Retiling a Bathroom

Retiling a bathroom takes time and money, but it can also help you refresh the space. A professional can lay tile faster and more accurately than most homeowners, but you can do the project yourself with some DIY experience.

Choose from a huge array of tiles to create your own style. Soft color palettes and stylish tile configurations, like this fishbone pattern from Lisa Gilmore Design, add character to the room.

Preparing the Surface

Retiling a bathroom is not an easy task, but it is certainly doable for any motivated homeowner with basic DIY skills. A professional tile installer, however, can complete the job more quickly and accurately.

Properly preparing the surface for tiling can significantly reduce the likelihood of cracking, slipping, and breaking after the tiles are installed. It can also help cut down on future maintenance costs.

Start by carefully measuring the surface area in square metres and calculating the amount of tiles required. It is recommended to purchase at least 15% more than what you need to ensure that you do not run out of tile in the middle of your project.

Applying an underlayment of backed board (also known as cement sheet) to the floor is important for retiling a bathroom because it creates a sturdy, dry substrate that protects against moisture damage and keeps tiles sturdy. It should be fastened with screws spaced about 6 inches apart.

Buying the Tiles

Tile offers endless possibilities in size, texture and color that create a look that is unique to your bathroom. Tile is durable and easy to maintain and is perfect for high traffic areas.

Tiles can withstand the moisture and humidity in bathrooms better than other types of building materials, such as wood or laminates. They are also resistant to mold and mildew.

Ceramic and stone tiles can last 75 years or more and are an investment that will save money in the long run by reducing the need for replacement.

The first step in selecting the right tiles for your retiling project is to consider where you want to use them. For example, wall tile can be more versatile than floor tile. However, it’s important to note that a glossy tile isn’t necessarily suitable for your bathroom floors as it may be slippery and not provide the traction you need on wet surfaces.

Cutting and Removing the Old Tiles

Tile is an expensive material to install. It can cost an average of $24 to $55 per square meter to retile a bathroom.

Before you start ripping out old tiles, you should protect your walls and doorways with plastic sheets to prevent them from being covered in dust or damaged by falling pieces of tile. You also need to disconnect any water pipes that go through the floor.

It’s important to wear safety glasses and leather work gloves. Any broken pieces of tile can splinter and cut your hands. It’s also a good idea to put a tarp over the tub or shower to catch any fallen tile and keep it from staining your carpet. After you remove the old tile, you’ll need to cut and shape your new mortar so it adheres properly. It’s also a good time to consider if you want your new tile to be gauged (polished and uniformly thick) or ungauged (rougher and less uniform in thickness). This is an important decision because different types of grout require different levels of maintenance.

Applying the Grout

Choosing the grout is one of the fun parts of retiling your bathroom. There are lots of different colors, styles, and textures to choose from. The right choice can subtly influence the appearance of your space while providing an easy cleaning surface.

To apply the grout, work in small sections that are about three feet by three feet. Pour a quart or two of your mixed grout onto the tile surface and use a grout float to spread it and work it into the joints. Work quickly and be sure to wipe off any excess as it appears.

Once the grout is set, it’s time to clean up the excess and apply caulk around any plumbing fixtures or in the corners of your room. Allow the caulk to dry before removing any tape, plastic sheets, or plywood boards. Removing them too soon can result in a mess and even more grouting work. Then you can enjoy your new bathroom!



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