FAQs

What is a shower pan?

JPond Custom Tile is located at 1913 Brandon Dr Ste C1, Tyler, TX 75703.

JPond Custom Tile serves Tyler and East Texas communities including Arp, Bullard, Chandler, Flint, Gilmer, Henderson, Jacksonville, Kilgore, Lindale, Longview, Mineola, Overton, Rusk, Troup, Van, Whitehouse, and Winona.

Call JPond Custom Tile at (430) 444-1016 or send a message through the contact form on the website.

JPond Custom Tile displays a BBB business seal on its website, and its BBB business profile can be viewed online.

JPond Custom Tile is built around one-installer accountability, disciplined preparation and waterproofing, a ten-year workmanship warranty, and a lifetime no-leak shower guarantee.

JPond Custom Tile focuses on residential tile services for bathrooms, kitchens, fireplaces, patios, and showers.

Yes. The Portfolio page shows completed showers, bathrooms, and other tile projects.

JPond Custom Tile offers bathroom tile, custom showers, shower pan repair, shower door glass, ADA accessible bathrooms, kitchen tile, backsplashes, tile flooring, fireplace tile, and patio and outdoor tile.

Design goals are discussed during the in-home consultation, and the installer can offer guidance on tile choices, layout, and materials suited to the space.

A dedicated tile installer focuses on preparation, waterproofing, and layout details that general remodelers sometimes rush, which leads to fewer leaks, cracks, and callbacks.

An ADA accessible bathroom is designed for people with limited mobility and wheelchair users, with features such as curbless or low-threshold showers, grab bars, adequate clear floor space, and accessible fixtures.

Yes. JPond Custom Tile provides ADA accessible bathroom and shower installation for homeowners in Tyler and East Texas.

A zero-entry or curbless shower has no step or curb, allowing a wheelchair or walker to roll directly into the shower.

Accessible showers often include a curbless entry, grab bars, a built-in or fold-down seat, handheld showerhead, slip-resistant floor tile, and controls within easy reach.

Slip-resistant tiles with textured surfaces and smaller formats with more grout lines improve traction on wet floors.

Yes. Grab bars should be anchored into solid blocking in the wall, which is easiest to add during a shower build before tile is installed.

Aging in place remodeling adapts a home so people can live there safely as they get older, often starting with bathroom updates like accessible showers and grab bars.

Yes. A built-in bench gives a safe place to sit while bathing, reducing fall risk.

Many bathrooms can be converted by replacing a tub with a curbless or low-threshold shower, adding blocking and grab bars, and choosing slip-resistant tile.

Timing depends on demolition, floor recessing, plumbing, waterproofing, and tile, and is typically completed within one to a few weeks.

Bathroom tile installation can include shower walls and floors, bathroom floors, tub surrounds, niches, benches, and accent walls. JPond Custom Tile builds each bathroom around waterproofing, structural preparation, and precise layout.

Porcelain tile is one of the best choices for bathroom floors because it is dense, water resistant, and durable. Textured or smaller tiles with more grout lines add slip resistance in wet areas.

A bathroom tile project often takes several days to a couple of weeks depending on demolition, repairs, shower construction, waterproofing cure times, tile size, and plumbing work.

Tile can sometimes be installed over existing tile if it is flat, well bonded, and structurally sound, but removing old tile usually allows inspection of the substrate and better long-term results.

Cement backer board or foam boards designed for tile are common substrates in wet areas. Regular drywall should not be used behind tile in showers.

Permits are often required when plumbing is moved or replaced within city limits. JPond Custom Tile coordinates licensed plumbers to handle permitting and inspections when required.

Yes. Tub-to-shower conversions are a popular bathroom upgrade and involve removing the tub, adjusting plumbing and drain location, building a properly sloped and waterproofed shower, and tiling.

Lighter colors, larger-format tiles, consistent grout colors, and continuous flooring into the shower can make a small bathroom feel larger and more open.

A freestanding tub sits away from the walls, so tile is often used as a feature wall or floor design behind and around it to anchor the space.

Yes. At JPond Custom Tile, the installer who quotes your bathroom is the same professional who completes the work, from consultation to final walkthrough.

Tile and grout are not waterproof on their own. A continuous waterproofing layer beneath the tile keeps water from reaching framing and drywall, preventing leaks, rot, and mold.

JPond Custom Tile offers a lifetime no-leak guarantee on shower installations along with a ten-year workmanship warranty.

Shower floors are typically sloped about 1/4 inch per foot toward the drain so water drains fully and does not pool.

A shower niche is a recessed shelf built into the shower wall for storing toiletries. JPond Custom Tile frames niches as part of the structure rather than adding them on the surface.

Yes. Built-in benches are framed and waterproofed as part of the shower structure, then tiled to match. JPond Custom Tile builds benches as structural elements, not surface add-ons.

A curbless shower has no raised threshold, so the bathroom floor flows directly into the shower. It requires careful floor recessing, slope, and waterproofing, and it is popular for accessibility and modern design.

A linear drain is a long, narrow drain usually placed along one edge of the shower. It allows a single-direction slope and works well with large-format tile and curbless designs.

Tile showers leak from missing or damaged waterproofing, improper slope, failed shower pans, cracked grout, bad seals around drains and valves, or failed silicone at change-of-plane joints.

Cure time depends on the waterproofing, mortar, and grout used. Many showers need at least a day or more after grouting before use, and some products require longer. Your installer will give specific timing.

Yes. Large-format tile creates fewer grout lines and a clean look, but it requires flat walls and careful installation to avoid lippage.

Yes. Tile is a popular fireplace surround and hearth material because it is noncombustible, durable, and available in many styles.

Porcelain, ceramic, natural stone, and certain glass tiles rated for heat are good fireplace options. Heat tolerance and noncombustible installation materials matter near the firebox.

Often yes, if the brick is clean, sound, and flat enough, sometimes after applying a skim coat or backer board to create a proper substrate.

The hearth is the floor area in front of and sometimes inside the fireplace. It protects the surrounding floor from sparks and heat, and it is commonly finished in tile or stone.

Tile near a fireplace should use installation materials suited for the heat exposure, and building codes require noncombustible materials near the firebox.

Many fireplace tile projects can be completed in a few days depending on demolition and design complexity.

Yes. Floor-to-ceiling tile creates a dramatic feature wall and is a popular design choice.

Yes. Large-format tile creates a clean, modern look with fewer grout lines, though it requires a flat substrate and precise installation.

Clean fireplace tile with a mild cleaner suited to the tile type and remove soot promptly. Avoid acidic cleaners on natural stone.

Yes. JPond Custom Tile provides fireplace and feature tile installation designed with heat tolerance, symmetry, and visual balance in mind.

Where is JPond Custom Tile located?

Yes. JPond Custom Tile installs kitchen backsplashes with careful surface preparation and clean alignment.

Subway tile remains one of the most popular backsplash choices, along with zellige-style tile, mosaics, large-format porcelain slabs, and patterned tile.

Most kitchen backsplashes can be installed in one to two days, followed by grout and sealing.

Full-height backsplashes create a dramatic look, especially behind ranges or on walls without upper cabinets. Standard backsplashes usually end under the upper cabinets.

Yes. Backsplash tile is commonly installed over sound, flat drywall in dry areas. Damaged or uneven walls should be repaired first.

Matching grout creates a seamless look, while contrasting grout highlights the tile pattern. Consider stain resistance behind the stove and sink.

Outlets need to be extended with box extenders so they sit flush with the new tile surface. Planning outlet placement helps the layout look clean.

Some tiles, like natural stone and certain handmade tile, need sealing. Cement-based grout benefits from sealing, especially near the stove and sink.

Yes. Backsplashes can be replaced with countertops in place, with careful removal to avoid damaging the counters.

Wipe with warm water and mild dish soap, avoid harsh abrasives, and clean grease splatter promptly behind the range.

Yes. Porcelain and ceramic tile resist spills, stains, and heavy foot traffic, making them durable and easy to clean for kitchens.

Porcelain tile is a top choice for kitchen floors because of its hardness and low water absorption. Wood-look porcelain is popular for a warm look without wood's water sensitivity.

Tile can be installed wall to wall before cabinets are set, or up to the cabinets in a remodel. The approach depends on whether cabinets are being replaced.

Cracks are prevented with a stiff, flat subfloor, proper mortar coverage, movement joints at edges, and appropriate underlayment or uncoupling membranes.

Yes. Tile works well on concrete slabs, which are common in East Texas homes. Cracks should be addressed and a crack isolation membrane may be used.

Tile can feel cool underfoot, which many Texans appreciate in summer. Radiant floor heating can be added under tile for warmth.

Mid-tone and darker grout colors hide stains better than bright white in kitchens. Stain-resistant or epoxy grout is also a good option.

Many kitchen floors take a few days, including removal, preparation, setting, and grouting, depending on size and tile format.

Yes, but the kitchen will be unusable during installation. JPond Custom Tile protects adjacent surfaces and uses dust control to keep debris from spreading.

Yes. JPond Custom Tile provides kitchen tile installation for homes in Tyler and East Texas.

Yes, when exterior-rated materials, proper drainage, and correct installation methods are used. Outdoor tile must handle rain, heat, and occasional freezes.

Porcelain tile rated for exterior use is a strong choice because of its low water absorption and durability. Textured surfaces add slip resistance.

Outdoor tile needs a slight slope so rainwater drains away instead of pooling, which prevents slippery surfaces, staining, and damage.

Yes, if the slab is sound and properly sloped. Cracks should be addressed, and crack isolation or uncoupling membranes may be used.

Some tiles can be slippery when wet. Choosing tile with a textured finish and suitable slip rating helps.

Water absorbed into porous tile can crack during freezes. Frost-resistant porcelain and proper installation reduce the risk.

Yes. Pool decks can be tiled with slip-resistant, exterior-rated tile and proper drainage.

Sweep regularly, rinse off dirt, clean spills promptly, and reseal grout or stone as recommended.

Yes. Outdoor kitchen counters, backsplashes, and floors can be tiled using exterior-rated tile and materials.

Yes. JPond Custom Tile provides patio and outdoor tile installation completed with proper drainage, slope, and exterior-rated materials.

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic tile?

What is the difference between sanded and unsanded grout?

Yes. JPond Custom Tile installs shower door glass as the final step of a shower project so it fits properly against finished tile surfaces.

Installing glass after tile is complete ensures accurate measurements and a proper fit against the finished walls, curb, and floor.

Frameless shower glass uses thick tempered glass panels with minimal hardware for a clean, open look and easier cleaning.

Frameless doors have no metal frame around the glass, while semi-frameless doors use a partial frame or channels. Frameless is more modern, while semi-frameless can cost less.

Frameless shower glass is commonly 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch thick tempered glass, while framed doors often use thinner glass.

Yes. Shower glass is tempered safety glass, which is designed to break into small, less dangerous pieces if shattered.

Squeegee after each shower, use a gentle glass cleaner, and consider a protective coating to reduce water spots and soap scum buildup.

Yes. Shower glass can be added to existing tile showers if the walls and curb are sound and properly aligned.

A fixed glass panel is a stationary glass wall used in walk-in showers without a swinging door, often paired with an open entry.

After measuring, custom glass is typically fabricated and then installed in a single visit.

A shower pan is the waterproof base beneath a tile shower floor that directs water to the drain. When it fails, water can leak into the subfloor, framing, or rooms below.

Signs include water stains on ceilings below, damp baseboards or flooring outside the shower, musty odors, loose or cracked floor tiles, dark grout that stays wet, and mold.

Sometimes. The fix depends on where the leak is and how far the damage has spread. JPond Custom Tile's shower pan repairs focus on the root cause of leaks rather than surface-level patches.

Shower pans fail from improper slope, missing pre-slope, punctures in the liner, poor drain connections, age, and waterproofing that was never installed correctly.

Regrouting can help if cracked grout is the only problem, but if the pan or waterproofing beneath the tile has failed, new grout will not stop the leak.

A plumber or tile professional may perform a flood test by plugging the drain and filling the pan to see if water drops or appears below. Checking for staining under the shower also helps.

Yes. Water that escapes a failed shower pan often stays trapped in walls and subfloors, where it can cause mold, rot, and structural damage.

Shower pan repair often takes several days because tile removal, repairs, new waterproofing, and curing are involved.

Homeowners insurance may cover sudden water damage but often excludes long-term leaks and wear. Check your policy and document damage promptly.

Every time the shower is used, more water can reach framing and subfloor. Repairing promptly limits damage and repair costs.

Why is waterproofing important in a tile shower?

Sanded grout contains fine sand for strength and is used in wider joints, typically 1/8 inch and larger. Unsanded grout is smoother and used for narrow joints and delicate surfaces.

Epoxy grout is a two-part grout that is highly stain and water resistant and does not require sealing, making it a good choice for showers and kitchens.

Cement-based grout is porous, so sealing helps resist stains and moisture. Epoxy and some modern grouts do not need sealing.

Corners and changes of plane move slightly as a home settles and temperature changes. Flexible silicone accommodates that movement and prevents cracks that rigid grout would develop.

Grout cracks from movement in the substrate, missing movement joints, improper mixing, or grout used where silicone should be.

Use a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft brush regularly. Avoid harsh acids on stone and cement grout, and reseal as needed.

Natural stone and cement grout are commonly resealed every one to three years depending on use and product.

Yes. Grout can be removed and replaced if the tile and waterproofing are in good condition.

A movement joint is a flexible joint that allows tile to expand and contract without cracking. It is typically placed at perimeters, changes of plane, and over structural joints.

Natural stone requires more care than porcelain, including sealing and gentle cleaners, but it offers unique beauty and character.

Yes. JPond Custom Tile offers free estimates. Call (430) 444-1016 or use the contact form to schedule an in-home consultation.

The installer visits your home to review the space, discuss your goals, and determine the scope. Straightforward projects may receive pricing at the visit, while larger projects receive a detailed written estimate.

JPond Custom Tile offers a ten-year workmanship warranty and a lifetime no-leak guarantee on shower installations.

The same installer who quotes your project completes the work. There are no rotating crews or sales handoffs.

Floors, walls, and adjacent surfaces are protected before work begins, and dust control systems are used to keep debris from spreading through the home.

Within city limits, licensed plumbers are coordinated to handle permits and inspections when required. Outside city limits, plumbing can be completed in-house where allowed.

Final payment is collected after a final walkthrough and homeowner approval of the completed work.

Contracts, approvals, and payment schedules are handled professionally and outlined clearly before the project begins.

Most tile failures come from shortcuts in preparation, improper waterproofing, or rushed installation rather than the tile itself.

Book early for larger remodels to allow time for consultation, tile selection, ordering, and scheduling. Call to check current availability.

Porcelain tile is denser and absorbs less water than ceramic, making it more durable and better for high-traffic and wet areas. Ceramic is often easier to cut and more affordable for walls.

Properly installed porcelain or ceramic tile floors can last decades. Longevity depends on subfloor preparation, installation quality, and maintenance.

Lippage is when the edge of one tile sits higher than an adjacent tile, creating an uneven surface. It is minimized with flat substrates, proper mortar technique, and leveling systems.

Tile floors crack from subfloor movement, poor mortar coverage, missing movement joints, slab cracks, or heavy impacts.

An uncoupling membrane is installed between the subfloor and tile to absorb movement and help prevent cracks from transferring into the tile.

Yes. Wood-look porcelain tile offers the appearance of hardwood with better water resistance and durability, which works well in Texas homes.

Plan for about 10 to 15 percent extra tile to cover cuts, breakage, and future repairs, with more for diagonal or complex patterns.

Yes. Continuous tile flooring throughout a home creates a seamless look and is common in East Texas homes on concrete slabs.

Many tile floors can handle light foot traffic about 24 hours after setting, but timing depends on the mortar and grout used.

Yes. JPond Custom Tile provides tile flooring installation throughout Tyler and surrounding East Texas communities.

Can tile be installed outdoors in East Texas?

Does JPond Custom Tile install kitchen backsplashes?

Does JPond Custom Tile install shower glass?

Does JPond Custom Tile offer free estimates?

Is tile a good choice for kitchen floors?

Can you put tile on a fireplace?

What is an ADA accessible bathroom?

What does bathroom tile installation include?