Once Upon A Tile
National Tiles Awards nominee who customers say works with Italian tradition craftsmanship approach.
From 15 Google reviewsMultiple customers specifically mention his Italian tiling background and meticulous preparation approach. The main trade-off appears to be availability - two reviews mention significant wait times to book him, which aligns with the high demand his quality work generates.
Their work
What it's like working with them
Based on a sample of recent customer reviews (15 total)
What they help with
Based on what their customers hired them for
How they stack up
Context from 121 tilings in Melbourne
Credentials & background
Sourced from 4 public records so you don't have to look them up yourself
About Once Upon A Tile
Elia Palombino operates this tiling business with a focus on heritage-style bathrooms and detailed alfresco projects. His background includes Italian tiling traditions, which customers specifically mention sets his craftsmanship apart from typical tradespeople. Reviews highlight his meticulous approach to preparation and finishing, with multiple customers noting he works like he's tiling his own property. He specializes in residential projects from small repairs to complete bathroom renovations, often accommodating urgent timelines by working weekends and holidays. National Tiles nominated him for their Awards of the Year, reflecting industry recognition beyond customer reviews.
Best for heritage-style bathroom renovations, detailed alfresco tiling projects, customers who prioritize Italian craftsmanship traditions, and homeowners willing to wait for premium quality workmanship.
Location
Often needed together
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Claim This Profile — Free →Common questions about Once Upon A Tile
What makes Elia's tiling approach different?+
Customers specifically mention his Italian tiling tradition background, with one review noting he's 'an artisan of tiling, not a tradie.' Multiple reviews praise his meticulous preparation work and attention to detail that sets him apart from typical contractors. He approaches each job with the care and precision typically reserved for his own property.
How far in advance do I need to book Elia?+
Two customers mentioned significant wait times to book him, with one noting 'it took me quite a while to book him in' and another mentioning most tilers quoted 3-5 month waits. However, for urgent projects, one customer noted he accommodated by working overtime on weekends and holidays to fit the job in sooner.
What type of tiling projects does Once Upon A Tile specialize in?+
Reviews show expertise across heritage-style bathrooms, large alfresco projects, balcony repairs, and laundry renovations. Customers mention both small repair jobs and complete bathroom transformations. One review specifically highlights his skill with complex heritage bathroom work, while another praises a major outdoor alfresco tiling project.
What do customers say about Elia's work practices?+
Multiple reviews emphasize his exceptional tidiness and cleanup, with customers noting 'no mess left behind' and describing him as 'extremely tidy.' He's consistently described as punctual, professional, and someone who provides helpful maintenance advice after completing the work. Reviews also mention his careful protection of surrounding areas during projects.