Tiles are everywhere in Istrian homes: on floors that stay cool in summer, in kitchens and bathrooms, on terraces and stairs. Good tiling is mostly invisible. Bad tiling shows up as hollow-sounding tiles, cracked joints, uneven edges and water where it should not be.
We bring in an experienced tiler from our network and coordinate the job around the other trades, so the tiler arrives when the plumbing, electrical and screed work underneath is done.
What we tile
- Floors. Ceramic and porcelain tiles in living rooms, kitchens, hallways and apartments.
- Walls. Bathroom and kitchen walls, splashbacks and shower areas, on top of proper waterproofing.
- Large-format tiles. Big porcelain tiles laid with a levelling system so the surface stays flat.
- Stairs and terraces. Entrance steps, outdoor stairs and covered terraces, with tiles suitable for outdoor use.
- Repairs. Replacing cracked or loose tiles, re-grouting and renewing silicone joints.
Preparation decides the result
Most tiling problems start underneath. Before tiling, the tiler checks that the floor or wall is flat, dry and firm. In older houses this can mean removing old tiles, levelling the screed or fixing loose plaster first. In wet areas, a waterproofing layer goes on before any tile. These steps take time, but skipping them is what causes problems a year later.
If you are not sure whether tiles are the right choice for a room, our article on floors for a Mediterranean home compares tiles, stone, laminate and wood. For bathrooms, see our bathroom renovation page.
How it works if you are abroad
Send us photos and rough measurements on WhatsApp, together with the tiles you like (or a link). We give you a rough price range, then a written quote with VAT included after a site visit. During the work you get photos of the preparation and of the tiles as they go down, so you can see the layout before it is too late to change it.
What affects the price
The main factors are the area, the condition of the surface underneath, the tile size (very large and very small tiles both take longer), the pattern, the number of cuts around corners and pipes, and whether old tiles have to be removed first. Our guide to getting a fair renovation quote in Croatia explains what a good quote should list. You can also get a first idea with the renovation cost calculator.
We work across Istria, from apartments in Pula/Pola and Medulin to houses around Poreč/Parenzo, Umag and the inland villages.
Send us photos of the room and the tiles you have in mind on WhatsApp. We will reply with a rough range and the next steps.
Frequently asked questions
Can you tile over old tiles?
Sometimes, if the old tiles are firmly attached and the floor height allows it. Often it is better to remove them, especially in bathrooms. The tiler decides after checking the surface.
Do you supply the tiles?
You can buy the tiles yourself or ask us to help you choose and order. Either way, we check the quantity and the adhesive needed before the work starts.
Do you do small tile repairs?
Yes. Replacing a few broken tiles, re-grouting or renewing silicone joints can be combined with other small jobs in the house.
Which tiles are good for an outdoor terrace?
Use tiles rated for outdoor use and frost, with a non-slip surface. Inland Istria gets frost in winter, so this matters more there than on the coast.
Guides on this topic
Floors for a Mediterranean Home: Tiles, Stone, Laminate or Wood?
Which floor suits a house in Istria? Tiles, natural stone, terracotta, laminate and wood compared for heat, damp, sand, guests and old stone houses.
Bathroom Renovation for a Holiday Home or Rental in Istria
Planning a bathroom in an Istrian holiday home or rental that survives hard water, humid summers and many guests: materials, waterproofing, ventilation.
How to get a fair renovation quote in Croatia
What a good renovation quote in Croatia includes, how VAT works, how to compare offers like for like, and the red flags foreign owners should watch for.