Premium Tile Installation Standards: Lippage, Layout, and Grout That Lasts

In Fullerton and across Orange County, the difference between “nice” and flawless tile comes down to standards how flat the substrate is, how clean the layout reads, how tight the lippage control is, and whether the grout actually lasts. At Modern Renovations, we build bathrooms to pro standards honed over 450+ projects, so your tile looks perfect now and years from now. 

1) Substrate First: Flat, Dry, Solid 

• Flatness targets: Up to 1/8" in 10 ft for large-format; 1/4" in 10 ft for smaller tile. 

• Prep we do: Laser mapping, self leveling/skim, true backer board installation, reinforced corners. 

• Wet zones: Proper shower slope (¼" per foot) and a documented flood test before any tile is set. 

  
  

2) Smart Layout: Beauty You Can Measure 

• Sightline-driven: Balanced cuts at entries, tubs, and niches, no sliver tiles. 

• Centered fields: Consistent grout alignment through corners and plane changes. 

• Large rectangles: 1/3 running bond offset (not 50%) to tame edge warpage. 

• Features: Niches/benches laid out separately so veining wraps and lines align. 

  
  

3) Lippage Control: Smooth Underfoot 

• Goal: Stay stricter than allowable lippage (we target better than 1/32" where possible). 

• How: True substrate, correct trowel size, back-buttering large tiles, pro leveling systems, consistent joints. 

4) Bond & Coverage: No Hollow Spots 

• Mortars: High performance modified thinsets matched to tile and membranes. 

• Coverage: ≥80% dry areas; ≥95% showers with full edge/corner support. 

• Protection: Cure times respected; fresh work shielded from traffic and moisture. 

  
  

5) Grout That Performs 

• Cementitious (sealed): Cost-effective, great for many baths. 

• Epoxy: Top stain and moisture resistance excellent for showers and busy homes. 

• Joint sizing & color: Sized to tile caliber; colors tested under your actual lighting. 

• Sealing: Penetrating sealers on cementitious grout after full cure. 

  
  

6) Movement Joints: Small Gaps, Big Payoff 

• Soft joints at all plane changes and perimeters (color matched silicone). 

• Field joints added where needed, especially with sun exposure or larger spans. 

• Prevents stress cracks and keeps assemblies pristine. 

  
  

Our Bathroom Tile QA (Condensed) 

1. Substrate flatness verified and logged. 

2. Shower flood test passed. 

3. Layout approved; balanced cuts; niches/benches pre-planned. 

4. Correct mortar; required coverage achieved (checked by pull-ups). 

5. Joints consistent; lippage checked with straightedge/feeler gauges. 

6. Movement joints installed; locations documented. 

7. Grout installed, cleaned, cured; sealer applied if required. 

8. Final lighting check, punch list cleared; closeout care guide provided. 

Why Orange County Chooses Modern Renovations 

• Proven track record: 15+ years, 450+ remodels, highest Google reviews in OC. 

• Licensed & insured: CSLB #1101117 for protection and professionalism. 

• Full-service process: We handle permits/inspections, dust control, clear schedules, and back everything with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. 

Ready for Tile Work That Looks Incredible and Stays That Way? 

Let’s plan your bathroom remodeling project from curbless showers to statement floors with the standards that make perfection repeatable. 

Modern Renovations Showroom: 765 S State College Blvd, Suite A, Fullerton, CA 92831 Hours: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm Call: (714) 408-4800 Email: info@modernrenovations.com