Tile work in the Pacific Northwest demands a level of waterproofing knowledge that many regions don't require. With 37 inches of annual rainfall and 9+ months of elevated humidity, Wallingford homes need tile installations backed by proper moisture barriers — especially in showers and on exterior-facing walls. We use the Schluter Kerdi system as our standard waterproofing for all wet areas: Kerdi membrane on walls, Kerdi-Band at joints, Kerdi-Drain for shower pans, and Ditra uncoupling membrane under floor tile to prevent crack transfer. For Wallingford homes valued around $920,000, tile projects range from $3,000 for a basic floor retile to $9,000 for a full custom shower build with natural stone.
Wallingford is one of Seattle most sought-after family neighborhoods, known for its tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and walkable commercial district along 45th Street. Craftsman bungalows built in the 1920s through 1950s dominate, many featuring original built-in cabinetry, hardwood floors, and charming but undersized kitchens. Homeowners invest heavily in kitchen expansions and bathroom additions for single-bath homes.
We install tile in every room: bathroom floors and walls, shower enclosures, kitchen backsplashes, entryway floors, fireplace surrounds, and outdoor patios (with freeze-resistant materials rated for PNW winters). Our tile setters work with porcelain, ceramic, natural stone (marble, travertine, slate), glass mosaic, cement tile, and large-format panels up to 48"x48". For Wallingford's older craftsman bungalows homes, we assess the subfloor condition before quoting — 80-year-old homes sometimes need subfloor reinforcement or leveling compound before tile goes down, and we'd rather tell you that upfront than discover it mid-project.
Wallingford's single-bathroom Craftsman homes create a supply-and-demand imbalance that drives the neighborhood's most common bathroom project: adding a second full bathroom, typically in the attic, basement, or a converted second-floor closet. Attic bathroom additions are particularly popular because Wallingford's Craftsman bungalows often have partially finished attic spaces with dormer windows that provide natural light and head clearance. These additions require routing new plumbing through existing walls from the second floor to the basement drain stack, and the path through hundred-year-old balloon-framed walls must be carefully planned to avoid cutting structural members. The existing main bathrooms in Wallingford homes are typically five by eight feet with hexagonal floor tile, a cast-iron tub, and a pedestal sink — functional but too small for today's expectations.
Verified activity