Veteran-Owned Hat Creek Tile: Where Military Precision Meets Luxury Craftsmanship

From outdated fiberglass to modern luxury - discover how expert tile installation is revolutionizing bathroom design

When Rob Bonnell from Hat Creek Tile Company shares an update about completing another room transformation, it's more than just a progress report—it's a testament to the power of skilled craftsmanship meeting modern design trends. "Got this grouted today, amity Monday, and start on the third room in this house! Knocking out a room each week!" Rob enthusiastically posted, perfectly capturing the excitement of homeowners witnessing their space evolve from dated to dazzling in just one week.

About Hat Creek Tile Company

Rob Bonnell of Hat Creek Tile Company

Hat Creek Tile is a veteran-owned business operated by Robert Bonnell, a Montana native and former Marine who brings 26 years of construction industry experience to every project.

Based in Helena, Montana, Hat Creek Tile specializes in ceramic, porcelain, stone, glass, and mosaic tile installation throughout the Helena greater valley, including Northwest Helena, East Helena, Birdseye, Montana City, Clancy, Jefferson City, Boulder, Townsend, Avon, Elliston, and Garrison.

Rob's impressive background extends far beyond tile installation. He's a former Residential Manager at Williams Plumbing & Heating in Bozeman, Montana, a position he held since October 1997—nearly 28 years of full-time experience in high-end residential construction. Through this role, Rob has managed complex projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars, working with an elite clientele that includes Forbes list members, real estate tycoons, celebrity homes, and tech industry leaders.

This extensive experience with luxury residential projects has honed Rob's eye for perfection and understanding of what it takes to meet the exacting standards of discerning clients. His tile company benefits tremendously from all this high-end project management experience, and his clients benefit from his refined approach to doing things right the first time.

Rob & Jami Bonnell

Rob's Marine background has been instrumental in growing his business, instilling the discipline and attention to detail that sets Hat Creek Tile apart. "The discipline and eye for doing it right and with pride" that he developed during his military service translates directly into his approach to tile installation. This military precision, combined with decades of managing luxury residential projects, is evident in everything from project planning and execution to the meticulous attention to detail visible in his finished work.

What sets Rob apart is his specialization in installing Schluter Systems for complete and reliable waterproofing, combined with his deep background in framing and plumbing. This comprehensive expertise makes him uniquely qualified to understand every aspect of a project's needs. When remodels require replacing subfloors or fixing underlying issues to ensure a successful tile installation, Rob's diverse skill set proves invaluable.

Hat Creek Tile's mission is simple: "Making Spaces Beautiful One Tile at a Time."

From simple patterns to intricate designs, they pride themselves on attention to detail, with client satisfaction as their number one priority. Their expertise spans bathroom projects including custom showers, tub surrounds, and bathroom floors and walls; kitchen projects featuring backsplashes, working pantry areas, and kitchen floors; plus specialty projects like entryways, dog washing stations, mud and laundry rooms, and fireplace surrounds.

The Challenge: Outdated Materials, Unlimited Potential

The project that caught our attention began with a familiar scenario many homeowners face: a bathroom stuck in the past. The space featured a fiberglass shower insert and linoleum floors—functional, perhaps, but far from the spa-like retreat that today's homeowners desire.

"It was a fiberglass shower insert and linoleum floors," Rob explained when describing the starting point. "They wanted to update to 12 x 24 tile, and a custom tile shower. His clients are excited."

This transformation story resonates with a broader trend happening across American homes, where families are investing in bathroom renovations that blend functionality with luxury aesthetics.

The Solution: Embracing 2025's Hottest Tile Trends

Large Format Tiles Take Center Stage

The clients' choice of 12x24 tile aligns perfectly with what design experts are calling one of the biggest bathroom trends for 2025. The tile selection process was a collaborative effort, with the homeowners purchasing their materials through Finstad's Carpet One with the help of their interior designer, Jami Bonnell. This partnership approach ensures that both the technical requirements and aesthetic vision align perfectly for the project.

Special thanks to Finstad's Carpet One, a trusted Helena retailer specializing in carpet, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and hardwood flooring. Located at 501 Fuller Ave, Helena, MT 59601, they can be reached at (406) 235-1098. Their expertise in helping homeowners select the perfect materials, combined with Jami's interior design guidance, makes projects like this one possible.

What makes Hat Creek Tile Company particularly unique is the husband-and-wife team approach that Rob and Jami Bonnell bring to each project.

Jami, who works as the interior designer professional at Finstad's Carpet One, brings her design expertise seamlessly together with Rob's installation skills. "Jami Bonnell is his wife and interior designer she's very talented we work as a team," Rob explains, highlighting the collaborative foundation that sets their projects apart from typical contractor-only approaches.

Large-format slab tiles are designed to cover large areas with minimal grout lines, creating a seamless and luxurious look. Fewer grout lines mean less upkeep and easier cleaning, and the large, uninterrupted patterns can make small bathrooms appear more expansive.

The benefits of this choice extend beyond aesthetics. "Large-format slab tiles are designed to cover large areas with minimal grout lines, creating a seamless and luxurious look," adds Kelly Bishop of Rustic Elegance Montana Living. "Fewer grout lines mean less upkeep and easier cleaning, and the large, uninterrupted patterns can make small bathrooms appear more expansive."

Custom Tile Showers: The New Standard

The decision to install a custom tile shower represents a significant upgrade from the original fiberglass insert. This choice reflects a strong trend for bathrooms towards the modern organic look, inspired by the latest move towards relaxed and earthy interiors.

The sophisticated design details in this project showcase the level of customization possible with expert installation. The tile was laid in a 1/3 running bond pattern for both the floor and shower walls, creating visual continuity throughout the space while adding subtle texture and movement. This layout choice is particularly effective with large format tiles, as it breaks up the expansive surface while maintaining the clean, modern aesthetic.

A standout feature of the design is the stunning blue glass mosaic accent stripe that runs from floor to ceiling, threading through the shower niche to create a dramatic vertical element. The rich blue tones of the mosaic provide a beautiful contrast against the sophisticated gray marble-look porcelain tiles, creating depth and visual interest that transforms the shower into a true focal point.

The shower niche itself exemplifies functional luxury, featuring a carefully planned shelf system. The bottom shelf, positioned 4 inches up from the niche floor, creates the perfect spot for frequently used items like soap and razors, keeping them easily accessible while maintaining proper drainage. Above this, two additional shelves provide ample storage for shampoos and other shower products, ensuring everything has its place in this well-organized space.

The attention to detail extends to the shower floor, which features a complementary mosaic tile pattern that coordinates with the accent stripe while providing the necessary slip resistance and drainage functionality. The seamless integration of different tile formats - from the large format walls to the intricate mosaic details - demonstrates the skill required for this level of custom work.

Custom tile work like this allows for personalization that factory-made units simply cannot match. From selecting the perfect tile size and color to creating unique patterns and strategic accent elements, custom installations offer homeowners the opportunity to create truly distinctive spaces that reflect both style and practical needs.

The Methodology: One Room Per Week Excellence

What sets Rob Bonnell and Hat Creek Tile Company apart is their systematic approach to renovation projects, enhanced by the unique husband-and-wife team dynamic and Rob's extensive luxury project management experience. The ability to complete a full bathroom transformation—from demolition through final grouting—in just one week speaks to several key factors:

• High-End Project Expertise: Rob's nearly 28 years as Residential Manager at Williams Plumbing & Heating, overseeing projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars for Forbes list clients, celebrities, and tech leaders, brings an unparalleled level of sophistication to every Hat Creek Tile project, regardless of size.

• Military Precision Meets Craftsmanship: Rob's Marine background brings a level of discipline and systematic approach that's evident in every project. The same attention to detail and commitment to excellence that defined his military service now ensures that every tile installation meets the highest standards.

• Design and Installation Integration: Having Jami's interior design expertise paired with Rob's installation skills means design decisions and technical execution are perfectly aligned from day one, eliminating costly miscommunications and ensuring optimal results.

• Efficient Project Management: Coordinating all aspects of the renovation, from material delivery to subcontractor scheduling, ensures minimal downtime and maximum efficiency—skills honed through decades of managing complex, high-value residential projects.

• Quality Craftsmanship: The attention to detail visible in the grouting work demonstrates the level of expertise that comes from years of experience in tile installation, enhanced by the discipline instilled through Marine training and refined through luxury project management.

• Client Communication: Keeping homeowners informed throughout the process, as evidenced by Rob's enthusiastic social media updates like "Got this grouted today, amity Monday and start on the third room in this house! Knocking out a room each week!" builds trust and excitement while documenting the transformation journey.

Why Homeowners Are Choosing Tile Renovations Now

The decision to move away from fiberglass and linoleum represents more than just an aesthetic upgrade—it's an investment in long-term value and daily enjoyment. Several factors are driving this trend:

Durability and Longevity

Modern tile installations, when properly executed, can last for decades with minimal maintenance. Unlike fiberglass, which can crack or yellow over time, quality tile maintains its appearance and structural integrity.

Increased Home Value

Bathroom renovations consistently rank among the most valuable home improvements, with tile work offering particularly strong returns on investment.

Design Flexibility

The vast array of available tile options—from textured tiles that add a bit of impact and depth without creating distraction to large format options—allows homeowners to create spaces that reflect their personal style.

Health and Hygiene Benefits

Properly installed tile surfaces are easier to clean and maintain than older materials, contributing to better bathroom hygiene and reducing maintenance requirements.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Bathroom Design

As Rob Bonnell continues working through the remaining rooms in this house, each completion brings the homeowners closer to their vision of a fully updated living space. The excitement his clients feel is palpable—and understandable. As Rob noted about his satisfied customers, "His clients are excited." They're not just getting new tile; they're getting a transformed lifestyle.

The trends shaping 2025 bathroom design suggest that projects like this one will become increasingly common. Contemporary bathroom design is embracing sustainability with tiles crafted from recycled glass and reclaimed wood leading the charge, while people are moving away from neutral tones and instead gravitating toward vibrant colors.

The Bigger Picture: Craftsmanship in the Digital Age

In an era of mass production and quick fixes, companies like Hat Creek Tile Company represent something valuable: skilled craftsmanship combined with modern techniques and materials. The Bonnell team's approach doesn't just document progress—they celebrate the transformation that's possible when technical expertise meets design vision. Rob's installation skills paired with Jami's interior design talent creates a comprehensive service that addresses both the aesthetic and functional aspects of renovation.

The rhythm of completing one room per week creates anticipation and momentum that benefits everyone involved. Homeowners see steady progress toward their goals, while the contractor maintains focus and efficiency that comes from systematic work processes and seamless design-installation coordination.

Conclusion: More Than Just Tile

What began as a simple post about grouting completion tells a larger story about the renovation industry, design trends, and the satisfaction that comes from quality workmanship. Rob Bonnell's approach with Hat Creek Tile Company demonstrates that bathroom renovations don't have to be months-long ordeals filled with uncertainty and frustration.

Instead, with the right contractor, modern materials like 12x24 tile, and a commitment to weekly progress, homeowners can watch their vision become reality one room at a time. As Rob prepares to start on the third room Monday, his clients can look forward to another week of transformation, another step closer to the home they've always wanted.

Rob's confidence in his systematic approach shines through when he says, "Knocking out a room each week!" This isn't just about speed—it's about maintaining quality while delivering consistent results that keep clients engaged and excited about their renovation journey.

For homeowners considering similar renovations, this project serves as inspiration and proof that dramatic improvements are not only possible but can be completed efficiently by skilled professionals who understand both the technical requirements and aesthetic possibilities of modern tile installation.

Rob's commitment to documenting his work continues to evolve as well. Looking ahead to the next bathroom transformation, he promises, "I will get really good before and after photos of the next bathroom!" This attention to capturing the full scope of transformation speaks to his pride in the work and understanding of how powerful these visual stories can be for potential clients.

Ready to transform your space? Contact Hat Creek Tile Company today for a free quote. Located at PO Box 228, Elliston, MT 59728, you can reach them at

hatcreektileco@gmail.com. As their promise states: "Hat Creek Tile stands behind our work. We know your project is important to you and we promise to make you our priority. Our focus and passion is in bringing your vision to life."

The excitement Rob's clients feel today will multiply with each completed room, creating a home that's not just updated, but transformed.