor set on a slab crack without a membrane, or a backsplash with thinset applied in globs instead of a full trowel. Ace Kustoms handles tile and stone with the same care we bring to cabinetry, starting with flat, sound, properly prepared substrates and ending with clean grout lines and tight transitions.

We install tile and natural stone for kitchen backsplashes, shower walls and floors, bathroom floors, laundry rooms, entries and fireplace surrounds. Materials include porcelain, ceramic, glass, marble, travertine, slate and large-format porcelain panels. Each has its own requirements for trowel size, mortar type and movement joints, and we follow the manufacturer and industry methods rather than shortcuts that save an hour and cost a floor.

Tile work is often part of a bathroom remodel or kitchen project, and we coordinate it with the cabinetry and countertops so backsplashes land cleanly against the top and under the uppers. For a fireplace project, see our custom fireplace surrounds. A free in-home estimate lets us check the floor and wall conditions and recommend the right preparation before you choose tile.

Why choose Ace Kustoms for interior tile & stone work

Substrate prep first

We check floors for flatness, typically within 1/8 inch over 10 feet for large tile, and grind or level where needed. Walls are checked for plumb and flat. Tile only looks as good as the surface it is set on.

Real waterproofing

Showers get a continuous waterproofing membrane over cement board or foam panels, with sealed seams and corners, and are flood-tested before tile. Grout is not waterproof, so the membrane is what protects the framing.

Crack isolation on slabs

Houston slabs develop hairline cracks over time. We apply an uncoupling or crack-isolation membrane over slab cracks before setting tile, so minor movement in the concrete does not telegraph through and crack the finished floor.

Full mortar coverage

We use the right notched trowel and back-butter large tiles to reach full coverage, especially on floors and in showers. Hollow spots under tile lead to cracking and loose pieces, which are a common sign of rushed work.

Planned layout

Before setting tile, we lay out the room to center patterns on focal points, avoid slivers at doorways and corners, and align grout lines with cabinet edges and windows. A good layout is what makes tile look professional.

Clean transitions and trim

Metal or stone edge profiles, Schluter-style trims, thresholds and coordinated caulk joints give tile clean edges where it meets wood floors, countertops, cabinets and walls. Movement joints are placed where needed to prevent cracking.

Styles, materials and options

Kitchen backsplashes

Subway tile, handmade-look ceramic, marble mosaics, zellige, or a full-height slab backsplash. We plan outlet placement, end points and the meeting at the countertop and uppers so the backsplash looks finished.

Shower walls and floors

Porcelain and natural stone shower walls with niches, benches and accent bands. Shower floors use smaller tiles or linear drains to follow the slope, typically 1/4 inch per foot toward the drain.

Floor tile

Porcelain plank, large-format tiles up to 24 by 48 inches, natural stone and patterned cement-look tile for bathrooms, kitchens, laundries and entries. Large-format tile needs a very flat substrate and a leveling system.

Natural stone

Marble, travertine, limestone and slate bring natural variation and warmth. They need sealing and gentler cleaners, and some marbles are sensitive to water staining, so we recommend appropriate setting materials and care.

Fireplace surrounds

Tile and stone surrounds and hearths using heat-rated materials and mortars, with required clearances to combustible trim. We coordinate with custom mantels and built-ins so the fireplace wall looks integrated.

Accent walls and details

Tile wainscoting, bathroom accent walls, laundry backsplashes and mudroom floors. We also handle tile repairs, regrouting and replacing damaged pieces when matching tile is available. Grout color is matched as closely as possible.

Installer leveling large-format floor tile

Bright white kitchen with a marble backsplash and wood floors

Remodeled bathroom with a tiled tub surround and vanity

Our process

Inspection and measure. We assess floors and walls, look for cracks, water damage and out-of-flat areas, and measure the space. We discuss tile choices, layout and the substrate preparation each option requires.
Selection and layout plan. You choose tile, grout color and trim with real samples. We plan the layout, starting points, pattern direction and any niches or accent features before ordering materials.
Substrate preparation. We repair or replace substrates, install backer board, waterproofing and crack-isolation membranes, and level floors as needed. Showers are flood-tested before any tile goes on.
Setting and grouting. Tile is set with the right mortar and trowel for full coverage, leveled and aligned, then allowed to cure before grouting. Movement joints, trims and transitions are installed as we go.
Sealing and walkthrough. Natural stone and cement-based grouts are sealed where appropriate. We clean the tile, review the work with you and explain care, including which cleaners to use and avoid.

What affects the cost

Square footage and tile size set the base labor, with very small mosaics and very large tiles both taking more time.
Substrate repair, leveling, waterproofing and crack isolation add materials and labor.
Natural stone and handmade tile cost more and need more careful handling than standard porcelain.
Patterns such as herringbone, chevron or mixed layouts add cutting time.
Niches, benches, accent bands and trim details add labor per feature.

As a general planning range, installed tile in Greater Houston often runs about $15 to $35 per square foot for labor and standard porcelain, and $30 to $60 or more for natural stone, intricate patterns or showers with full waterproofing. A typical kitchen backsplash may run roughly $1,500 to $4,500. Get a written estimate based on your space and materials.

Built for Houston conditions

Houston's expansive clay soils cause slab foundations to move slightly with wet and dry seasons, which is why we recommend crack-isolation or uncoupling membranes under floor tile, especially over visible slab cracks. Movement joints at perimeters and in large rooms are also important. High humidity slows mortar and grout curing, so we allow proper cure times before grouting and before showers are used. Bathrooms here need complete waterproofing, since steam and humid air can carry moisture into walls. In older homes from the 1950s to 1970s, original tile is sometimes set in a thick mortar bed, which affects demolition and floor height transitions, so we check before planning new tile.

Interior Tile & Stone Work FAQs

Can you tile over existing tile?

Sometimes, if the existing tile is well bonded, flat and free of cracks, and the added height will not cause problems at doors, appliances or transitions. In showers, we generally recommend removal so we can install proper waterproofing. We evaluate the existing tile during the estimate.

What is the best tile for a Houston shower?

Porcelain is a strong choice because it absorbs very little water and resists staining. Natural stone works too but needs sealing and more careful cleaning. Whatever the surface, the waterproofing membrane behind it is what keeps water out of the walls, so we never skip it.

Why do tile floors crack?

Common causes are slab movement, hollow spots from poor mortar coverage, missing movement joints and a substrate that is not flat. We address these with crack-isolation membranes, full coverage, movement joints and floor leveling, which together greatly reduce the chance of cracked tile.

How long does tile installation take?

A kitchen backsplash typically takes one to two days. A bathroom floor may take two to three days including prep and grout. A full tile shower usually takes about a week from waterproofing through grout, allowing proper cure times. Larger projects are scheduled based on scope.

Do I need to seal my tile and grout?

Porcelain and glazed ceramic tile do not need sealing, but cement-based grout benefits from it, and natural stone usually requires it. Epoxy and some premium grouts do not need sealing. We explain what your materials need and how often to reseal.

How do I get started?

Call (281) 660-3903 or use our contact form to schedule a free in-home estimate. If you already have tile in mind, bring samples or product names. We inspect the space, discuss preparation and provide a written estimate. Photos of tile you like help us understand the look you want.