Bathroom renovations in Chicago, Illinois can go smoothly or become stressful depending on the materials you choose, especially tiles. From a recent bathroom renovation project, I learned that rushing tile purchases often leads to avoidable problems.
{Tile boxes and bathroom space before installation in Chicago.}
Many tile stores have attractive showroom displays, but what’s on the wall doesn’t always match what’s inside the box. During this project, we noticed slight shade differences between tiles from different cartons, which only became obvious once installation started.
To avoid this, we opened multiple boxes before buying and checked:
• Tile thickness consistency
• Edge alignment
• Surface finish
{Checking tile alignment and layout before installation.}
Another key factor for Chicago homes is water resistance. Bathrooms deal with constant moisture, and tiles that absorb water too easily can crack or discolor over time. Asking the seller about moisture ratings and intended use made a noticeable difference.
For this renovation, the total tile cost was around $520, including extra tiles kept for future repairs. Installation took two days, and the final finish was much cleaner than earlier projects where cheaper materials were used.
{Finished bathroom wall tiling after grout application.}
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation in Chicago, take your time when buying tiles. Inspect materials properly, ask questions, and don’t rely on appearance alone—it can save money and frustration later.
If anyone has tile-buying tips or store recommendations in Chicago, feel free to share your experience.