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.
Why Choose Esox?
At Esox Custom Tiling, we bring precision, artistry, and old-school craftsmanship to every tile flooring project. Whether you’re replacing outdated flooring or designing your dream home, we install each tile with care — so it looks beautiful on day one and still does ten years from now.
You won’t find us cutting corners to cut costs. We focus on getting the job done right the first time, with the kind of attention to detail that gives you peace of mind for years to come.
We Deliver Better Results Than the Competition
- Expertly installed tile that stays put
- Clean lines. No shortcuts. Always level.
- Personal attention from start to finish
- Trusted by discerning homeowners in Madison
- Licensed and insured
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.
- We show up on time and prepared
- We protect your space while we work
- We double-check every surface before we leave
- You’ll never have to chase us down — we stay in communication throughout the project
Tile Flooring for Any Room
We install tile flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, entries, basements, and more. Whether you’re looking for ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone, we’ll help you select the right materials for your needs and lifestyle.
Exceeding Expectations in Tile Installation, Home Remodeling, & More
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.
How We Install Tile Flooring (and Why It Lasts Longer)
Most tile failures start below the surface. At Esox Custom Tiling, we take the time to get every layer right, because shortcuts lead to big problems over time.
Here’s a look at the process we follow on nearly every flooring job:
1. Evaluate What’s Underneath
Before any tile is installed, we start by understanding what we’re working with. That means checking whether the subfloor is concrete, gypsum, or wood. We look closely at moisture levels, surface flatness, and how the floor is supported underneath.
If there’s movement or instability in the subfloor, it will eventually show up as cracks or loose tile. We take the time to identify any problems early so we can recommend the best preparation method for your home, not just the fastest.
2. Prepare the Surface
This step is where many installers cut corners. We don’t. Whether it’s grinding down high spots, priming surfaces, or pouring self-leveling cement, we make sure the foundation for your floor is solid and smooth.
If your existing subfloor doesn’t meet modern standards, we’ll reinforce it or rebuild it so it can properly support tile. Our goal is to create a stable base that eliminates flexing or movement, which are two of the biggest reasons tile installations fail over time.
3. Choose the Right Underlayment
Not every job needs the same materials. We choose the underlayment that works best for your specific tile size and the conditions in your home. For smaller tiles or areas where moisture is a concern, we use a crack-isolation and waterproofing layer like Tec HydraFlex®.
For larger format tiles, we install Schluter® Ditra, a professional-grade uncoupling membrane. This material helps absorb subfloor movement, reduces the chance of cracks, and adds an extra layer of waterproofing. It’s more work, but it’s worth it.
4. Use the Correct Trowel and Technique
Troweling is often treated like a simple step, but the truth is, it makes a big difference. We use directional troweling so the mortar ridges collapse evenly under the tile. We also check our coverage as we go.
The goal is to achieve at least 85% contact between the tile and the surface below. This keeps your floor strong, secure, and free from hollow spots. We choose the right trowel size for the tile and use the right motion with each pass. It’s small details like this that separate a rushed job from a professional one.
5. Finish Strong
Once the tile is in place, we select the best grout for your space. In most cases, a high-performance cementitious grout provides long-lasting durability and stain resistance.
For high-traffic areas or places exposed to grease and dirt, we recommend epoxy grout for added toughness and cleanability. Where tile meets another surface, such as hardwood or drywall, we install flexible silicone joints to allow for natural movement without cracking. It’s the final step in the process, and we treat it with as much care as the first.
Tile Flooring 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 and complexity. For smaller projects like a backsplash, it may take a day or two. Larger installations, such as full room flooring or custom bathroom tiling, may take several days. We’ll provide a detailed timeline during your consultation so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Tile installation costs vary based on the type of tile, the size of the area, and the complexity of the project. We provide transparent, customized quotes after assessing your specific requirements, so you’ll know the exact costs upfront.