Marketing Team, Author at RT Home Renovations

Burnaby townhouse kitchen with cream floor tile and terracotta backsplash in golden hour light

A good tile contractor in Burnaby holds a valid municipal business licence, has an active WorkSafeBC account, carries liability insurance, and gives you an itemized written quote after seeing the room. If you are searching for a tile contractor near me, those four checks matter more than distance, because a contractor ten minutes away who skips them costs more than one thirty minutes away who does not.

This guide covers what to ask, what a quote should list, and when to hire a tile specialist instead of a general contractor. Floors, walls and showers are all covered under our flooring services.

What should a Burnaby tile contractor show you before you hire them?

A Burnaby tile contractor should show a municipal business licence number, a current WorkSafeBC clearance letter, proof of liability insurance (most homeowners ask for $2 million), and photos of finished jobs on a similar surface. The clearance letter proves the contractor’s WorkSafeBC account is in good standing, so you are not liable if a worker is hurt in your home. WorkSafeBC and the municipality can each confirm these details in one phone call.

Photos matter more than testimonials. A tile contractor in Burnaby who works in Metrotown or Brentwood high-rises should be able to show a concrete-slab floor, not only a ground-level bathroom. Call two references from the last six months and ask whether the crew arrived on the day promised and whether the final invoice matched the quote. Checking all this takes a day or two, and some contractors will not share insurance details before a signed deposit.

Hands arranging cream, terracotta and green tile samples beside a tape measure on a kitchen counter

What should an itemized tile quote include?

An itemized tile quote lists demolition, substrate prep, waterproofing, setting materials, tile, grout, trim and disposal as separate lines, with labour priced per square foot. Labour for standard porcelain floor tile in the Lower Mainland typically runs about $8 to $15 per square foot before materials and prep. A single lump sum with no breakdown tells you nothing about what is being left out.

Look at the prep lines first. Self-leveling compound, a membrane such as Schluter KERDI in a shower or DITRA on a floor, and a mortar rated for the tile size are where cheap quotes cut corners. On our showers we flood-test the pan for 24 hours and photograph the membrane before any tile covers it, then give the photos to the homeowner. Ask for the workmanship warranty in writing too, with its length and coverage. Loose tiles and cracked grout from poor mortar coverage usually show up within the first year or two.

Shower pan with an orange waterproofing membrane holding a shallow flood test of water

How do you choose between a tile specialist and a general contractor in Burnaby?

Hire a tile specialist when tile is the main job, and a general contractor when plumbing, framing or cabinets change too. A specialist sets tile every week and knows flatness tolerances and layout cuts, but cannot move a drain or open a wall. A general contractor coordinates the trades, though tile work is often subcontracted, so ask who sets your tile and how many years they have done it.

Specialists are often booked several weeks ahead, and a strata building adds an elevator booking and weekday-only noise hours. Our Burnaby bathroom renovation team handles tile together with plumbing and demolition, so the tile setter sees the prepared floor before the quote is final. In a strata tower the contractor usually also needs to give the strata office a certificate of insurance naming the strata corporation before the elevator can be booked. Our guide on how to choose a tile contractor in the Lower Mainland goes deeper on references and red flags.

Porcelain tiled front steps of a Burnaby home wet from rain on an overcast morning

Frequently Asked Questions

How many quotes should you get for a tile job in Burnaby?

Get three itemized quotes and compare the scope line by line, not the total. A quote that is 30 percent lower usually skips prep or waterproofing, which then shows up as an extra charge.

Does tile work in Burnaby need a permit?

Replacing tile alone usually does not need a permit, and a tile-only floor or backsplash swap rarely does. Moving plumbing or changing the structure does, and strata buildings often require written approval before work starts.

How far ahead should you book a tile contractor?

Many established contractors are booked several weeks out, so request a site visit before you order tile. Measuring the room first also lets the contractor flag flatness problems early.

Should you pay a deposit before tile work starts in Burnaby?

Pay a deposit only after you know what it covers, and get the amount in writing. Tie the remaining payments to finished stages such as prep complete and tile set, so you never pay far ahead of the work.

Shelves of tile samples in a showroom lit by warm evening light

Ready to compare tile quotes in Burnaby?

The easiest way to compare contractors is to ask each one to quote the same room. Visit the RT Home Renovations showroom to see tile samples, then book a site visit. Bring photos and measurements so the quote can list each prep step.

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Condo living room with large-format pale grey porcelain tile floor in late-morning sidelight

Large-Format Tile Installation in the Lower Mainland: Why Substrate Prep Decides the Result

October 14, 2026

by Marketing Team Flooring & Tile

Large format tile installation means setting porcelain or stone tiles with at least one edge of 15 inches or more, and the result depends on the floor underneath more than on the tile itself. In the Lower Mainland, many condos sit on older concrete slabs and many houses have wood joists that flex, so a floor that looks level is often out of flat by more than large tile will tolerate.

This guide covers flatness limits, lippage, mortar coverage and subfloors. Homeowners planning a floor can see the surfaces we install on our flooring services page.

How flat does a floor need to be for large-format tile?

A floor under large-format tile must be flat to within 1/8 inch over 10 feet and 1/16 inch over any 24 inches, which is tighter than the 1/4 inch over 10 feet allowed for small tile. A long rectangle bridges the dips that a mosaic would follow, so every hump or hollow shows up as a rocking tile or a raised corner. Flat is not the same as level: a floor can slope an inch across a room and still pass, as long as the slope is gradual.

On a Lower Mainland job we check the floor with a 10-foot straightedge before the tile is ordered. We pencil the high spots, grind them down, and fill the low spots with self-leveling compound that cures for 24 hours before any tile goes on. Flattening adds a day or more and a line item many quotes leave out, and skipping it is the most common reason a large-format floor fails.

Hands holding a long aluminum straightedge across a concrete slab to check floor flatness

What causes lippage, and how much is acceptable?

Lippage is the height difference between two neighbouring tiles, and the TCNA handbook allows about 1/32 inch between rectified porcelain tiles with narrow grout joints. At 1/16 inch a bare foot can feel the edge, and low light from a window shows it from across the room. Large tiles are rarely perfectly flat themselves: a 24 by 48 inch porcelain tile can bow 1/16 inch or more from the factory, and a flat floor cannot fix that.

We set tiles with a clip-and-wedge leveling system, and we offset long rectangles by no more than one third of the length, because a 50 percent offset lines up the bowed ends of the tile with the middle of its neighbour. The downside is time: the clips stay in the mortar for 24 hours, so the floor is off limits for a day before the caps are knocked off.

Low-angle close-up of two porcelain tiles showing a small lippage edge in raking light

How much mortar coverage does large-format tile need?

Large-format tile needs at least 95 percent mortar coverage in wet areas such as showers and 80 percent in dry areas, and it only reaches that with a large-notch trowel and back-buttering. A 12 by 24 inch tile set with a standard 1/4 inch notch leaves voids that sound hollow and crack at the edges. We use a 1/2 inch square-notch trowel with a medium-bed mortar made for tiles over 15 inches, comb the ridges in one direction, and skim a flat coat on the back of every tile.

Every few rows we lift a freshly set tile and look at its back. If the mortar ridges are still standing, the mortar has skinned over and the tile was bedded too late. Weight is the other cost. A 24 by 48 inch porcelain tile weighs about 25 pounds and chips when carried on its edge, so it needs two people and a flat stack on site. Rectified porcelain is the usual choice, and our porcelain vs ceramic tile comparison explains why.

Hands skimming mortar onto the back of a large porcelain tile with a notched trowel

Does the subfloor matter for large-format tile in the Lower Mainland?

Yes. A wood subfloor must deflect no more than L/360 under load for ceramic and porcelain tile and L/720 for natural stone, and thin plywood over 16 inch joists in older Vancouver and Burnaby homes often misses the stricter number. Adding a second layer of 1/2 inch plywood, screwed rather than nailed, stiffens the floor before any tile goes down.

An uncoupling membrane such as Schluter DITRA, about 1/8 inch thick, absorbs movement between the subfloor and the tile, but it does not correct a hump. We install Schluter systems to the manufacturer’s instructions, which is what the Schluter warranty is built on. Our guide to a proper tile installation in Richmond walks through subfloor prep in more detail. If you are searching for a tile installer near me in the Lower Mainland, ask whether they check flatness with a straightedge before they quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does large format tile installation take?

A 100-square-foot floor with prep usually takes three to five days: one for grinding and leveling, one or two for setting, and one for grout. Self-leveling compound needs 24 hours to cure before tile goes on.

Can you install large-format tile over existing tile?

Yes, if the old tile is bonded, flat to the same 1/8 inch over 10 feet limit, and clean. We tap-test for hollow spots and use a bonding primer, and the new floor sits roughly 3/8 inch higher, which matters at doors and appliances.

What grout joint size works for large-format tile?

Use at least 1/8 inch for rectified tile and 3/16 inch for non-rectified tile. A narrower joint shows every bit of lippage, and a wider one gives the tile room to move.

Townhouse entryway with large-format tile floor at dusk with warm pendant light

Ready to check your floor before you buy tile?

The cheapest time to find a flatness problem is before the tile arrives. Visit the RT Home Renovations showroom to see large-format samples, then book a floor check at your home.

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Burnaby bathroom with a honed Carrara marble vanity top in soft overcast morning light

Marble Bathroom Countertops in Burnaby: Sealing, Etching and Care

October 7, 2026

by Marketing Team Bathroom Renovations

A marble bathroom countertop is a slab of natural calcium carbonate stone, usually 2cm or 3cm thick, that absorbs water and dulls when it meets acids. In Burnaby, a 60-inch marble vanity top costs about $1,200 to $2,500 installed, and it lasts for decades when it is sealed once or twice a year and wiped dry.

This guide covers how often to seal, why marble etches, and what to ask a fabricator before ordering. Homeowners planning a wider bathroom reno Burnaby project can price the vanity top alongside the rest of our bathroom renovation services.

How often should you seal a marble bathroom countertop?

Seal a marble bathroom countertop with a penetrating sealer every six to twelve months, because a bathroom vanity gets more water, toothpaste and hair product than a kitchen counter. Test it with a teaspoon of water: if the spot darkens within ten minutes, the sealer has worn off. Carrara and Calacatta absorb liquid faster than granite, so a new top usually needs two coats on the first application.

Before install day, we seal the underside and the sink cutout edges as well as the top face. Water wicking up from a damp cabinet edge shows as dark halos months later, and the exposed edges around the sink are where it starts. The sealer needs 24 hours to cure before the faucet goes on and the first shower runs. Sealer has a limit: it slows staining, but it does nothing to stop etching.

Water drops beading on a freshly sealed marble countertop during a seal test

What causes etching on a marble vanity top, and can it be fixed?

Etching is a chemical reaction: acids in citrus, vinegar, some toothpastes, vitamin C serums and acidic bathroom cleaners dissolve the surface of the marble and leave a dull patch. On polished marble the mark shows within minutes. On honed marble, which has a matte finish, the same mark blends into the surface, so honed Carrara is the safer pick for a Burnaby bathroom that gets daily use.

Light etches on honed stone can be buffed out with marble polishing powder. Deep etches on polished stone usually need a fabricator to re-hone the top, which runs roughly $300 to $600. One detail from the install side: use a neutral-cure silicone at the faucet and the wall joint. Some acetoxy-cure silicones release acetic acid while they set, and that can etch a faint line into the marble edge.

Close-up of a dull etch ring on polished marble beside a honed marble sample

How much does a marble bathroom countertop cost in Burnaby?

A 60-inch marble vanity top in Burnaby typically costs $1,200 to $2,500 fabricated and installed, depending on the slab grade, the thickness and the number of sink cutouts. A 2cm Carrara top with a simple eased edge sits at the low end, while a 3cm Calacatta top with a mitered edge and two sinks sits at the high end. Template to install usually takes two to three weeks.

Weight is the other cost. A 3cm marble top weighs roughly 20 pounds per square foot, so a 60-inch top comes in around 180 pounds and needs two people plus a lift. Metrotown and Brentwood high-rises add a booked strata elevator window to the schedule. For comparison, quartz costs about the same but never needs sealing. We covered the full material debate in whether marble countertops are still worth it in 2026.

Hands guiding a marble vanity top onto a cabinet with suction cup handles

Is a marble bathroom countertop right for your Burnaby bathroom?

A marble bathroom countertop suits a Burnaby primary suite or powder room where the vanity sees light daily use. It is a poor fit for a kids’ bathroom, where hair dye, toothpaste and bath products sit on the stone for hours. Marble does not hide neglect: a ring from a perfume bottle left overnight can leave a permanent mark.

If you are searching for a bathroom contractor near me in Burnaby, ask how they seal marble and whether they have installed it in a wet room before. Our Burnaby bathroom renovation team coordinates the fabricator, the plumber and the tile work, so the top is templated only after the walls and floor are finished. A bathroom renovation Burnaby homeowners can live with is one where the finish matches the way the room is used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you clean a marble bathroom countertop with vinegar?

No. Vinegar is an acid and etches marble within minutes. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft cloth, and dry the surface after wiping.

Can hair dye stain a marble bathroom countertop?

Yes. Hair dye penetrates unsealed or worn marble in minutes. Wipe it off immediately with a damp cloth, and treat an old stain with a stone poultice rather than bleach.

How thick should a marble vanity top be?

A 2cm top works when the cabinet supports it fully, and a 3cm top is the better choice for overhangs and wider spans. Thicker stone also lets the fabricator build a stronger mitered edge.

Narrow powder room with marble vanity top and brass tap in evening lamp light

Ready to see marble in person?

The easiest way to judge honed against polished marble is to hold a full-size sample under your own bathroom light. Visit the RT Home Renovations showroom to compare marble, quartz and porcelain side by side before you order.

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Vancouver kitchen island with charcoal book-matched porcelain slab countertop in low golden hour sun

Porcelain Slab Countertops in Vancouver: Worth It in 2026?

September 30, 2026

by Marketing Team Materials & Comparisons

A porcelain slab countertop is a large sintered porcelain panel, usually 12mm or 20mm thick, fired at extreme heat so it resists hot pans, UV light and stains. In Vancouver it has become the go-to answer for homeowners who love the look of marble but do not want to seal and babysit it. Porcelain slab costs 20 to 30 percent more than quartz, and its thin edges and fabrication limits are real trade-offs.

This guide covers what porcelain slab does well, where it fails, and what a Vancouver kitchen needs before templating. Homeowners planning a full kitchen renovation can price it alongside cabinets through our kitchen renovation services.

How does a porcelain slab countertop compare with marble?

A porcelain slab countertop is a non-porous sintered panel, sold under names like Dekton, Neolith and Laminam, so it never needs sealing and never etches the way marble does. Marble is a natural carbonate stone that dulls the moment lemon juice or red wine sits on it, while porcelain ignores both. Porcelain also tolerates a cooktop run beside the sink without the scorch and etch marks that build up on a honed marble surface. Current printing reproduces Calacatta and Statuario veining, including book-matched pairs that mirror across a seam.

The honest catch is the edge. On many printed patterns the veining sits only on the surface, so a chipped corner shows plain body colour underneath. Through-body colours and mitered edges hide damage far better. For the natural-stone side of the argument, read our take on whether marble countertops are still worth it in 2026.

Macro view of a mitered porcelain slab countertop edge with calipers measuring thickness

How much do porcelain slab countertops cost in Vancouver?

Porcelain slab countertops in Vancouver typically cost $100 to $160 per square foot installed, which is roughly 20 to 30 percent above mid-range quartz. A standard 45-square-foot kitchen lands between $4,500 and $7,200 for the countertops alone, before the sink cutout and backsplash.

The premium comes from fabrication, not the slab. Porcelain needs CNC or waterjet cutting, diamond tooling wears quickly, and a thick-looking edge means mitering two pieces together, which adds labour. Slabs commonly measure 3200 by 1600 mm, so most kitchens finish with one or two seams. A backsplash cut from the same slab adds roughly $600 to $1,200 and keeps the pattern continuous up the wall. Expect two to four weeks of lead time, because only a handful of Lower Mainland shops are set up to cut porcelain.

Waterjet cutting a sink cutout with rounded corners in a porcelain slab

What are the downsides of porcelain slab countertops?

The main downsides of porcelain slab are edge chipping, sharp-corner cracking and visible seams. A 12mm edge can chip if a heavy cast-iron pot strikes it, and a chip on a printed slab cannot be repaired invisibly. Heavy pots set down edge-first cause most of the damage, which is why we ask fabricators to ease the arris (the sharp top corner of the edge) by about 2mm.

Fabricators cut inside corners with a radius of roughly 10mm, because a square cutout for a sink or cooktop creates a stress point where cracks start. On site, we run a laser level along the cabinet boxes and shim any low spot before templating. A 3mm dip under an unsupported span, like the gap beside a dishwasher, is where a slab cracks months after install. Seams are also easier to spot on porcelain than on quartz, since a pattern that does not line up reads immediately.

Hands lining up veining across a seam between two porcelain countertop slabs laid flat on base cabinets

Is porcelain slab a good fit for a Vancouver kitchen?

Porcelain slab suits a Vancouver kitchen with large west-facing windows, heavy cooking or an outdoor cooking space, because it resists UV fading, direct heat and freeze-thaw cycles. Quartz resin can yellow under years of afternoon sun, and porcelain does not.

It is a weaker fit for condos with tight elevators. A 3200mm slab will not ride in a standard strata elevator, so it may need a stairwell carry, a crane or a cut-down layout, and the strata usually wants a booked delivery window. If you are searching for a countertop fabricator near me in Vancouver, ask how many porcelain jobs they have completed and whether they cut with a waterjet. Our Vancouver kitchen renovation team coordinates that fabrication and delivery with the rest of the build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you put a hot pan on a porcelain slab countertop?

Yes. Porcelain slab is fired above 1,200°C, so a pan straight off the burner will not scorch it. Use a trivet near seams, since the adhesive filling a seam tolerates less heat than the slab itself.

Does a porcelain slab countertop need sealing?

No. Porcelain absorbs less than 0.5 percent water, so it stays stain-resistant without sealer. Mild dish soap handles daily cleaning.

Can 6mm porcelain slab be used as a countertop?

No. A 6mm slab is meant for walls and cladding. Countertops need 12mm bonded to a substrate, or 20mm slab on its own.

Freestanding covered outdoor kitchen with porcelain slab countertop at dusk in a Vancouver-area backyard

Ready to see porcelain slab in person?

The easiest way to judge porcelain slab is to stand next to a full-size sample and check the edge yourself. Visit the RT Home Renovations showroom to compare porcelain, quartz and natural stone side by side before you commit.

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Open concept kitchen renovation in a Burnaby home with island and quartz countertop

Kitchen Reno Burnaby: Layout, Materials and Timeline

September 23, 2026

by Marketing Team Kitchen Renovations

Most kitchens in Burnaby were built between the 1960s and 1980s, and it shows the moment you start planning a renovation. A mid-range kitchen renovation Burnaby homeowners take on runs $35,000 to $65,000 for a full gut of a standard 10-by-12 kitchen, and it takes 6 to 10 weeks from demolition to final inspection. These homes were framed with a closed-off galley kitchen that cuts the cook off from the rest of the house, and opening that layout means dealing with whatever ductwork and wiring got routed through that wall decades ago. Here’s how the cost, layout and schedule break down for a kitchen reno Burnaby project handled by our kitchen renovation services team.

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Burnaby?

A mid-range kitchen renovation in Burnaby costs $35,000 to $65,000 for a 10-by-12 to 12-by-14 kitchen, covering new cabinets, quartz or porcelain countertops, a tile backsplash, and updated plumbing and electrical. High-end kitchens with custom cabinetry, a waterfall-edge island and imported stone run $80,000 or more, while a cosmetic refresh (new countertops and backsplash with the existing cabinet boxes kept) lands closer to $15,000 to $22,000.

Labor and permits typically account for 35 to 40 percent of the budget. The City of Burnaby requires a permit for any relocated gas line, plumbing stack or structural wall, and that inspection step adds one to two weeks to the schedule that’s easy to leave out of a quick estimate. Cabinets and countertops together usually take another 40 percent of the total, with the remainder split between appliances, flooring and finishing electrical.

What layout works best for a Burnaby kitchen?

Most Burnaby kitchens built before 1985 respond best to removing the wall between the kitchen and the adjacent dining or living room, turning a closed galley into an open L-shape or U-shape with an island. These houses were framed with small, single-purpose rooms that don’t match how most people actually cook and entertain now.

In a lot of these houses, the furnace return duct runs inside that shared wall, not just wall studs, and most homeowners never think to check for it. Before we ever confirm an open-concept plan, we open the wall at one point to check for ductwork and wiring in addition to whether it’s load-bearing, because rerouting a return duct after the drywall is up costs more than removing the wall did in the first place. A structural engineer’s letter is usually required for the permit if the wall carries any load from above.

Contractor checking ductwork inside a shared wall during a Burnaby kitchen wall removal

What countertop and cabinet materials hold up in a Burnaby kitchen?

Quartz slab, an engineered stone like Caesarstone or Silestone at 3cm thick, is the most common countertop choice in Burnaby kitchens because it resists staining and never needs sealing. Porcelain slab (Dekton or Neolith) costs 20 to 30 percent more but handles direct heat and UV exposure better, which matters in kitchens with a lot of west-facing window light that fades quartz’s resin binder over years.

Neither material is flawless. Quartz can discolor if a hot pan sits directly on the surface, since it’s roughly 90 percent stone dust bound with resin, and the resin is the weak point. Porcelain slab needs a specialized fabricator with vacuum lifters to install without cracking, and there are only a handful of shops in the Lower Mainland set up for it, which adds lead time. For cabinet boxes, plywood holds screws and hardware better than particleboard over 10-plus years, especially under the sink where moisture eventually gets in. If you’re still weighing options, our breakdown comparing quartz, marble and granite countertops covers durability and cost.

Fabricator templating a quartz countertop slab for a waterfall island edge

How long does a Burnaby kitchen renovation take?

A full kitchen renovation in Burnaby takes 6 to 10 weeks from demolition to final inspection, and cabinet lead time (typically 4 to 6 weeks after the order is placed) is usually the longest single wait, not the construction itself.

The sequence: demolition and rough framing take 3 to 5 days, electrical and plumbing rough-in takes about a week, drywall and paint take another week, and cabinet installation takes 2 to 3 days once the boxes arrive. Countertop templating happens only after cabinets are installed and screwed to the wall, never before, because even a 3mm shift in a cabinet box throws off a mitered seam on a waterfall island edge. Fabrication and installation add roughly two weeks after templating, followed by backsplash tile and final trades in the last week. If you’re searching for a kitchen renovation contractor near me in Burnaby, ask upfront how they sequence cabinet delivery against the countertop template date. That’s usually where a project either stays on schedule or slips by a month.

Plywood cabinet boxes being installed and leveled against a kitchen wall

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a kitchen renovation in Burnaby?

Yes, if the project touches gas lines, plumbing stacks, electrical panels or a structural wall. Cosmetic work like new countertops, cabinet fronts or a backsplash generally doesn’t require one, but moving a gas stove or a sink drain always does.

Can I keep my kitchen cabinets and just replace the countertop?

In most cases, yes, as long as the existing cabinet boxes are still square and structurally sound. This is the fastest way to update a kitchen for $8,000 to $15,000, though it won’t fix a layout that doesn’t work for how you cook.

How much does it cost to move a kitchen sink or gas stove in Burnaby?

Relocating a sink or gas line typically adds $2,000 to $5,000 depending on distance and whether it requires opening a finished wall or floor, plus the City of Burnaby permit and inspection fee.

Finished Burnaby kitchen renovation with island seating in early evening light

Ready to plan your Burnaby kitchen renovation?

A kitchen reno Burnaby homeowners can live with for 15-plus years comes down to getting the layout and the sequencing right before demolition starts. As the Burnaby kitchen renovation team at RT Home Renovations, we back every installation with a Schluter-certified installation warranty and handle City of Burnaby permits directly so nothing stalls the schedule.

Contact us or call us at 604.781.2510 to walk through your kitchen’s layout and get a firm timeline before you order anything.

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Quartz, granite, and marble countertop samples compared side by side in a Vancouver kitchen

Quartz vs Marble vs Granite: A Vancouver Kitchen Guide

September 17, 2026

by Marketing Team Materials & Comparisons

Quartz, marble, and granite all look at home in a Vancouver kitchen, and each countertop asks something different of the people who live with it every day. Quartz never needs sealing but scorches under a hot pan left too long. Granite handles heat well but needs yearly resealing. Marble looks the best of the three and demands the most care.

This guide compares real 2026 costs, day-to-day durability, and maintenance for quartz, marble, and granite countertops, so the choice comes down to how a kitchen actually gets used rather than which slab looked best in the showroom.

Quartz vs marble vs granite: which kitchen countertop is right for you?

Quartz suits a busy Vancouver kitchen that gets heavy daily use and wants zero sealing maintenance. Granite suits a cook who wants genuine heat resistance and does not mind an annual reseal. Marble suits a kitchen where the look matters more than keeping the surface pristine.

Quartz is engineered, roughly 90 to 93 percent ground quartz bound with resin, which is why the pattern repeats consistently from slab to slab and why it is non-porous by manufacture rather than by upkeep. Granite and marble are both natural stone cut from quarried blocks, so no two slabs match exactly, and both are porous enough to need a sealer. That single difference, engineered versus natural, drives almost every other tradeoff in this guide.

How much do quartz, marble, and granite countertops cost in Vancouver?

Quartz runs $70 to $150 per square foot installed in Vancouver, granite $80 to $200, and marble $100 to $250 and up for a rare slab like Calacatta. All three prices include templating, fabrication, edge profiling, and standard cutouts.

The spread inside each material comes down to slab rarity and edge detail more than the base material cost. A simple eased edge in a common granite colour sits at the low end of its range. A waterfall edge, an undermount sink cutout with a farmhouse profile, or a book-matched seam across an island pushes any of the three materials toward the top of their range. Our full kitchen countertop material guide breaks down quartz, granite, marble, and two budget alternatives side by side.

Quartz, granite, and marble samples laid out for a countertop cost estimate

Which countertop holds up best to daily kitchen use?

Granite handles direct heat better than quartz or marble, quartz resists scratches and everyday stains better than granite or marble, and marble is the most fragile of the three under both heat and acid.

When we template a granite or quartz slab, seam placement is not a cosmetic decision. A seam that lands directly under a sink base or faucet gets more water exposure than the rest of the counter, and over several years that widens the joint line even with good epoxy work, so we plan cutouts before the seam layout is finalized rather than after. On the material side, quartz resin scorches or discolors if something like a slow cooker or a roasting pan sits directly on it for hours of sustained heat. Granite chips at the edge if something heavy is dropped square on the corner. Marble etches within seconds of contact with lemon juice, wine, or vinegar, which is a chemical reaction with the stone rather than a stain, and it cannot be cleaned off.

Granite countertop seam and sink cutout being templated before fabrication

How much maintenance does each countertop need?

Quartz needs no sealing, ever, and regular cleaning is the entire routine. Granite needs sealing about once a year, checked with a simple water-drop test. Marble needs sealing every six to twelve months and still develops a soft patina over time even when sealed on schedule.

The water-drop test works the same way on granite and marble: put a few drops of water on the stone and time it. If the water beads up for fifteen to twenty minutes before soaking in, the seal is still doing its job. If it darkens the stone in a few minutes, it is time to reseal. Honed marble needs resealing more often than polished marble because the matte surface is slightly more porous, which our marble countertop guide covers in more depth for anyone leaning toward marble specifically.

Water-drop test on a granite countertop to check if it needs resealing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is quartz better than granite for resale value in Vancouver?

Both read as premium finishes to most buyers, and neither reliably outsells the other on its own. Quartz’s consistent pattern appeals to buyers who want a move-in-ready look, while granite’s unique veining appeals to buyers who specifically want a natural-stone kitchen.

Can you put a hot pan directly on quartz, marble, or granite?

Granite tolerates brief direct heat the best of the three. Quartz and marble should both get a trivet: quartz’s resin binder can scorch or discolor under sustained heat, and marble can crack from thermal shock if a very hot pan meets a cool slab.

Do quartz countertops ever need sealing?

No. Quartz is engineered to be non-porous, so sealing does nothing for it and is not part of any manufacturer’s care instructions. Mild soap, water, and wiping up spills before they sit are the whole routine.

Finished Vancouver kitchen with quartz island and granite perimeter countertops

Planning a Kitchen Renovation in Vancouver?

The right countertop comes down to how the kitchen actually gets used. Quartz suits zero-maintenance daily cooking, granite suits a cook who wants real heat resistance and will reseal once a year, and marble suits a kitchen where the look is worth the extra care.

RT Stone & Tile templates and installs quartz, granite, and marble across Vancouver kitchens, and our showroom keeps working samples of all three so you can run your own water and heat test before deciding. Contact us or call 604.781.2510 to book a walkthrough, or see our kitchen renovation team to start planning.

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Finished bathroom renovation in a Burnaby home with greige tile and oak vanity

Bathroom Reno in Burnaby: Costs, Timelines & What to Expect

September 10, 2026

by Marketing Team Local Guides

A bathroom reno in Burnaby usually takes three to five weeks and costs $12,000 to $25,000 for a standard renovation, though a full gut in a Metrotown condo or an older east Burnaby house runs higher. The biggest variable is what sits behind the walls.

This guide covers real 2026 cost ranges, how long the work takes, when the city requires a permit, and what a bathroom renovation in Burnaby runs into that a quick quote tends to miss.

How much does a bathroom reno in Burnaby cost?

A standard bathroom reno in Burnaby costs $12,000 to $25,000 in 2026: a new tub or shower, tile, vanity, toilet, lighting, fan, and paint in a typical 5-by-8 layout with fixtures staying put. A full gut with a layout change, a curbless shower, or a heated floor runs $30,000 to $60,000 and up.

Two things move the price: whether plumbing relocates, and what condition the substrate is in once it is opened. Moving a drain means opening the floor and re-running the stack, which adds labour and usually a permit. In older east Burnaby homes we regularly find cast-iron drain lines corroded at the hub joint and worth replacing while the wall is open, which is half a day of work no walkthrough quote includes. A lump-sum quote hides that, so ask for the prep and demolition line separately. Our Vancouver bathroom renovation cost guide breaks the numbers down by scope and applies closely to Burnaby.

Opened bathroom floor in an older Burnaby home showing cast-iron drain replacement

How long does a bathroom renovation in Burnaby take?

A standard bathroom renovation in Burnaby takes three to five weeks from demolition to final walkthrough. Roughly a week goes to demolition and rough-in, a week to waterproofing and tile, and the rest to fixtures, grout cure, glass, and paint.

The schedule stretches when a permit or strata approval sits in the critical path. A same-footprint refresh can start within days; a layout change that needs a City of Burnaby plumbing permit adds one to three weeks before work begins, and strata approval in a high-rise adds more. Tile choice matters too: large-format porcelain needs a flat substrate, so an out-of-level floor, common in post-war Burnaby bungalows, needs a self-levelling pour and an extra cure day before tile. A heated floor adds an electrical inspection before tile covers the mat; booked early it disappears into the cure time, booked late it becomes several idle days with the bathroom out of service.

Large-format porcelain tile samples and a level on a bathroom subfloor

Do you need a permit for a bathroom renovation in Burnaby?

You do not need a permit in Burnaby for a like-for-like cosmetic update. Swapping a vanity, toilet, tub, tile, or fan in the same spot is maintenance. You do need one once you relocate plumbing, add or move electrical circuits, or change anything structural.

Most “refresh” projects skip the permit and most “renovation” projects need one. Moving the shower, adding a heated-floor circuit, removing a wall to enlarge the room, or converting a tub to a curbless walk-in shower all cross that line. For a condo, strata approval is a separate step on top of the city permit, and most Burnaby buildings want proof of a licensed plumber and insurance first. Skipping a required permit surfaces at resale during an inspection and can mean opening finished walls. Our Burnaby bathroom renovation team files the permit and strata paperwork as part of the job.

What should Burnaby homeowners know before starting?

The biggest factor in a Burnaby bathroom project is the age and type of your home, because it decides what the crew finds behind the tile. Burnaby’s housing splits into two worlds that renovate differently.

Post-war bungalows and character homes in east Burnaby and the Heights tend to have plaster walls, plank or early-plywood subfloors, cast-iron or galvanized plumbing, and rooms that are out of square. These need substrate levelling, sometimes partial re-piping, and a tile layout set to the walls rather than the room’s sightlines. Otherwise the finished floor reads as crooked even when every tile is level. Concrete high-rises around Metrotown and Brentwood remove the subfloor worries but bring acoustic-underlay requirements, a rarely-flat slab, and no easy way to recess a linear drain without strata engineering sign-off.

Waterproofing is the step we will not cut. We use a Schluter KERDI bonded membrane over KERDI-BOARD rather than a liner behind cement board, because a bonded assembly can be inspected before tile and is what the Schluter system warranty requires. It costs more up front, and in a wet climate it earns that back.

Schluter KERDI waterproofing membrane installed in a Burnaby shower before tile

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a small bathroom renovation cost in Burnaby?

A small or powder-room renovation in Burnaby usually runs $6,000 to $12,000, and a standard main bathroom $12,000 to $25,000. The low end assumes fixtures stay put and finishes are mid-range; the high end reflects moved plumbing, custom tile work, or a full layout change.

Can you renovate a condo bathroom in a Burnaby high-rise?

Yes, and it is routine work in Metrotown and Brentwood towers. The differences are procedural: strata approval, proof of licensed trades and insurance, booked elevator and work-hour windows, and acoustic underlay under new tile. Build in an extra two to four weeks for approvals.

Should I pull the permit for my Burnaby bathroom reno myself?

Your contractor should pull it. A licensed renovation company files the City of Burnaby permit and any strata submission, and is named as the party responsible for inspections. If a contractor asks you to take out an owner permit for work their business is doing, treat it as a warning sign.

Finished curbless walk-in shower in a Burnaby condo bathroom by RT Stone & Tile

Planning a Bathroom Renovation in Burnaby?

A realistic Burnaby bathroom budget is $12,000 to $25,000 for a standard renovation and three to five weeks of work, with older homes and high-rise condos each adding their own steps. Knowing which one you have before you start keeps the project on schedule.

RT Stone & Tile has renovated bathrooms across Burnaby, from Metrotown condos to character homes in the Heights, with Schluter-certified waterproofing on every one. If you are searching for a bathroom renovation near me in Burnaby, contact us or call 604.781.2510 to book a walkthrough, or see our bathroom renovation services.

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Honed marble countertop island in a Vancouver kitchen at evening

Are Marble Countertops Still Worth It in 2026?

September 3, 2026

by Marketing Team Materials & Comparisons

Marble is the countertop people ask for by name, and it also carries a reputation for being fragile and high-maintenance. Both are partly true, which is why the question deserves an honest answer rather than a showroom pitch.

Whether a marble top in 2026 is still worth it comes down to how you cook, how you feel about a surface that changes over time, and which finish you pick. This guide covers real costs in Vancouver, the honed-versus-polished decision, and the downsides no slab yard volunteers.

Are marble countertops still worth it in 2026?

A marble countertop in 2026 is worth it for homeowners who want genuine natural stone with unique veining and will accept a surface that develops a patina. It is the wrong choice for anyone who wants a countertop that looks identical in ten years to the day it was installed.

Marble is still specified in high-end Vancouver kitchens because nothing engineered fully replicates the depth and movement of a real slab. Quartz has closed the gap on looks, but under raking light from a window the printed veining still reads as a pattern rather than stone. What has changed in 2026 is that homeowners come in better informed — most people asking us for marble already know it etches, and they want it anyway for the island where the material is the point.

Close-up of natural veining in a polished marble countertop slab

How much do marble countertops cost in Vancouver?

Marble countertops in Vancouver run roughly $80 to $200 per square foot installed, with most kitchens landing between $4,500 and $9,000 for the full job. Carrara sits at the low end; Calacatta and Statuario at the high end, because the slabs are rarer and the veining more dramatic.

That price includes templating, fabrication, edge profiling, sink and cooktop cutouts, and sealing. It does not include tearing out the old countertop, plumbing disconnection and reconnection, or backsplash work — which is why a lump-sum kitchen quote is worth breaking apart line by line. Premium quartz in the same kitchen runs $70 to $150 per square foot installed, so marble is not dramatically more expensive. It is the maintenance, not the price, that should drive the decision. Our kitchen renovation team can price marble against quartz and quartzite for your layout.

Honed or polished marble — which finish handles daily use better?

Honed marble hides wear better than polished marble in a working kitchen, because its matte surface does not show etch marks sharply. Polished marble looks stunning on install day, but every acidic spill leaves a dull spot against the gloss.

Etching is not a stain and not something you can seal your way out of — an acid like lemon juice, wine, or tomato eats a microscopically shallow dish into the calcium carbonate. On honed stone those dishes are nearly invisible. For a kitchen that gets real cooking we almost always steer clients to a honed finish, and we tell them the counter will still develop a soft, uneven sheen from use. On a marble top in 2026 that lived-in look is widely treated as part of the appeal — but you have to actually want it.

One crew note: honed marble needs resealing more often than polished because the open surface is slightly more porous. Budget on resealing every 6 to 12 months, and run a water-drop test — if the water darkens the stone within a few minutes, reseal.

Honed and polished marble samples compared side by side

What are the real downsides of a marble countertop?

The real downsides are etching from acids, staining from oil and pigment, and edge chipping at the sink and corners. Each is manageable, none goes away, and a homeowner not told about them upfront will feel misled.

Staining is the preventable one. Marble is porous, so olive oil, red wine, coffee, and turmeric can soak in if left sitting; sealing on schedule and wiping spills promptly keeps staining rare. Chipping comes down to fabrication and habits — a well-profiled eased edge is far more durable than a thin sharp arris, and a cutting board protects the stone. Heat matters less than people assume, but a screaming-hot cast iron pan straight off the burner can still cause a hairline crack from thermal shock, so use a trivet. RT Stone & Tile runs a Vancouver showroom where you can put water and lemon on a honed and a polished sample before deciding — worth more than any spec sheet. See our showroom and team for hours, and our guide to choosing a kitchen countertop material and stone and tile overview for lower-maintenance alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is marble a bad idea for a kitchen island in a busy household?

Marble on an island is fine for a busy household if you choose a honed finish and accept some etching and patina over time. If anyone in the house wants the counter to stay pristine, put marble on a low-traffic baking counter or perimeter run and use quartz or quartzite on the island instead.

How often does a marble countertop need to be sealed in Vancouver?

Plan to seal a marble countertop every 6 to 12 months, and more often for a honed finish. Vancouver’s humidity does not change the schedule much — the deciding factor is how heavily the counter is used and whether a water drop still beads or soaks in.

Does marble add resale value to a Vancouver home?

Marble reads as a premium finish to most buyers and photographs well in listings. It rarely returns its full cost on its own, and a visibly etched slab can read as worn, so the resale case is strongest when the marble is well maintained or freshly honed before selling.

Finished Vancouver kitchen with marble countertops by RT Stone & Tile

Planning a Kitchen Renovation in Vancouver?

A marble top rewards homeowners who go in with clear eyes: honed finish, a resealing habit, and an appreciation for a surface that ages. If that sounds like you, marble is still worth it in 2026. If not, quartzite gets you most of the look with far less upkeep.

RT Stone & Tile fabricates and installs marble, quartzite, and quartz countertops for kitchens across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Contact us or call us at 604.781.2510 to talk through which surface fits how you cook.

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Finished walk-in shower renovation in a Vancouver home

Walk-In Shower Renovation in Vancouver: What to Know Before You Start

August 26, 2026

by Marketing Team Bathroom Renovations

The walk-in shower has become the default request in almost every bathroom renovation we quote, and for good reason. It reads as more spacious than a tub-shower combo, it is easier to clean, and it works for a household at every stage of life without looking institutional. It is also one of the easier renovations to get subtly wrong.

A walk-in shower renovation in Vancouver involves more decisions than the finished photos suggest — drain placement, glass configuration, curb height, and waterproofing all interact with each other in ways that are hard to undo once tile is set. This guide walks through what actually needs deciding before demolition starts.

Curbless or Curbed: The First Decision That Shapes Everything Else

A curbless — or zero-threshold — shower removes the small dam most people are used to stepping over. It reads as more open and works better for anyone with mobility concerns, now or down the road, which is why it has become the more requested option among Vancouver homeowners planning a renovation they intend to stay in long-term.

The trade-off is structural. A curbless shower needs the floor to slope toward the drain across the entire wet area, not just inside a contained pan, and that slope has to start further back if there is no curb to contain the water. On a main floor over a concrete slab this is usually straightforward. On an upper floor over a wood-framed subfloor, it can mean recessing the joists or building up the surrounding floor to create the slope without a step, which adds cost and sometimes isn’t possible without opening the ceiling below.

A curbed shower remains the simpler build in most cases, particularly on upper floors, and a low curb — around 2 inches rather than the traditional 4 — captures much of the open feeling without the structural complexity.

Sloped shower floor installation showing drainage detail

Drain Type: Point Drain Versus Linear Drain

Point drains sit in the center or a corner of the shower floor, and the floor slopes toward that single point from all directions. They are the more affordable option and work fine for smaller or squarer shower footprints.

Linear drains run along one edge of the shower, usually against a wall, and the floor only needs to slope in one direction rather than from every corner toward a center point. This makes them a natural fit for curbless showers and for longer, narrower shower footprints where a single point drain would create an awkward multi-directional slope. They also tend to read as more contemporary, which is part of why they show up in most current renderings.

Homeowners across the Lower Mainland comparing quotes should confirm which drain type is priced in — a linear drain and the tile cuts it requires typically add several hundred dollars over a standard point drain, and that difference is not always broken out clearly in a lump-sum estimate.

Glass Configuration and What It Actually Costs

Frameless glass has become close to standard for walk-in showers, and for good reason — it disappears visually in a way framed enclosures never do. But “frameless” covers a range of configurations with very different price points.

A single fixed panel is the most affordable frameless option and works well when the shower opening is naturally protected from spray by the room layout. A panel plus a door costs more but is often necessary for larger openings. Fully enclosed frameless systems with multiple panels and a door cost the most and make sense mainly for showers positioned where spray control matters in every direction.

Glass thickness matters more than most homeowners realize going in. 3/8-inch glass is the common standard; 1/2-inch glass costs more but feels noticeably more substantial and requires less hardware to stay rigid, which is part of why higher-end installations tend to specify it.

Waterproofing Behind the Walls

None of the visible decisions matter much if the waterproofing behind them fails. Every walk-in shower needs a continuous waterproof membrane across the floor and up the walls to a minimum height, with particular attention at seams, the drain connection, and any niche cut into a wet wall.

This is where corners get cut on lower-end quotes, because it is invisible once tile goes up and the failure often doesn’t show for a year or more — by which point the fix means demolishing the shower. Schluter’s KERDI membrane system is what we specify on nearly every walk-in shower we build, because it is a fully bonded, sheet-applied system rather than a liquid-applied coating that depends heavily on application technique.

Homeowners in Burnaby, where older housing stock is common, should ask specifically whether the quote includes removing the shower down to the studs or whether it is tiling over an existing pan — the latter is sometimes offered as a shortcut and it defeats the purpose of a proper waterproofing rebuild.

The same question is worth asking regardless of city. Older bathrooms in Delta carry the same risk of a shortcut re-tile hiding a compromised membrane underneath, and the only way to know for certain is to ask what the scope of demolition actually includes.

Waterproofing membrane applied to a shower wall before tiling

Minimum Sizing and Realistic Layouts

A walk-in shower needs real space to feel like the upgrade it is meant to be. Most codes and comfortable design practice put the functional minimum around 36 by 36 inches, though 42 by 42 inches or larger reads noticeably more spacious and gives more flexibility for fixture placement.

In smaller bathrooms, particularly in older Richmond condos and townhomes, converting a tub-shower combo to a walk-in sometimes means the new shower is not dramatically larger than the old tub footprint — the gain is functional and visual rather than in raw square footage. A contractor should be honest about this trade-off during the planning stage rather than after tile is ordered.

What a Walk-In Shower Renovation Typically Costs

A straightforward walk-in shower conversion — replacing an existing tub-shower with a curbed walk-in, standard point drain, and a single glass panel — generally runs $12,000 to $20,000 depending on tile selection and finish level.

Curbless conversions, linear drains, and larger glass configurations push that range higher, often into the $20,000 to $35,000 range once structural floor work is involved. Natural stone tile, in-floor heating, and custom niches all add on top of that baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a curbless shower worth the extra cost?

For homeowners planning to stay in their home long-term, most find it worth it for both the accessibility benefit and the resale appeal — curbless showers consistently rank high on buyer wish lists across the region. For a shorter-term hold, a well-executed low-curb shower delivers much of the same visual benefit at a lower cost.

Can any bathroom be converted to a curbless shower?

Most can, but upper-floor bathrooms over wood framing sometimes require structural modification to create the necessary slope without a step, which can meaningfully increase cost. A site assessment before finalizing the design is the only reliable way to know.

How long does a walk-in shower renovation take?

A standard conversion typically takes one to two weeks from demolition to final walkthrough, including cure time for the waterproofing membrane and tile. Curbless conversions requiring structural floor changes can extend that timeline by several days.

Do walk-in showers need a door, or can they be fully open?

Fully open — doorless — configurations work well when the shower is recessed into an alcove or otherwise protected from spray, and they are popular in Coquitlam renovations where homeowners want the cleanest possible look. In more open layouts, a door or larger fixed panel is usually necessary to keep water contained.

Finished bathroom with walk-in shower by RT Stone & Tile

Planning a Bathroom Renovation?

A walk-in shower renovation rewards the decisions made before construction starts far more than any choice made once tile is going up. Drain type, glass configuration, and waterproofing approach all deserve real consideration rather than a default selection.

RT Stone & Tile builds walk-in showers across Vancouver and the surrounding region, and we are happy to walk through which configuration actually fits your space and budget. Contact us or call us at 604.781.2510 to get started.

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Interior design mood board with material samples for a Vancouver renovation

Design Services in Vancouver: What They Include and When You Need Them

August 19, 2026

by Marketing Team Costs & Planning

Most homeowners planning a renovation know they need a contractor. Fewer realize they might need a designer first — and by the time they figure that out, they have often already bought tile that does not suit the layout, or committed to a floor plan that fights the natural light.

Design services in Vancouver cover more ground than most people expect, and knowing what falls under that umbrella before a project starts can save both money and a round of redone decisions. This guide breaks down what design services actually include, when they are worth the cost, and how the process typically unfolds.

What “Design Services” Actually Covers

The phrase gets used loosely, so it helps to separate it into what a design phase typically delivers before construction begins.

Space planning — working out layout, traffic flow, and whether walls need to move
Material and finish selection — tile, countertop, cabinetry, and fixture choices that work together as a system rather than one-off picks
Renderings or mood boards — a visual reference so a homeowner knows roughly what they are getting before demolition starts
Coordination with trades — making sure the electrical plan, plumbing rough-in, and finish selections actually agree with each other

A good design phase catches conflicts on paper instead of on site. Moving a light switch after drywall is up costs far more than moving it during planning, and the same logic applies to nearly every decision a renovation involves.

Floor plan drawing during the design phase of a renovation

Design-Build Versus Design-Then-Build

Homeowners across the Lower Mainland generally choose between two structures, and the difference matters more than most people expect going in.

A design-build arrangement keeps design and construction under one roof. The same company that draws the plan also builds it, which tends to mean fewer handoff gaps and a single point of accountability if something does not match the drawings. It can also move faster, since the construction team is involved early enough to flag anything unbuildable before it is finalized on paper.

Design-then-build separates the two: an independent designer creates the plan, and a contractor is brought in afterward to execute it. This can widen the pool of contractors bidding on the job, since the scope is already defined. The trade-off is that responsibility splits between two parties, and any gap between what was drawn and what is practical to build becomes a negotiation rather than an internal conversation.

Neither approach is universally better. A straightforward single-room refresh often does not need the overhead of a separate design phase at all, while a full-home renovation with structural changes usually benefits from one.

When Design Services Are Worth the Investment

Not every project needs a formal design phase, and paying for one when it is not needed is its own kind of waste.

Projects That Benefit Most

Full kitchen or bathroom renovations involving layout changes are where design services earn their cost most reliably. So do whole-home renovations, additions, and any project where several rooms need to feel cohesive rather than independently decorated. If plumbing or electrical is moving, a plan on paper is dramatically cheaper than a plan discovered mid-demolition.

Multi-phase projects benefit in a different way. Homeowners in Coquitlam who are tackling a kitchen this year and bathrooms the next still gain from a single design pass up front, even though construction happens in stages. Locking in a shared material palette and layout logic early keeps phase two from feeling like an unrelated project bolted onto phase one.

Projects That Often Don’t Need It

A straightforward material swap — new tile on an existing floor plan, a vanity replacement, a backsplash refresh — rarely needs a dedicated design phase. Homeowners in Burnaby replacing a single finish usually do better working directly with an experienced kitchen renovation or bathroom renovation team than paying separately for design services scoped for a much larger project.

Comparing tile and countertop material samples together

What the Design Process Typically Looks Like

A first meeting usually covers budget range, must-haves, and how the space is actually used day to day — information that shapes every decision that follows. From there, a designer produces a rough layout and gets feedback before refining it into something closer to final.

Material selection tends to happen in stages rather than all at once. Big-ticket items like flooring and countertops usually get chosen first, since they set the tone the rest of the palette has to work with. Hardware, lighting, and smaller finishes follow once the larger decisions are locked.

Homeowners in Delta and elsewhere often assume renderings are mandatory at this stage. They are useful but not universal — a well-organized material board and a clear floor plan accomplish the same goal for many projects without the added cost of full 3D renderings.

Reviewing a 3D rendering alongside material swatches for a renovation project

Budgeting for Design Services

Design fees are typically structured one of two ways: a flat fee scoped to the project, or a percentage of the overall construction budget, commonly landing somewhere in the 8 to 15 percent range for full-service design work. Simpler material-selection-only packages cost considerably less.

The number that matters most is not the design fee itself but what it prevents. A properly planned kitchen avoids the change orders that come from realizing mid-build that the fridge does not fit where it was assumed to go, or that two chosen finishes clash once they are side by side rather than on separate sample boards.

Homeowners across Richmond comparing quotes should ask directly whether design services are included in a renovation estimate or billed separately — the two get bundled inconsistently between companies, and comparing a bundled quote to an unbundled one produces a misleading number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an interior designer or is a contractor’s design service enough?

For most residential renovations, a contractor’s in-house design service is sufficient, especially under a design-build model. A dedicated interior designer becomes more valuable for large, style-driven projects or when a homeowner wants an outside creative perspective independent of the construction team.

How long does the design phase typically take?

A single-room design plan usually takes two to four weeks from first meeting to finalized selections. Whole-home projects can take six to eight weeks or more, particularly if structural changes require engineering input before the plan is finalized.

Can I skip design services and just pick materials myself?

Yes, and many homeowners do for smaller projects. The risk grows with project size — on a multi-room renovation, self-directed material selection without a coordinated plan is where mismatched finishes and layout regrets most often originate.

What’s the difference between a mood board and a full rendering?

A mood board is a curated collection of material samples, colours, and reference images that communicates a direction. A rendering is a more literal 3D visualization of the finished space. Mood boards are faster and cheaper to produce; renderings are more useful when a homeowner needs to see an exact layout before committing.

Finished living space showing a cohesive material palette from design through construction

Planning a Vancouver Renovation?

Design services exist to catch expensive problems while they are still cheap to fix — on paper, before anything is demolished. Whether that means a full design-build process or a focused material-selection session depends entirely on the scope of the project.

RT Stone & Tile works with homeowners across Vancouver and the surrounding region to figure out exactly how much design support a given project actually needs. Contact us or call us at 604.781.2510 to talk through your renovation.

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