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 Whether you’re replacing outdated flooring or designing your dream home, we install each tile with care — so it looks beautiful on day one and still does ten years from now.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.
The Esox Process: Meticulous from Start to Finish
From first consult to final clean-up, we treat your home with the same respect we give to our craft.
- Pre-Construction Audit: We verify that your framing and subfloors meet the required deflection ratings for your specific tile choice before the first thin-set is mixed.
- Dust Containment & Site Protection: Professional-grade surface protection is standard to maintain your home’s air quality and cleanliness throughout the installation.
- Layout Synchronization: We coordinate with your cabinet makers and electricians to ensure “hero” tiles are centered and wrap-around corners align perfectly with your fixtures.
- Consistent Communication: You receive direct, professional updates on timelines and milestones. We don’t just show up; we execute a plan.
Precision Installation That Outlasts Trends
We don’t just set tile; we engineer surfaces. While others focus on the finish, we prioritize the substrate to ensure your investment remains flawless for decades.
- Structural Integrity (L/360): We calculate subfloor rigidity to meet International Residential Code (IRC) standards, a critical step for lake homes and historic builds like those found in Oconomowoc and Maple Bluff.
- Expansion Control (EJ171): We strategically place movement joints according to TCNA EJ171 to accommodate the seasonal shifts and settling of Wisconsin homes.
- Technical Compliance: Every project is executed to ANSI A108 standards, prioritizing structural stability from the joists to the grout.
- Locally Rooted Excellence: Trusted by discerning homeowners from Middleton to Sun Prairie who value exacting standards over shortcuts.
Architectural Floor Installation
Large-format tile and natural stone require more than just a level surface. We engineer your floor to handle the specific stresses of your home’s structure.
- Material Specialization: Expert execution of handmade Zellige, large-format porcelain, and natural stone.
- Structural Readiness (L/720): For natural stone, we double the stiffness requirement following TCNA guidelines to ensure marble or slate never cracks under pressure.
- High-Performance Bonds: We utilize specialized mortars and epoxy grouts to ensure a permanent, stain-resistant bond in high-traffic entries and kitchens.
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.