Expert Tile Installation for Lasting Beauty
Tile
Endless Design Possibilities
Tile flooring offers unmatched versatility in design. From classic ceramic to elegant natural stone, Olive + Baxter helps you select and install tile flooring that transforms your spaces with lasting beauty.
Material Selection
Choose from ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and specialty tiles. Each material offers unique characteristics in durability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. We help you find the perfect match for your needs.
Expert Installation
Proper tile installation requires skill and precision. Our team ensures correct substrate preparation, layout planning, and grouting for floors that look professional and perform well.
Design Flexibility
Create unique patterns, borders, and focal points with tile. From simple grid layouts to intricate designs, we help you achieve the look you envision.
Recent Tile Projects
Glossy herringbone and subway tile backsplashes from a Naperville kitchen remodel, set against quartz counters with under-cabinet lighting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?
Both are fired clay, but porcelain is denser and absorbs less water, which makes it harder and better suited to high-traffic areas and moisture. Ceramic is a bit softer and often easier on the budget, working well for walls and lighter-use floors. We help you match the tile type to where it is going and how much wear it will see.
Does natural stone tile need special care?
Yes. Natural stone like marble and travertine is porous and typically needs periodic sealing to resist stains and moisture, unlike porcelain, which needs none. Some stones are also more prone to etching from acidic cleaners. It is a beautiful choice, but it asks for a bit more ongoing maintenance, which we make sure you understand up front.
Does grout need to be sealed, and how do I keep it clean?
Most cement-based grout benefits from sealing to resist staining and make cleaning easier, especially on floors. Choosing a grout color that suits the space also helps hide everyday wear. Routine cleaning and resealing over time keep grout lines looking fresh rather than dingy.
Why does subfloor preparation matter so much for tile?
Tile is rigid, so it needs a stable, level base, and any flex or movement underneath can lead to cracked tiles or grout down the road. That is why proper substrate prep, and often a crack-isolation or waterproof membrane in wet areas, is critical. Good tile work is as much about what is under the tile as the tile itself.
How long does a tile flooring project take?
Tile takes longer than many floors because the mortar and grout need curing time between steps, and layout, cutting, and detail work add up. Larger areas, intricate patterns, and natural stone all extend the timeline. We give you a realistic schedule based on the specific tile and layout you choose.
