TILE
Tile store & tile installation
Tile Selection & Installation in San Marcos, CA
Our San Marcos showroom doubles as a tile store. Choose floor tile, shower and bathroom wall tile, and kitchen backsplash tile there, then have us install it. We work in San Marcos, Carlsbad and across North County San Diego.
If the tile you want isn't on display, just ask. We can source it.
What we install
Floor, Shower & Backsplash Tile
Floors
Porcelain and ceramic floor tile for kitchens, bathrooms, entries and laundry rooms.
Showers and bathroom walls
Shower walls, tub surrounds and bathroom floors. See the walk-in shower tile in our Lake San Marcos whole-home remodel.
Backsplashes
Kitchen backsplash tile, on its own or with new cabinets and countertops. See the patterned backsplash in our Oceanside kitchen remodel.
Porcelain vs. ceramic
Porcelain vs. Ceramic Tile: What's the Difference?
Porcelain tile is denser and absorbs less water than ceramic, which makes it the stronger choice for floors, showers and other wet areas. Ceramic is softer and easier to cut, and it works well on walls and backsplashes.
Not sure which you need? Bring photos of the room to our showroom and we'll show you both.
| Porcelain | Ceramic | |
|---|---|---|
| Water absorption | 0.5% or less under the ANSI A137.1 tile standard | Higher |
| Best for | Floors, showers and other wet areas | Walls and backsplashes |
| Durability | Dense body stands up well to foot traffic | Check that it is rated for floor use |
| Cutting | Takes more care, especially in large formats | Easier to cut and shape |
Tile installation cost
How Much Does Tile Installation Cost?
It depends mostly on the tile you choose, the size of the area and how much preparation the floor or wall needs. We give you a written quote after reviewing photos and measurements.
Free Tile EstimateThe tile
Material, size and shape. Large-format and mosaic tiles take more labor.
Removal
Taking out old tile, especially tile set on a concrete slab, adds time.
Preparation
Leveling the floor or adding backer board.
Wet areas
Showers need waterproofing behind the tile.
Layout
Herringbone, diagonal and other patterns take longer and use more tile.
Tile as Part of a Bigger Remodel
Tile is often one part of a larger project. Planning a bathroom remodel with a new vanity, faucets and flooring, or a kitchen remodel with new cabinets and countertops? One licensed contractor can plan and build the whole room.
Planning your project
How Tile Installation Works
What we supply and install
Floor tile, shower and bathroom wall tile, and kitchen backsplashes, chosen at our showroom and installed by our installers.
What to send us
Your project city, photos of the room, approximate measurements and the style you want, through the inquiry form or by calling 760-682-5027.
Licensed and bonded
Model Home, Inc. is a licensed general contractor, CSLB #927826 (B - General Building), licensed since 2009. Visit our showroom at 1070 Commerce St, Suite F, San Marcos; please call ahead.
Tile Installation Questions
Is there a tile store in San Marcos?
Yes. Model Home's showroom at 1070 Commerce St, Suite F, San Marcos, doubles as a tile store. We're open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; please call 760-682-5027 ahead.
What is the best tile for a bathroom floor?
Porcelain is the usual choice because it is dense and absorbs very little water. For a floor that gets wet, choose a tile rated for wet areas with a slip-resistant surface; smaller tiles and textured finishes add grip.
What is the best tile for a shower?
Porcelain or glazed ceramic works well on shower walls. On the shower floor, smaller tiles are common because the extra grout lines add grip and let the tile follow the slope to the drain. The waterproofing behind the tile matters as much as the tile itself.
Do you install kitchen backsplashes?
Yes. Choose backsplash tile at our showroom and we install it, on its own or as part of a kitchen remodel with new cabinets and countertops.
Do you sell and install tile?
Yes. Choose tile at our San Marcos showroom and Model Home, Inc. installs it. Materials-only orders are also welcome.