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TILE PORTFOLIO

BEFORE AND AFTER

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ABOUT US

TESTIMONIALS

CONTACT US

EXCAVATION. BLOCK WALLS. REMODEL. REPAIRS. ADDITIONS. INSPECTION REPAIR. TILE. HARDWOOD. GRANITEServing Whatcom County including: Blaine, Bellingham, Custer, Ferndale, Lynden, Laurel, Deming, Acme, Lake Whatcom, Sudden Valley, Fairhaven HOME

Kitchen Remodel
12 " X 24" Brick Pattern
Tropical Brown Granite Counters with Full Backsplash
Ashbury 2
12" Slate Tile Shower on Brick pattern with Custom Made Shelves
Roman Noce with Rug Insert
2' X 2' Tile with Mosaic Floor
Niska
12" X 24" Tile shower
Travertine Tile splash
Custom Tub
12" Field Tile - Slate Splash
Jetted Tub Surround
Tropical Brown Granite
Subway Tile Tub Shower Combo
Schluter Kerdi Shower Progress
6" tile with Checkerboard f
Slate tile entry way with pebble border
Bellissimo Granite with 6" Splash
Arabian Black Granite 3 cm
6" Tile Shower with Shampoo Shelf and Soap Shelf
5" Hand Scraped Engineered Hardwood Floor
Granite Countertops and 16" Tile Floor
Tile Shower Walls with Dots and LIners
2" Mosaic Backsplash
Full tile Powder Room with Wainscoating
Bellissimo Granite Countertop with Undermount Sink
Granite Countertop with Slate 4"
Custom Backsplash with pencil LIner and Bellissimo Granite Top
Feature Backsplash
Custom Tile Countertop and Matiching Tub Surround
Tile Tub Surround with Dots
Wainscoating around bathroom
Brick pattern Floor and small Splash
Custom travertine Shower with Glass Block
410westviewfront

Apollo Custom Construction is a small, family owned construction company that specializes in New Home Construction, Remodels, Excavation, Septic Systems, Hardscapes, Tile and Hardwood Floor Installation and Granite Countertops. We are located in Blaine, Whatcom County, Washington.

Although we are general contractors, we self perform many of the trades that finish your house and make it a CUSTOM home. We specialize in tile and hardwood floor installations and we are professionals in framing, interior trim & millwork, granite & solid surface countertops and painting. By being versed in so many aspects of the construction process, we are able to help you every step of the way to creating a luxurious home you can be proud of. We are a firm believer in quality, using only the highest grade materials on every job. Our goal is to meet and exceed industry standards.

HOME PORTFOLIO

Ashbury 2
Ashbury 1
Niska 1
Ashbury 3
Westview 1

Ashbury 2 Custom Home
Ashbury 2 Custom Tub
Ashbury 2 Stamped Concrete
Ashbury 2 Family Room Wet Bar
Ashbury 2 Walk-in Shower
Ashbury 2 Vanity Cabinets
Ashbury 2 Glass Block Shower
Ashbury 2 Kitchen
Ashbury 2 Cultured Stone Stove
Ashbury 2 Stairway Bannister
Ashbury 2 Brazilian Cherry
Ashbury 2 Entryway
Ashbury 2 Half Bath Vanity
Ashbury 1 Custom Home
Ashbury 1 Arched Entryway
Ashbury 1 Cherry Kitchen
Ashbury Iron Stairway
Ashbury 1 Custom Shower
Ashbury 1 Vessel Sinks
Ashbury 1 Custom Tub
Ashbury 1 Livingroom
Ashbury 1 Hopscotch Pattern
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Niska 1 Custom Home
Niska 1 Maple Cabinets
Niska 1 See Thru Fireplace
Niska 1 Custom Tub
Niska 1 French Doors

EXCAVATION SERVICES

EXCAVATING SERVICES

Homesite dig-out
Repair Drainage under house
Pressure Mound Drainfield
Mini Excavation
Septic tank Installation
Allan Block Wall
Utility Trenching
Erosion Control
Landscape Wall
Structural Earth Wall
Ultra Block Wall
Stone Wall

We are a small but experienced excavation team with construction equipment available for hire on a contractual basis. Our company will help you develop the most cost effective solution for your specific excavating project from beginning to end! With over 30 years combined experience at Apollo Custom Construction you can expect professional services and a quality finish product.SERVICE WE PROVIDE• SITE PREP• HOMESITE DIG-OUT• SEPTIC SYSTEM INSTALLATION• HARDSCAPE AND RETAINING WALLS• DRAINAGE REPAIR• WATER LINE INSTALLATION• SEWER LINE INSTALLATION• STORM SEWER INSTALLATION• ROAD BUILDING• CURB, GUTTER AND SIDEWALK PREPIt is our goal to: Understand the excavation needs of you, our customer, and focus our unified company and subcontractor efforts to provide the most cost effective and creative solutions for you. Exceed your expectations with the highest quality services and products. Continuing the development of our reputation in the industry as a leader in excellence resulting in unsurpassed service, product value, innovation, efficiency and safety.From project start through completion, we work closely with you to ensure you receive the results you desire for your construction project. Our Team has the expertise and equipment to handle all phases of site preparation for your project. From land clearing and underground utilities all the way through to final paving, Apollo Custom Construction understands the importance of completing projects on schedule and within budget and we've got the reputation to prove it. We're experts at creating a buildable site for you. Our quality craftsmanship and customer service focus make us the best choice for your construction project.
HARDSCAPE PORTFOLIO

ROCK AND BLOCK HARDSCAPES AND RETAINING WALLS

Landscape Block Wall
Stone Retaining Wall
Structural Earth Wall
Ultra Block Retaining Wall
Bodes Redi-Rock Retaining Wall
Allan Block tiered Wall

TILE SERVICES baker 002

SERVICES

Estimates - Free EstimatesDesign - We can assist you in selection of a tile , stone or hardwood that meets your needs and help you select a design that meets your desires.Prep Work - Including Floated Floors and Walls, Cement board, uncoupling membranes, crack suppression membranes, and waterproof membranesInstallation - All types of Tile , Stone and Hardwood for floors, walls, ceilings, countertops, backsplashes, showers, tub surrounds and steam rooms. We also install mosaic and water jet medallions and custom ceramic and stone artwork by local artists.Sealing - Sealing can either be completed by the homeowners or us, we can arrange to come back 2-3 days after grouting to seal the project, or we can install a "stain resistent" grout, LATICRETE SpectraLOCK PRO grout that requires no sealing, ever.DIY Assistance - We are happy to provide suggested installation methods, one-on-one training or perform the prep and layout for you.Warranty - We offer a 5 years guarantee on all shower installations and 1 year labor warranty on all other installations.
TILE PORTFOLIO

LUXURY TILE AND HARDWOOD FLOORING INSTALLATIONS

Walk in Shower
Slate Fireplace
Walk in Shower
24" X 24" Tile with Mosaic
Slate Entryway with Pebbles
12" Polished Porcelain
Slate Shower
Walk In Shower with Bench
12" X 24" Porcelain Brick set
Shower Detail
Mosaic Shower Floor Pan
Full Tile Powder Room
Total Kitchen Remodel
Bellissimo Granite w Undermount Sink
Feature Kitchen
Custom Tile countertop and Bath Surround
Glass Backsplash
Bellissimo Granite Splash
6" Tile Glass Mosaic
Large Format Tub
Shower Pan and Bench
Custom Slate Shelves
Diamond Pattern Backsplash
2" Slate Mosaic Backsplash
Full Kitchen
Bellissimo Granite Top
Replaced Bench and Re waterproofed
Brazilian Cherry Hardwood Floor
Oak Laminate Floor
Custom Tub with Step up
Tub Tiled Top
Granite Island and Schluter Trim
Checkerboard Shower Floor
Subway Tile Tub Shower with Glass Inserts
Shampoo Bottle Shelves
Custom Slate Brick Pattern
Full Backsplash
Walk in Mosaic with Mat
Shower Niche and Window
Granite Slab top
Vertical Running Bond Brick
Vertical Running Bond
Black and White Porcelain
Shower fix
Arabian Black Undermount
Bluetooth Mosaic Floor
Noir Black 12" X 24"
Custom Bathtub 12" X 24"
Slate Mosaic Backsplash
Backsplash with Pencil Liner
6" Travertine with Mosaics
Travertine and Mosaic.
anderson 002
Slate Tub Shower
12" Slate Inset in Cherry Wood

BEFORE AND AFTER

Before Vanity
After Replaced Vanity
Before Tile Shower
After Tile Shower
Before Bath Vanity
After Bath Vanity
Before Tub Shower Surround
After Tub Shower Surround
After Tub Shower
Before Bathtub
After Bathtub
Before Fireplace
After Fireplace
Kitchen Remodel Before
Kitchen Remodel After

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

Our 15 top selling Granite Countertop Samples Click here to see over 230 different varieties

Absolute Black
Baltic Brown Granite
Black Galaxy Granite
Blue Pearl Granite
Uba Tuba Granite
Desert Brown Granite
Emerald Pearl Granite
Giallo Ornamental Granite
Santa Cecilia Granite
Kashmir Gold Granite
Kashmir White Granite
New Venetian Gold
Tan Brown Granite

QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS TO ASK A POTENTIAL INSTALLER

All bids are not created equal. It is important to ask each installer what steps they will take in order to assure you a beautiful, lasting, problem free installation. Here in Whatcom County we have many quality tile and stone installers. We also have some that are, well, not so good. Of course I hope you select our company for your project. But even if you do not, these questions and answers will help you differentiate between a knowledgeable professional and someone that is just trying to make a quick buck. The appearance of the finished product is important. But what is below the surface is even more important. Proper prep work, waterproofing and layout are the keys to a lasting tile or stone project.Are they licensed and insured?The state of Washington requires all contractors to be licensed by the state. Anyone involved in installing ceramic or stone tile should have a Contractors Bond and Insurance. The licensing process is designed for the protection of the consumer. All licensed contractors must have current liability insurance and provide workman’s comp insurance if they have employees. . Our companies license number is apollth910be, to confirm it is valid please click on this link, https://fortress.wa.gov/lni/bbip/Search.aspx Do they adhere to ANSI AND TCNA standards?ANSI- American National Standards Institute- Provides ANSI specifications for the installation of Ceramic Tile. TCNA- Tile Council of North America-Provides Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation as a guide to assist in clarifying and standardizing the installation specifications for ceramic tile. It is updated yearly. Experienced tile contractors refer both the ANSI specifications and the most recent copy of the TCNA handbook to confirm that their installation methods meet proven, industry approved methods. We make sure our installations not only meet these minimum standards but exceed them What steps do they take to prevent mold, mildew, and moisture problems?These are the steps we take. 1. We do not use water resistant drywall in wet areas; only tile backer boards that are designed for wet areas are used. 2. We install and make sure there is proper drainage so the moisture can escape and that the weep holes on the drain are not blocked. 3. We also install a high tech, low VOC waterproof membrane on all our tub and shower walls. This is on top of the water resistant tile backer board or mortar bed. Tile backer boards and mortar beds are not damaged by water but do not prevent water penetration into wall cavity. We use products like Laticrete Hydroban-http://www.laticrete.com/Portals/0/datasheets/LDS6630_IMPROVED.pdfor Laticrete 9235- http://www.laticrete.com/Portals/0/datasheets/lds2360.pdf4. We also use thinset mortar, grout and caulk that have mildew and mold resistant additives built in. We do not use mastic adhesive in wet areas. 5. We recommend epoxy grout like Laticrete Spectra Lock- http://www.laticrete.com/Portals/0/datasheets/lds6850.pdfor high tech cement grouts like Laticrete Permagrout- http://www.laticrete.com/Portals/0/datasheets/ds2500.pdf6. For cement grouts we recommend and natural stone we recommend installing a sealer from companies such as Drytreat- http://www.drytreat.com/or Prosoco- http://www.prosoco.com/ProductList.asp?m=0&i=6Sealers do not last forever or make grout or stone stain proof. Sealers make the cleaning process easier and help slow down moisture absorption by the grout or stone. 7. Another option we use the Schluter shower system. They are an innovative company originally from Germany. They have some excellent materials for tile installation and great information on their website. This is a link to an article entitled “Essential Water Management in Tiled Showers.” http://www.schluter.com/5232.aspxA properly built tile assembly in a wet area sheds water quickly and prevents moisture and vapor penetration into the walls or floor below. Proper maintenance is also required. The shower should be cleaned regularly with a neutral cleaner. It is recommended to use a squeegee or towel to dry the walls after each use. All bathrooms need adequate ventilation, use of an exhaust fan is recommended. Do they use mastic and/or greenboard in wet areas?This should never be done. Mastic is an adhesive that should only be used to bond small ceramic tile 8” x 8” or less to walls in dry areas only. ‘Greenboard’ is water resistant drywall; it is not waterproof and should not be used on tub surrounds or shower walls. Do they claim tile and grout are waterproof?Tile and grout are not waterproof and no topical sealer can make them so. A tile or stone installation is a beautiful, easy to clean, water resistant surface. Any tile or stone installation in a wet area must include a properly installed waterproof membrane to protect the building from moisture damage. Do they install waterproof membranes over a sloped surface?All waterproof membranes should slope to the drain. If they do not the mortar bed will stay constantly saturated which can lead to mold and mildew problems. What do they do to prevent clogging weep holes in shower drains?Weep holes are part of a two part clamping shower drain. They allow moisture that makes it way to the shower membrane to escape. It is critical that before the mortar bed is placed that small gravel, tile spacers, or filter fabric be placed over weep holes. Many installers skip this important detailWhat will they do to ensure that the tile doesn't crack?First we must answer why tile cracks. There are many reasons but they are fairly simple to prevent 1. Improper tile selection. Tiles designed for wall use only are not durable enough to use on floors. Some tiles that are suitable for floors are not suitable for exterior installations. Some tiles that are fine for residential use should not be used in a heavy use commercial application. 2. Wrong type of adhesive or poor coverage of adhesive. Sometimes installers use mastic adhesive on floor installations. Mastic adhesive is a glue. It does not have the compressive strength to support heavy traffic. Most installers always use a thinset mortar. This is cement based and can handle heavy traffic. There is a wide variety in quality of thinset mortar. (There is another question further down the list on that subject). Even when thinset is used each tile needs adequate mortar under the entire tile to support it. If you have a few random cracked tiles throughout your floor this may be the cause. A dropped pot might chip or nick a tile but it should not crack a properly installed tile. 3. Structural Movement. –This is actually the most common cause of tile cracking. Do you have a crack that rambles along from one tile directly to the next? This is likely the cause. Don’t worry it doesn’t usually mean your house has structural problems. It is natural for concrete slabs and wood structures to move. When tile is directly bonded to or not allowed to move separately from the structure cracks appear when the structure moves What can be done to prevent cracks?Use a properly specified tile. Make sure it has full coverage of the bonding mortar and install it over a structurally sound substrate. To guarantee no structural cracks a crack suppression or uncoupling membrane should be used under the entire floor and expansion joints need to be installed to allow for movement. Here is an article from Fine Homebuilding that shows how a membrane from Schluter can be used over wood floors to prevent cracks, entitled “A Tile Floor That Won’t Crack” http://www.schluter.com/media/articles/fhb_art_tile_floor_us.pdf Some of the products we use are: Schluter Ditra http://www.schluter.com/6_1_ditra.aspx Noble Seal CIS http://www.noblecompany.com/Portals/0/PRODUCT INFO/Product Descriptions/NobleSeal CIS Product Decription 0409.pdf Laticrete Blue 92 http://www.laticrete.com/Portals/0/datasheets/lds6470.pdf For more on the principals and science behind why we recommend membranes under all our tile work please see this article from Schluter- “Understanding the Paradigm Shift in Underlayment Technology” http://www.schluter.com/3785.aspx Do they recommend use of uncoupling or crack suppression membranes?When tile is bonded directly to the structure any movement can transfer to the finished tile installation and cause cracking. (Ex. Bonding directly to a concrete slab or plywood floor.) Most installations can benefit from an uncoupling or crack suppression membrane to mitigate chances of cracking. I will be happy to discuss options with you. For more information please click on this linkhttp://www.schluter.com/6_1_ditra.aspxI recommend and install Schluter Ditra uncoupling membrane. This product has been used for over 2 decades in Europe. It provides complete separation from substrate movement and other benefits. It can be used over both concrete and plywood floors. Do their installations allow for expansion?All tile installations should include movement/expansion joints. Without them tile installations can crack or actually loose their bond. By planning for these early on they can be installed in a way that does not take away from the aesthetics of the finished installation. The architect should specify their location. They are recommended every 20’-25’ for interior installations and every 12’-16’ for exterior installations. Smaller installations are usually ok with perimeter movement joints onlyDo they use the proper thinset for the job?Thinset is the main product used to bond tile to the substrate. It typically comes in 50lb. bags and can range from $5 to $40 per bag. Many tile setters use the cheapest thinset they can find to save a few bucks. There are industry standards and manufactures guidelines to help find the right thinset for each job. Are you choosing porcelain or glass tile, is it an interior or exterior installation, wet or dry installation, what are you bonding too? Check with your installer to see if they are using the correct product. How do they trowel their thinset?It seems like a simple thing but done improperly it can lead to loss of bond and/or cracked tile. The substrate should be thoroughly cleaned. The proper sized notch trowel should be chosen based on the size of the tile. The installer should spread thinset first with the flat side of his trowel to ‘burn’ the thinset into the substrate. Then using the notch side of his trowel comb an even bed of thinset all in the same direction. When the installer spreads in a swirl pattern it can lead to unwanted air pockets underneath the tile. Then the tile should be placed quickly in the fresh thinset. The tile should be slid back and forth ¼” perpendicular to the direction of the notches. This provides full coverage and a strong bond. Some large tiles or difficult to bond tiles like porcelain benefit from a skim coat (called back buttering) on the back of the tile just before it is placed in the fresh thinset. Do they use thinset to build up a floor to proper elevation?Some tile setters use excess thinset mortar to build up the tile to the proper elevation. This is incorrect. Thinset mortar is designed only to bond the tile to the substrate and to correct minor irregularities in the substrate. Thinset mortar will loose bond strength and shrink when applied too thick. That is why it is called thinset! A mortar bed, self leveling cement, cement board, or medium bed mortar should be used when the substrate is not at the correct elevation.Are they experienced in the installation of epoxy grout?Typical grouts are cement based. They have greatly improved over the years and are what I would recommend for most installations. But for the best stain and mildew resistance you may want to consider an epoxy grout. They are more difficult to install and the material cost is significantly higher than standard grouts. If you are considering this option make sure you choose an installer that has extensive installation experience with epoxy grout. Why should I hire a contractor?The diy tv shows make installing tile looks so easy. If you are willing to do the research, and have the time to do it right, tile is something a do it yourselfer can handle. The diy shows make it look easy because many times they skip steps, like thinset under the cement board or mesh tape on the joints, or any moisture or waterproof membranes. Just like cooking looks a lot easier on the Food Channel than it is in real life so can renovation. Will they show up when they say they will and return your phone calls?We show up when we say we will and we will contact you promptly if for some reason we cannot. We will return your phone calls no later than the next business day.Do they consult with you regarding layout? Are they willing to take the time to answer your questions so that you end of with the tile or stone installation you envision?Every tile installer has an opinion on the best way to layout a tile job including myself. But we will consult with you prior to installation to get your opinion. We enjoy assisting our clients and answering their questions. Contact us as early as possible and we can work with your architect, interior designer, and/or general contractor so that the project is properly detailed so that your tile or stone installation can be properly and beautifully installed. What type of guarantee do they offer?Our standard warranty is 1 year. Most of the installation materials we use have 10-15 warranties. In reality a properly installed tile job should last decades. We try to develop life long relationships with our clients. If you follow our recommendations for installation methods and you select a quality tile we don’t think you will have any problems. If you do have a problem call us, and we will do everything to solve the problem. Even if the job was completed years ago.
ABOUT US No Frame

About Us

OUR COMPANYApollo Custom Construction is a small, family owned construction company that specializes in New Home Construction, Remodels, Tile and Hardwood Floor Installation and Granite Countertops. We are located in Blaine, Whatcom County, Washington.Although we are general contractors, we self perform many of the trades that finish your house and make it a CUSTOM home. We specialize in tile and hardwood floor installations and we are professionals in framing, interior trim & millwork, granite & solid surface countertops and painting. By being versed in so many aspects of the construction process, we are able to help you every step of the way to creating a luxurious home you can be proud of. We are a firm believer in quality, using only the highest grade materials on every job. Our goal is to meet and exceed industry standards.We are a fully licensed, bonded and insured company and Shane, the owner and installer is fullly trained and certified in his field.OUR PHILOSOPHYOld world craftsmanship along with new industry innovations make Apollo Custom Construction a winning team. It is our goal to:Use the highest quality materialsUse industry approved installation methodsProvide superior Customer Service
TESTIMONIALS baker 002

TESTIMONIALS

• I recently employed Shane Johnson, Apollo Custom Construction, to tile the floor of a newly constructed outdoor enclosed kitchen and patio. He was recommended to me by the general contractor putting up the building. Working with Shane was a pleasure. He professionally answered all my questions and spent the extra time necessary to educate me on what was going to look and work best for the anticipated uses of the facility. When it was time to start the job, Shane showed up as planned and continued to complete the project over a three day period. Each day he left the jobsite neat and clean. The quality of the work was excellent; and there were no unpleasant surprises including the agreed to in advance invoice. I enthusiastically recommend Shane and Apollo Custom Construction to anyone contemplating these types of services.”"-Brian FaganBirch Bay, WATile FloorNovember 2010"I found Apollo Custom Construction on Google when looking for someone to re-tile my shower and bathroom floor. After emailing Shane, he promptly answered me back and we discussed back & forth through email and pictures what I wanted done in my bathroom remodel. I had a lot of questions during the demo phase and Shane always promptly responded back to me with excellent advice on how to go about it ... like using a toe-kick saw which I had never heard of! Once my demo was complete, he showed up right on time to start the process of putting it all back together. This was the first time that we had met in person but I already felt like I knew him through all of our correspondence. He got to work right away and was very mindful of keeping my home clean by removing his shoes and laying down carpet remenants to protect my rugs. He worked steadily and efficiently. The whole job took about 5 days from start to finish. Shane was also very upfront and honest about the cost estimate and at the end of the job when I paid him, I felt really good that there were no surprises. I would highly recommend Shane. He was polite, knowledgable, helpful and very professional. "- Shellye ArgentMt. Vernon, WAShower & Tile Floor RemodelOctober 2010Click to email referal
CONTACT US No Frame

Contact Us

Apollo Tile and Hardwood8067 Niska RoadBlaine, WA 98230360.201.4348360.371.4221