Custom Work
Custom and Mosaic Tile Work in San Diego
Feature walls, patterned floors, mosaic accents, fireplace surrounds and entry designs for homes and businesses across San Diego County. Bring a photo, a sketch or the tile you found, and we will tell you what it takes to build it.
On custom work, the layout is the job
On a plain floor, a small layout mistake hides in a corner. On a herringbone floor or a mosaic wall it shows from across the room. Custom tile is mostly planning: where the pattern starts, how it meets the walls, and where the cut pieces go so the eye does not land on them.
We mark the layout on the actual floor or wall before anything is set, check it against doors, windows and the focal point of the room, and adjust before the mortar comes out. With mosaic sheets, we keep the spacing between sheets the same as inside them, so the sheet edges disappear.
Everything is done by our own crew. The patterned accent wall at Slice House in Little Italy, shown below, is one of our recent custom jobs.
A Recent Custom Wall
How a Custom Job Goes
- 1Idea and estimateBring photos, a sketch or the tile you found. We talk through what works in your space and give you a written price.
- 2Layout on siteWe mark the pattern on the real wall or floor and check it with you before setting.
- 3SettingTile goes on from the reference lines outward, with the cuts planned for the edges.
- 4Grout and finishGrout color changes how a pattern reads, so we choose it with you. Then cleanup and a walkthrough.
Materials for Custom Designs
Most custom work mixes more than one material. These are the ones that come up most.
Glass mosaic
Bright color and a bit of shine. Works for accent bands, backsplashes and shower niches. See our glass tile guide.
Stone mosaic
Marble or travertine cut into small pieces on mesh, for a softer, natural look.
Porcelain in patterns
Hexagons, planks laid in herringbone or chevron, and mixed sizes. Hard wearing enough for floors.
Patterned porcelain
Porcelain printed to look like cement tile, for a bold floor pattern without the upkeep of real cement tile.
Common Questions
Can you recreate a design from a photo?
Often, yes. Bring the photo and we will look at it with you and explain what it takes to build it in your space: the tile, the layout and the cost.
Does a patterned layout cost more?
Usually. Herringbone, chevron and mosaic layouts take more cuts and more time than a straight grid, and there is more waste. The written estimate shows the difference before you decide.
What grout color should I use with a mosaic?
A grout close to the tile color lets the tile carry the design. A contrasting grout outlines every piece and makes the pattern stronger. We help you choose at the estimate.
Where We Work
We are based at 2712 Transportation Ave. in National City and work across San Diego County, including:
Not sure we cover your area? Call (619) 259-2291 and ask.
Have a Design in Mind?
Send us the idea or call (619) 259-2291. We will come out, measure and give you a written estimate at no charge.