We were impressed with how neat and particular Rhothmen was. He made sure things looked right and were cleaned up at the end of each day. We were impressed with how quickly he kept things moving.
Transform your bathroom into a luxurious space built for beauty, comfort, and performance.
At Esox Custom Tiling, we bring precision, artistry, and craftsmanship to every custom shower we build. Whether you’re constructing a new home or remodeling your bathroom, a custom tile shower adds a refined touch that enhances both comfort and style—transforming an ordinary space into a spa-like retreat built to last.
Each installation is carefully designed for long-term performance, from the subfloor to the final tile. Specialty features like built-in niches, shelves, benches, heated floors, and custom shower entrances make your space as functional as it is luxurious.
What Sets Our Custom Tile Showers Apart
- Expertly installed tile that performs for years
- Personal attention and clear communication from beginning to end
- Thoughtful design. Expert execution. Lasting results.
- Locally rooted. Built on trust and craftsmanship, right here in Madison
- Fully licensed, insured, and committed to quality
What to Expect When You Work With Us
From first consult to final clean-up, we treat your home with the same respect we give to our craft.
- Clear communication and dependable timelines
- We treat your home with care and leave it spotless
- Guidance on selecting tile, grout, and layout for the perfect finish
- Precision in every surface—from waterproofing to finishing touches
- A flawless shower designed for everyday luxury
Tile for Any Room
We install tile in kitchens, bathrooms, entries, basements, and more. Whether you’re looking for glass, ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone, we’ll help you select the right materials for your needs and lifestyle.
Exceeding Expectations in Custom Shower Tile Installation
We chose Esox Custom Tiling for our basement bathroom to remodel since they responded immediately and had the best insights and advice for the job. They were able to begin work almost as soon as we accepted their offer and completed our bathroom tile in just over two weeks.
The whole experience with Esox Custom Tiling was great. Our bathroom tile is the highlight of our entire basement remodel, and friends and family can’t believe how beautiful it is. We have been recommending Esox Custom Tiling to all our friends and family members who are considering tile for their home projects.
Inside Our Custom Shower Installation Process (and Why It Outperforms the Rest)
Most shower problems start behind the tile. At Esox Custom Tiling, we take the time to get every layer right, because handling these foundational steps with precision ensures lasting beauty and performance.
Here’s how we build custom showers that stand the test of time:
1. Level and Prepare the Shower Area
Before anything is built, we evaluate the subfloor to understand what we’re working with. In new construction, this means checking the concrete or OSB for flatness and stability. In remodels, we begin by removing the old shower or tub, adjusting the layout if needed, and inspecting the existing subfloor. From there, we determine whether the area needs priming or self-leveling cement to create the proper foundation.
If the subfloor isn’t corrected now, problems like cracks, uneven tile, or drainage issues can appear later. We identify and address these issues early so your new shower is built on a flat, stable, and fully prepped base. Once everything is level and free of dust and debris, the space is ready for framing and layout.
2. Plan the Layout With Precision
Once the base is prepared, we map out the full design of your shower. This includes framing adjustments, determining stud spacing, and planning locations for plumbing fixtures. If a valve or drain needs to be moved to create the layout you want, we take care of those changes now so everything lines up exactly as it should.
We also plan all custom features during this stage—niches, benches, curbless entries, shelving, and heated flooring. Each feature is laid out with your tile design in mind to ensure proper spacing, support, and symmetry. By taking time to fine-tune these details before waterproofing, we create a structure that supports a flawless, functional, and fully customized shower.
3. Create Flat, Plumb, Waterproof Walls
With the framing in place, we address one of the most important parts of a long-lasting shower: ensuring the walls are perfectly flat, plumb, and square. In both new construction and remodels, walls are rarely perfect. Using lasers, levels, and custom shims, we correct any inconsistencies—whether they’re off by a 1/16″ or nearly an inch. Shimming every 16″ creates a stable, perfectly aligned surface that prevents tile lippage and ensures clean, straight grout lines.
Once the walls are corrected, we install Kerdi Board to create a durable, fully waterproof substrate. This step protects against moisture infiltration and sets the stage for precise tile installation. Taking the time to build flat, waterproof walls is essential—it’s what ensures your shower looks flawless on day one and performs beautifully for years to come.
4. Install the Shower Pan and Drain System
The shower pan is a critical part of the build, and this is where we finalize drain placement and waterproofing. Whether you prefer a center drain or a linear drain, we help you choose a style and location that fits your layout and tile design. Both options come in multiple finishes, including tile-in designs that blend seamlessly into the shower floor.
Once the drain is selected, we install a preformed shower pan designed for proper slope and drainage. This ensures water moves efficiently toward the drain—no pooling, no uneven surfaces, no guesswork. A precisely installed pan creates the foundation for a waterproof system and a long-lasting, comfortable shower experience.
5. Set the Tile with Care and Finish Strong
With the waterproof foundation in place, we set each tile using the right trowel size, setting materials, and installation techniques for your shower’s design. Proper coverage, clean lines, and consistent spacing are essential—especially on shower floors where slope, slip-resistance, and drain alignment matter. Every tile is placed with precision to ensure durability and a smooth, balanced surface.
To finish, we install clean transitions, seal edges, and apply premium grout and caulk for a watertight, polished look. We inspect every line, joint, and surface before wrapping up, ensuring your shower not only looks exceptional but performs flawlessly for years to come.
Custom Tile Shower Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
We proudly provide tile installation services to several cities in the region, including Madison, Fitchburg, Middleton, Monona, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, Verona, and Edgerton. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and personalized service throughout these areas. If your location isn’t listed but is nearby, feel free to reach out—we’ll be happy to confirm if we can serve you!
The timeline depends on the project’s size, complexity and custom features like niches, benches, waterproofing, and heated flooring. More intricate layouts or remodels that require plumbing changes may take slightly longer. We’ll provide a detailed timeline during your consultation so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
The process starts with a consultation where we discuss your goals, measure the space, and help you choose the right tile and layout. Before installation, we protect the surrounding areas to keep your home clean. Once the tile is set and grouted, we clean up thoroughly and review the finished work with you to make sure everything meets your expectations.
Yes. Every shower we build can be fully customized. We offer endless niche and shelving options, including small 12×12 niches, multiple niches for couples or kids, wall-to-wall niches for maximum storage, and even a low niche designed specifically to rest your foot on while shaving. Niches can be built at almost any height or location and can include tile or Schluter® shelves. We can also add waterproof LED lighting with a variety of color options for a luxury, spa-like finish.
We also build custom benches, from small floating corner seats to full wall-to-wall designs. Benches can be used for comfort, accessibility, or convenience—and can even be heated if you want a warm place to sit in the shower.
For shower entrances, we offer both traditional curbed systems and curbless (zero-entry) showers. Zero-entry designs provide a unique, seamless look and make entry and exit easier, while curbed showers offer a more traditional style and an added sense of water containment. Both systems are fully waterproofed and built for long-term performance.
If you enjoy added comfort, we can install heated shower floors, heated benches, or heated wall sections. We use the same Ditra-Heat membrane inside the shower as we do outside it—only covered with an additional waterproofing layer. This keeps surfaces warm, speeds up dry time, and transforms your shower into a warm, relaxing space you’ll look forward to using every day.
We provide full-service project management from start to finish. As a licensed general contractor, Esox Custom Tiling oversees everything, from pulling necessary permits to coordinating our skilled team of plumbers, electricians, and painters. We manage every phase of the remodel and oversee all inspections to ensure your project meets the highest industry standards, giving you total peace of mind and a hassle-free experience.