Subdivision homes built from the late 1990s onward make up a big share of the GTA — much of Whitby, north Oshawa, Pickering’s Seaton, Markham, Vaughan, Milton and Brampton. They are the easiest homes to tile well, and the ones where a tile upgrade makes the biggest visible difference.
Why they suit large format tile
Large open main floors, consistent modern subfloors and predictable joist spacing. Floors are usually flat enough to need little levelling, and the open plans are exactly where fewer grout lines make the most difference. A 24×48 porcelain across a main floor in one of these homes looks excellent. Read more about large format installation.
A note on builder-grade tile
The 12×12 ceramic in many of these homes was installed quickly, often straight onto plywood with no membrane. When we lift it we regularly find hollow-sounding sections and cracks along the grout lines. That isn’t bad luck — it is what happens when tile is bonded directly to a subfloor that moves. Doing it properly the second time is why it doesn’t happen again.
What owners of newer homes ask for most
- Main floor porcelain, usually large format, replacing builder tile or laminate
- Ensuite showers — replacing the builder’s acrylic surround with a properly waterproofed, fully tiled shower
- Backsplashes, often alongside a new countertop
- Basement finishing with porcelain and, often, in-floor heating
Things to plan for
- Transitions. Thicker tile next to existing hardwood or carpet needs a proper transition strip or a matched height.
- Baseboards. New tile usually means taking baseboards off and refitting or replacing them.
- Warranty. If the home is still under a new-home warranty, check what changing the floor affects before you start.
Thinking about an older home instead? See tiling a 1970s to 1990s home.
Get a free estimate
Ultra Renovations Inc has been installing tile across Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa and the wider GTA for over ten years. We are a registered Ontario corporation with general liability insurance.
Call (647) 648-8985 or request a free estimate and we will come out, measure properly, look at your subfloor, and give you a written quote for your home at no cost.