Modern Tile & Low-Maintenance Stone Upgrade

Project Location: Newport News, VA
Project Type: Bathroom tile remodel, shower, and tub area
Completed: September 2025

Services Provided:
Tile removal • Tile installation • Solid stone fabrication & installation • Shower floor upgrade • Accent stripe installation

Customer Challenge: Outdated 90s Tile & Grout That Wouldn’t Stay Clean

A returning customer in Newport News contacted Jack’s Tile & Carpet because their bathroom still had the original 1990s tile. Over time, the space had started to feel dated and was increasingly hard to maintain.

Their biggest pain points were:

• Grout that looked dirty, even after cleaning
• Multiple grout lines on the corner shelf and corner seat that trapped moisture and buildup
• An overall style that no longer matched the rest of their home

They wanted a bathroom that looked updated and felt much easier to keep clean day to day, without sacrificing durability.

Our Assessment & Plan

During our visit, the Jack’s Tile & Carpet team:

• Inspected the existing tile, grout, and substrate in the shower and tub area
• Evaluated moisture-prone spots like the corner seat, shelf, knee wall ledge, and shower threshold
• Talked with the homeowner about maintenance expectations, preferred colors, and overall style

From there, we recommended a plan to:

1. Reduce grout lines by replacing tiled features with solid stone.
2. Brighten and modernize the space with large-format wall tile.
3. Introduce natural texture on the shower floor for comfort and slip resistance.

Our Solution: Solid Stone Features & A Complete Tile Refresh

To solve the grout and style issues, we removed the older tile and installed new surfaces designed for easy cleaning and long-term performance.

Key upgrades included:

• Corner seat & shelf:
  • Removed the existing tiled seat and shelf with many grout lines
  • Installed single-piece solid stone replacements to eliminate grout joints on horizontal surfaces
• Knee wall ledge & shower threshold:
  • Added matching solid stone caps to the knee wall separating the tub and shower
  • Installed a solid stone threshold at the shower entry for a clean transition and better water control
• Shower/tub walls:
  • Retiled the walls with Happy Floors Apollo Beige 12x24
  • Large-format tile means fewer grout joints overall and a more modern, streamlined look
• Shower floor:
  • Installed Island Stone French Tan Pebble on the shower floor
  • Pebbles add natural texture underfoot and help with drainage while maintaining a spa-like feel
• Accent stripe:
  • Added a decorative DalTile CS95 Crystal Shores stripe to bring light and visual interest to the surround

Throughout the project, our team focused on precise layout, proper waterproofing, and clean grout lines to support both durability and appearance.

Materials Selected for Style, Comfort & Performance

The homeowner wanted a space that felt warm and inviting but still neutral enough to stand the test of time. We recommended:

• Shower & Tub Walls:
  Happy Floors Apollo Beige 12x24 – a warm, versatile tile that helps the bathroom feel larger and brighter.

• Shower Floor:
  Island Stone French Tan Pebble – natural pebble pieces that add texture, comfort, and a subtle spa-like feel.

• Accent Stripe:
  DalTile CS95 Crystal Shores – a glass/stone blend (depending on the exact line) that introduces a reflective surface and visual interest.

• Solid Stone Surfaces:
  Coordinated stone caps to tie together the shelf, seat, knee wall, and threshold for a cohesive, low-maintenance finish.

These choices balance everyday practicality with a timeless design that will work with future paint, fixtures, and decor changes.

The Finished Result: Brighter, Cleaner & Easier to Maintain

After the remodel, the bathroom now offers:

• Far fewer grout lines on key surfaces
• Easier cleaning thanks to solid stone on the seat, shelf, ledge, and threshold
• A brighter, more open feel due to the 12x24 wall tile and warm beige tones
• A spa-inspired shower floor with natural pebble underfoot
• A coordinated, finished look that matches the rest of the home’s style

This project transformed a dated 90s bathroom into a modern, low-maintenance space the homeowners can enjoy every day.

The Completed Look

Planning a Bathroom Tile Project in Newport News or the Hampton Roads Area?