How To Tile A Bathroom

Way To Tile A Bathroom
  • Author: Mohsin Khan
  • Posted On: April 12, 2022
  • Updated On: July 8, 2023

When you prepare to re-tile your bathroom, after that you can prevent a great deal of the usual tiling problems by intending where to begin; just how you can tile internal and also external corners while ensuring you have the right tools and also materials to hand.

There’s seldom an issue if you can not complete the bathroom tiling in eventually yet if you have to remove tiles or discover that your tiles do not align by the time you have actually gone ideal round the bathroom then it might be inefficient and also expensive needing to remedy an or else preventable tiling issue.

If you’re seeking to get bathroom tiles or just after some basic advice to make tiling your own bathroom simpler after that our collection of guides will assist you prepare for a few of the trickier troubles, like tiling round a window or tiling in addition to electric underfloor burner.

OK, now that we have the intro out of the way allowed’s look at some of the aspects you should take into consideration before beginning your bathroom renovation project.

1. Selecting Bathroom Tiles for Walls as well as Floors

Unless you have experience cutting tiles by hand or have access to an electric tile cutter; after that one of the most expensive as well as inefficient aspects of home tiling is the cost of broken tiles or cut tiles that do not fit effectively.

Both floor and wall tiles are typically set up to produce a symmetrical layout so that any type of part tiles at both corners of a wall or at contrary edges of the bathroom floor are of equivalent size. Depending upon the size of the tile you select; that might lead to fitting narrow pieces of tile that are difficult to manage and also easily broken.

Calculating Bathroom Wall Tile Area – Wall by Wall

You require to prepare a sketch of each wall and also define the area to be tiled and type of tile such as border or conventional tiles.

If tiling floor to ceiling after that you will need the height of your bathroom but if you’re just part tiling to a certain height then that must additionally be marked on your wall sketch. In this way you ought to end up with a minimum of 4 sketches for a tiled bathroom.

Mark on your sketches any edges that might call for trim. Make a not on each sketch the length of border tile called for and also the area of tiles. If you’re mixing mosaic as well as common tiles after that work out the area of each. Utilize these quotes to work out the complete area of typical or mosaic tiles and overall length of border tiles.

Calculating Floor Tile Area from Bathroom Floor Plans

A man is calculating bathroom area to tile it

Draw a diagram of your bathroom floor and measure the “exposed” are of floor. If you have a bath installed with a side panel, you might not require to tile under the bath yet if you have a free standing rolltop bath after that you might require to remove it prior to tiling the whole floor.

Once you have the bathroom layout; it’s time to calculate the floor area in square meters by multiplying the dimensions of the rectangle sides in metres (if you measure your space in centimetres then floor area in cm2 can be converted to m2 by dividing by 10,000).

Bathroom Tile Calculations

Bathroom tiles may be supplied individually, by the box or by area as well as you will certainly need to calculate the amount of square meters of floor and also wall tiles you need as well as the amount of linear metres of border tiles and also tile edging will be essential to finish the project.

The easiest means to make a precise computation is to attract a diagram of the walls as well as prepare a layout. Irregular designed walls and floors can be sub-divided into rectangular shapes to ensure that length-breadth calculations are easier.

If you’re fitting an unit that supplies a waterproof covering prepared for tiling, do not forget to function out tiles for a shower area.

Natural Wastage – Permitting Partial Tiles and Breakages

Some tiles will probably require to be cut as extremely few areas can be fitted completely. Walls as well as floors are hardly ever square with identical sides, hence some cutting for modification will certainly be needed.

This suggests that determined tile wall or floor area and also able to be used variety of tiles are not likely to match. You will certainly need to overestimate to enable this discrepancy.

The common priced estimate number can be as low as 5% and also as high as 20%. It’s easier to allow a little portion on very large locations while little areas are prone to higher wastefulness.

If this is your initial time tiling, a typical allowance would be 5 to 10% for a skilled tiler or skilled diyer and also 10 to 20%. As spare tiles are always worth having (just in case); it’s much more secure to overestimate than having to get more tiles.

Ordering Grout and Adhesive for a Bathroom Tiling Project

Adhesive and also grout protection are typically estimated per square meter but it’s worth knowing exemptions. You will need to match your adhesive and grout option to the kind of tile you’re making use of.

For example: a heavy stone wall tile will certainly need even more adhesive than a thin ceramic tile; likewise, 50mm mosaics will call for more grout than huge 600mm tiles for the exact same tile area.

Utilize the manufacturers recommendations to calculate how many bags of powdered adhesive and also grout or tubs of pre-mixed material. Request for an estimate if you are using an uncommon tile size otherwise cost-waste will certainly be minimal.

2. Tile the Bathroom Wall First

Bathroom walls must be tiled prior to tackling the floor to aid prevent damage to the floor. If the floor needs to be in location all set to fit bathroom devices and also suite, this might not always be practical.

If you do need to tile the floor prior to starting the bathroom walls after that make sure the floor tiles are extensively safeguarded with a hard overlay rather than just a towel.

Advised Tools and Safety Equipment to Tile a Bathroom

If you’re already utilized to tackling residence maintenance jobs and diy after that you might have a lot of the needed tools required for a bathroom tiling project.

Family and friends may be able to help with some of the specific tools for tiling but it deserves purchasing an option of tools that will certainly also assist with various other projects.

Tools for Tiling a Bathroom

  • Sponge
  • Tile Spacers
  • Bucket
  • Trowel
  • Ceramic Drill
  • Long Level
  • Tape Measure
  • Protective Equipment: Dust Mask, Knee Pads, Gloves as well as Safety Glasses.
  • Rubber Mallet
  • Float for Grout
  • Abrasive Tile Saw – Carborundum coated wire for cutting irregular shapes.
  • Chalk Line
  • If you’re not used to cutting tiles, Tile Cutter – Hands-on cutters are valuable yet an Electric Tile Cutter might be easier.

3. How To Tile A Bathroom Wall

Your selection of bathroom layout and all-natural centerpiece will partially dictate where you want to begin tiling. Bear in mind that when tiling the whole bathroom; all the tiles require to be aligned at the corners.

Do not presume the walls are square; it’s far better to attract a straight datum line at the completed height all round the bathroom or choose a level that fits ideal with a bathroom window, bath top or various other essential function. All tile positions can then be assessed from this taken care of referral point.

There are mored thorough posts on equipment as well as addressing certain tiling troubles such as window or recess tiling.

This might involve fitting proprietary waterproof panels ready for tiling, mounting a package system, or preparing a liquid membrane. We will certainly presume any kind of such systems have been installed all set for tiling.

4. Beginning your First Row of Bathroom Wall Tiles.

Utilize the tile gauge to mark down from the datum line to the lowest position that utilises whole tiles.

Apply enough adhesive to the wall with a suitable spreader to cover concerning 1 square metre and begin tiling the very first row; fitting spacers to ensure a consistent grout size. Examine as well as readjust the tiles so that all tiles are level and also none are increased greater than others.

5. Defining a Tile Gauge for Easy Reference

Pick an appropriate length of timber that’s about 1.5 m long as well as can fit horizontally and also up and down around your bathroom.

Prepare a row of tiles on the floor with tile spacers in position. Line up your blank tile scale and also mark the tile positions starting at one end. For rectangular tiles utilize the other side of the scale to mark a 2nd scale utilizing a column of tiles instead to generate a twin upright and also horizontal gauge.

Collaborating With Partial Wall Tiles

Instead of fit and also cut one partial tile each time; it might be far better to measure as well as cut a number of tiles beforehand prior to fitting into the side gap to ensure that any minor modifications can be made.

Do not neglect to permit the density of the tile spacer. You may also require to make up for any kind of non-vertical walls as well as corners.

6. Tiling Round Your Bathroom Walls with a Datum Line.

Make sure the tiles remain aligned as you continue tiling rounded your bathroom. As soon as the tiles have been repaired from your starting row upwards as well as the adhesive has dried out; the bottom battens can be removed. You might desire to load the gap with partial tiles or wait until the floor has been ended up.

Completing Bathroom Wall Tiles with an Edging Strip

Coloured plastic and also metallic edging strips are available in a quarter rounded internal and external curve as well as rectangular section to aid provide a difficult, decorative edging that works best with ceramic tiles rather than natural stone tiles such as travertine frequently used in bathrooms.

After that it is best to fit it simultaneously with the last row of tiles, if you are fitting an edging strip. Press the edging strip right into the tile adhesive a couple of millimetres over the top of the last row. Repair the tiles in place after that slide the edging strip into its final placement prior to guaranteeing the tiles are flat and properly positioned.

7. How To Tile A Bathroom Floor

Concrete or screeded floors are the norm in tiled bathrooms although it is possible to tile a timber floor supplying a non-flexible floor finish is prepared. This is past the range of this overview as well as usually entails replacing floors boards with an ideal density of aquatic ply strengthened and also prepared to stop and compensate for flexing.

Inward Opening Bathroom Doors

If you are tiling the bathroom floor then it deserves getting rid of as well as saving your bathroom door until the tiles remain in area in case the brand-new floor height disrupts the door opening and closing. Trim the door as appropriate before reconditioning.

8. Grouting Bathroom Wall Tiles

As soon as the adhesive has dried and also the spacers have actually been gotten rid of; make certain there are no dried out adhesive “nibs” that might ruin the grout coating. Apply grout right into the tile voids working in different instructions to ensure that the gap is filled.

Run a length of dowel or comparable rod over the grout to clean and also develop an uniform line off the excess. Ceramic tiles can be buffed when the grout has dried while rock as well as permeable tiles may need prior prep work before grouting to prevent stains.

Sealing Round A Bath with Silicone Sealant and Flexible Coving

To prevent water access as well as leaks where the bath and wall join; it prevails to seal the gap with flexible silicone as well as additionally fit a flexible plastic coving.

A full bath can flex slightly so it is worth applying the silicone sealant with the bath filled with water. Once the silicone has actually cured; the bath can be cleared to supply a long lasting seal.

The gap in between the wall and also bath can additionally be sealed beforehand with silicone for a much more robust seal.

Stone Wall Tiles in a Bathroom

Edging of natural stone is usually treated differently to ceramic as several stone tiles have an all-natural porosity and also will need to be secured with a water repellent sealer.

Subjected edges are usually chamfered where the edge is gently ground at a 45 degree angle for a softer coating. This can be achieved by hand or carried out with a rough disc and after that surface making use of a series of “wet as well as dry” papers.

9. How To Mark Out a Bathroom Floor To Fit Tiles

Tiling symmetry is very important. In a tiny bathroom you might be able to merely lay the tiles bent on get a symmetrical centre line or else mark a centre as well as measure lengthwise, bisect this line as well as mark a 2nd centre line size wise across your bathroom floor.

You now have a significant centre as well as can try numerous tile setups to obtain the very best layout for your floor. Once you have a suitable setup; pick the furthest full tile position away from the bathroom door as well as mark overviews running alongside your datum lines.

Laying Bathroom Floor Tiles

Making use of an appropriately notched floor adhesive spreader, prepare an area of regarding a metre made even and begin taking care of floor tiles beginning at the marked edge position.

Job outwards, taking care of tiles in position as well as ensure they are flush at each edge as well as along the edges using the rubber mallet and block of timber. Don’t walk over the tiles up until the adhesive has actually cured for at least 24 humans resources.

Cutting Tiles For The Floor Edges

If the walls are family member square after that you might have the ability to mark a tile to be cut by inverting it and also gliding it to the side of the space right into its completed setting. Mark where it overlaps the tile listed below as well as cut as necessary.

Cutting Tiles for Uneven Spaces

If you’re cutting a tile to fit round a home heating pipeline or to fit into an uneven space after that you might require to test a design template and make utilizing thick card before moving it to the tile to be cut.

Straight edges are most likely best cut on an electric tile cutter while complicated contours will certainly require a carborundum tile saw that functions a little bit like a coping saw for tiles.

Making a Tiled Bath Panel

Rather than the plastic bath panel; you might utilize a panel made from treated aquatic ply or waterproof mdf that can after that be tiled with matching wall tiles.

Your bathroom project will be handled much better with a little prep work to stay clear of usual mistakes. You may have an interest in checking out some of our various other general and also details overviews.

Exactly how To Produce your own Wet Room

1. Overview

Wet rooms have become a preferred option among homeowners. Transforming your bathroom right into a wet room is in fact a sensible step to make as these locations need less maintenance, with the inconvenience of cleansing shower basins as well as displays being eliminated.

It can be an instead difficult task to execute, particularly by yourself, yet if you are interested in discovering how to make a wet room there is a lot of guidance available. There are 2 ways in which you can transform your existing bathroom into a wet room.

We suggest that developing a wet room by developing a sloping floor need to only be attempted by seasoned DIY enthusiasts. It is a work extensive job which requires precision along with a reasonably high ability level in joinery. The alternative to making your own sloping floor is to set up readymade wet room items.

Although this is likely to confirm a lot more pricey it requires far much less work and time. Bathroom floor tiles are most commonly picked for wet rooms.

2. Tips on How to Make a Wet Room for a Wheelchair User

Wet rooms are a functional option for wheelchair users. If you are searching in to just how to make a wet room for a wheelchair user there area couple of points to consider. Wet rooms have what is referred to as a roll in shower; which offers simple gain access to for a wheelchair user.

Wet rooms made specifically for somebody who calls for using a wheelchair will consist of extra items including a chair and arm rest for additional stability. It is additionally important that the floor materials appropriate.

With the included weight of a wheelchair, durable and also resilient tiles are recommended. Porcelain tiles with a matt surface supply a high degree of slip resistance and also have a low wetness absorption price.

In the shower area itself mosaics are the most effective selection as tiles of a basic layout are challenging to put on a sloping floor. Mosaic tiles, on the other hand, can be cut precisely and also fitted uniformly on a sloping floor.

3. Exactly how to Develop a Wet Room with Ready Made Products

  • Tile spacers
  • Trowel
  • Grout
  • Tiles
  • Waterproof Tilebacker boards
  • Waterproof adhesive
  • Waterproof sealing tape
  • Fundo to match the shape and size of your shower area
  • Tile cutter

It is feasible to make a wet room surface on your own by building a sloping floor. Conversely you can make use of specialist items which can be fitted into your wet room before you can start tiling.

A Fundo is a waterproof base with a drain hole upon which you can tile efficiently. This will be installed around the drain.

Water-proof Tilebacker board is a light-weight, dimensionally stable material which can be fixed to walls or floors as a suitable substratum for tiling upon.

4. Beginning

First of all, the drain system have to be connected. You might want to get the solutions of a certified plumber for this. Currently cover the flooring area surrounding the drainpipe with waterproof tile adhesive, with enough of it to fit the Fundo over the top.

For extra adhesion cover the back of the Fundo with a layer of adhesive. After that properly put the Fundo over the drainage electrical outlet before levelling out the Fundo. The Fundo will have sloping sides towards the drainpipe, where the water from the shower will naturally run down.

5. Levelling out and also Tiling the walls and floors

Appropriate cuts to tiles will certainly have to be made to fit floor tiles around the drain. Usage waterproof adhesive to fix the tiles down prior to grouting the gaps in between the tiles offered by the tile spacers.

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Author: Mohsin Khan

Mohsin has worked as one of the experienced editors with ConstructionHow since 2020 with a total span of 5 years of experience in business PR, boasting a remarkable professional trajectory, he has collaborated with entrepreneurs and startups, and certain publications over the last few years. His unwavering interest lies in the construction industry and related materials. He believes in creating functional and aesthetically pleasing buildings, and homes that fall under the right budget. With a wide range of experience in construction, he also tapped into DIY and home improvement projects based on his extensive set of knowledge in the industry.

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