Retiling a Bathroom Can Be a Fun and Rewarding DIY Project
Retiling a bathroom can be a DIY project but if you’re planning on doing it yourself, set aside about $2,000 for materials and labor. Aim for a smooth finish that resists moisture and stands up to daily wear and tear.
Start by applying a thin layer of mortar or thin-set to the backer board. Use a notched trowel to spread the cement evenly.
Prep the Surface
Tiling is a labor intensive project, so it’s important to take the proper steps to prepare for tiling. This will help ensure a professional result and will make the installation process go as smoothly as possible.
Ensure that the surface you’re working with is suitable for tiling. For example, old plaster is not always suitable to tile over. If this is the case, a professional should be called to assess whether the wall can support a new installation or needs to be removed and fresh plasterboard applied.
Once the surface has been prepared, it should be cleaned thoroughly with an ammonia or TSP (trisodium phosphate) based cleaner and left to dry. Ensure there’s no dust or heavy particles on the surface and vacuum it to remove any residue. This should also be done before applying the adhesive to avoid contamination. For best results, it is recommended to use a moisture resistant adhesive such as HardieBacker or BAL Primer APD.
Measure the Area
Once you have the area that needs to be tiled calculated, it is time to figure out how much tile to buy. Tile is typically sold in boxes or as individual tiles and it is important to know the amount of tile needed before starting the project. You want to avoid purchasing too many and then having to return unused tile which can cost you both time and money.
Walls are generally rectangular in shape and seem simple to calculate, however, consider any doors or windows that may need to be tiled as well. Subtract the coverage of each window and door from the total wall area to get your final measurement.
Once you have the area of your project, multiply that by the length and width. Then divide that figure by the square footage of a single tile to find how many tiles you need. Make sure you add in a standard 10% waste allowance.
Select the Tiles
When it comes to retiling, the tiles are the key component to consider. It’s important to find a durable and long-lasting material that fits with the client’s personal style.
It’s also important to purchase enough tiles for the job. This can be done by calculating the square footage of the area and multiplying that number by the tile size. This will give you the total amount of tiles needed to cover the wall.
You can purchase a variety of tiles from home improvement stores, tile manufacturers, and specialty flooring and tile stores. It’s best to visit these locations to see the products in person before making a purchase.
It’s also recommended to bring color samples with you to help narrow down the selection. You should also be aware of the price range when choosing tiles. The pricing can vary significantly between materials and styles. Typically, stone tile is more expensive than ceramic, for example. Also, remember to choose tiles with matching batch numbers to ensure the colors look consistent.
Install the Tiles
If you have a bit of DIY experience, retiling your bathroom can be a fun and rewarding project. However, it’s important to take safety precautions (such as wearing goggles and gloves) when working with sharp tools or removing old tile.
The first step is to lay the backer board, or substrate. This is especially important in bathrooms as it creates a dry and sturdy surface that protects against moisture and cracks. It’s also a good idea to use a level or chalk snap line to mark the center line of the wall or floor. This will ensure that all tiles are uniform and placed in a straight line.
Once the backer board is installed, it’s time to install the tiles. This is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to use a notched trowel and spread the adhesive evenly. You should also place tile spacers between each tile to achieve even spacing. Grout is then applied, which’seals’ the tiles and prevents water from entering the wall behind them.
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