Bathroom Tile & Flooring in Thousand Oaks and Nearby

Bathroom floors and walls get wet every day, so the best materials are water-resistant, slip-resistant where you stand, and installed over the right base. Porcelain tile is the most common choice for floors and showers, with natural stone, ceramic wall tile, and luxury vinyl as other options.

Which floor materials work best in a bathroom?

Porcelain tile: dense, water-resistant, and available in nearly any look, including wood and stone patterns.
Ceramic tile: common for walls and some floors; softer than porcelain.
Natural stone such as travertine, marble, or slate: attractive but more porous; many stones need sealing and gentle cleaners.
Luxury vinyl plank or tile: warmer and softer underfoot and quick to install, though it is not suited to shower floors and seams can let water through to the subfloor if a toilet or tub overflows.
Sheet vinyl: few seams and low cost, common in older bathrooms.

How slippery will my new floor be?

Look for tile rated for wet areas. Many manufacturers publish a dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) value; ask your contractor or supplier which tiles are recommended for wet interior floors. Smaller tiles on shower floors add grout lines that help with footing, and matte or textured finishes usually grip better than polished ones.

Why does waterproofing matter under tile?

Tile and grout are not waterproof on their own. In showers and around tubs, a membrane behind the tile keeps water out of the framing. On floors, many installers use an uncoupling or waterproof membrane, especially over wood subfloors in raised-floor homes. Ask what system is used, and whether its parts are from one manufacturer so they work together as designed.

What is under the old tile?

In many Conejo Valley homes from the 1960s and 1970s, original tile was set in a thick mortar bed. It can be very solid, but it is heavy, and removing it can affect floor height at doorways. Some older floors have vinyl tile or sheet flooring, and the flooring or its adhesive may contain asbestos. Have suspect materials tested before demolition and follow the results. Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint on trim and walls; see the EPA lead-safe renovation rules.

Grout choices

Cement grout: traditional; usually needs sealing.
Epoxy or high-performance grouts: more stain resistant, but less forgiving to install.
Grout color: mid-tone colors hide everyday dirt better than pure white.

Large tiles, layout, and lippage

Large-format tile looks clean with fewer grout lines, but it needs a very flat floor. Uneven tile edges, called lippage, are more noticeable on big tiles and under side lighting. Ask about floor flattening and the layout plan, including where cut pieces will land at doorways and the tub.

Heated floors

Electric radiant mats installed under tile make floors comfortable on cold mornings. They need a dedicated circuit, a thermostat, and GFCI protection. Plan them before tile, since they can't be added later without removing the floor.

Hiring tips

Ask the contractor how they prepare the subfloor, which membrane they use, and how much extra tile to order for cuts and future repairs. Check the license at cslb.ca.gov. If tile is part of a larger project, see walk-in showers and full bathroom remodeling.

Frequently asked questions

Can new tile go over old tile?

Sometimes, if the old tile is solid, flat, and firmly attached, but it raises the floor height and hides any problems underneath. Many contractors prefer to remove it, especially in showers.

Is luxury vinyl okay in a bathroom?

It is common on bathroom floors outside the shower. Seams and edges can let water through in a flood, so follow the manufacturer's installation rules for wet rooms.

How much extra tile should I buy?

Contractors often order extra for cuts and breakage and recommend keeping a box for future repairs. The right amount depends on the layout and tile size.

Bathroom Tile & Flooring help around the Conejo Valley

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Bathroom Tile and Flooring