Tile work looks simple until it is done wrong. Grout that cracks after six months, shower walls that leak behind the tile because the substrate was not properly waterproofed, large-format tiles that are hollow because the thinset coverage was inadequate. These are not rare problems. They are the predictable result of tile work done by someone without the right technique or the right materials.
ThriveStar Remodeling installs custom tile throughout Colorado Springs as part of bathroom remodels, kitchen renovations, and standalone tile projects. Every installation starts with proper substrate preparation and waterproofing where it matters, before a single tile goes up. Chris Shannon and his team have the experience to handle complex layouts, large-format tile, custom patterns, and the technical requirements of wet area installations.
Call (719) 602-1307 or request a free estimate.
A custom tile shower is the most technically demanding tile installation in a home. The waterproofing system underneath determines whether the shower will hold up for decades or start failing within a few years. We use proven waterproofing systems including Schluter Kerdi and Onyx to create a fully waterproofed substrate before any tile is set. From there, the design options are broad: large-format porcelain, natural stone, subway tile, mosaic floors, stacked patterns, herringbone layouts, decorative borders, and more.
We install tile on shower walls, shower floors, niches, benches, and curbs. Curbless shower configurations are also available with the appropriate linear drain and sloped floor system. See our full shower remodeling page for more on what a complete shower build includes.
Bathroom floor tile needs to handle moisture, foot traffic, and the thermal cycling that comes with heated floor systems. We install porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, and mosaic tile on bathroom floors with appropriate underlayment and waterproofing at wet area transitions. For homeowners who want heated floors, we install electric radiant heating systems under tile during the same project. See our bathroom remodeling page for the full scope of what a bathroom remodel can include.
A tiled tub surround is a cleaner, more durable alternative to acrylic surrounds and panels. We tile three-wall alcove surrounds and freestanding tub wet walls with full waterproofing behind the tile. Subway tile, large-format porcelain, and natural stone are all common choices depending on the homeowner's style preference.
A kitchen backsplash is one of the higher-visibility design elements in a kitchen and one of the more accessible ways to update the space without a full kitchen remodel. We install tile backsplashes in kitchens from simple subway tile layouts to custom mosaic and patterned designs. See our kitchen remodeling page for more on what our kitchen work covers.
Beyond the shower, some homeowners tile full bathroom walls, wainscoting sections, or accent features. We handle full-wall tile installations with the same substrate and waterproofing standards we apply to shower work, particularly in wet zones near the tub and sink.
The tile type you choose affects not just appearance but maintenance, durability, and installation method. Here is a practical overview of the most common options:
Porcelain tile is the most widely used choice for shower walls and floors. It is dense, low-absorption, and available in a wide range of finishes including stone-look, wood-look, and solid-color formats. Large-format porcelain tiles, common in 24x48 and 12x24 sizes, create a clean, contemporary look with fewer grout lines.
Ceramic tile is similar to porcelain but slightly more porous. It works well for bathroom walls and kitchen backsplashes where it will not be exposed to standing water.
Natural stone tile, including marble, travertine, and slate, adds a high-end look but requires sealing and more careful maintenance than porcelain. Marble in particular is sensitive to acidic cleaners. We can install natural stone tile and will walk you through the maintenance expectations before the project starts.
Mosaic tile, typically two inches or smaller, is commonly used for shower floors because the higher number of grout lines provides better traction. Mosaic options include glass, porcelain, stone, and mixed-material designs.
Zellige and handmade tile styles have grown significantly in popularity for kitchen backsplashes and shower accent walls. Their irregular surfaces and variation in finish give a handcrafted appearance. These require a more experienced installer to set correctly due to their dimensional variation.
This is the part most homeowners do not think about until something goes wrong. The tile you see is not what keeps water out of your walls. The waterproofing system behind the tile does. If that system is inadequate, water works its way through grout lines and into the substrate, leading to mold, structural damage, and eventually a full shower tear-out and rebuild.
ThriveStar Remodeling uses waterproofing systems including Schluter Kerdi membrane and Onyx products to create a continuous, fully waterproofed surface behind tile in all wet area installations. This is not an upgrade we offer as an add-on. It is how we build every shower and wet area tile installation.
A custom tile shower is typically part of a broader bathroom remodel and takes two to three weeks to complete once construction begins. The waterproofing system requires cure time before tile can be set, and grout needs time to cure before the shower can be used. Rushing either of these steps is a common cause of early tile failure.
Smaller format tiles with more grout lines provide better traction on shower floors. Mosaic tile in porcelain, stone, or glass is a popular and practical choice. Large-format tile can be used on shower floors with a linear drain system but requires more precise sloping of the substrate to ensure water drains properly.
Yes. We install electric radiant heating systems under tile as part of a bathroom remodel or tile project. The heating element goes down before the tile is set and connects to a thermostat. This is compatible with porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tile.
Tile installation cost depends on the tile type, square footage, layout complexity, and whether substrate or waterproofing work is required. A simple kitchen backsplash costs significantly less than a full custom shower with a waterproofing system, niche, bench, and frameless glass. ThriveStar Remodeling provides free, itemized estimates so you know what your project will cost before work begins. Request your estimate here.
We handle all material purchasing and logistics once you make your selections. We walk you through tile options and can source from our suppliers, or we can work with tile you have already purchased. We will confirm the tile is appropriate for the intended installation before the project starts.
In some cases, yes. If the tile itself is in good condition but the grout is cracked, stained, or failing, regrouting can extend the life of the installation. However, if the grout is failing in a shower, it is often a sign that the underlying waterproofing needs to be assessed before simply regrouting over the problem.
We serve Colorado Springs and surrounding communities within approximately 20 miles, including Manitou Springs, Monument, Falcon, Black Forest, Fountain, Broadmoor, and Woodland Park.
Whether you are planning a complete custom shower build or a kitchen backsplash update, call (719) 602-1307 or request your estimate online to get started.