Bathroom renovations: 5 easy steps in redoing your tiles

If all you notice when you walk into your bathroom are worn, faded, or cracked tiles on the floor and walls, it may be time for an update. In this article, we'll enumerate the advantages of retiling your bathroom. We'll also go over the steps for retiling should you decide to improve your bathroom interior.

Why should you retile your bathroom?

Retiling your bathroom comes with a lot of benefits. Here are the reasons it’s worth considering for bathroom renovations.

• To enhance the appearance of your bathroom. Tiles come in a variety of colours, designs, and patterns. They provide your bathroom with visual appeal and interest, especially when properly installed.
• To avoid damaging the wall behind. One use of tiles is to act as a protective layer against moisture, which can cause mould and mildew to grow on your wall. Choose nonporous tiles like glazed ceramic or glazed porcelain tiles to maximise their functionality.
• To improve resale value. Well-laid-out tiles are easy on the eyes. Moreover, if you pick gorgeous and extravagant tiles, they can be attractive to buyers.
• To avoid injury or harm. If left untreated, cracked floor tiles might cause accidents. This should be a priority especially if there’s a person with mobility issues using the bathroom. Don’t worry, such can be solved with simple bathroom renovations.
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How do you redo your bathroom tiles?

For bathroom renovations that require structural changes, you may have to contact a draftsman or a building designer. They create technical drawings, house plans, and designs.

However, for simple projects such as retiling your bathroom, you can either Do-It-Yourself (DIY) or hire a professional builder or tiler.

Here are the steps on how you can retile your bathroom:

Step 1: Determine the number of tiles needed

It’s essential to know how many tiles you would need for your project. Using a tape measure, determine the dimensions of your bathroom.

For your floor tiles, you can start with opposite walls and proceed with another. Measure only the floor space that will be tiled. 

For wall tiles, measure from the floor to the ceiling to get a more accurate figure. Areas that get wet most of the time like showers often get tiled from floor to ceiling.

Once you have the correct measurements, you can start computing the number of tiles you need. This number should also be the basis for the amount of mortar, grout, sealant, and backing board you should buy.

Expert tip: It’s a good idea to buy 10% more tiles as a buffer. You can use these extra tiles in case you make some mistakes during the application. You can also use them in case one of the tiles chip or break in the future. That way, you won’t have to worry about looking for replacement tiles with the same design.

Step 2: Remove the old tiles

First, you would need to remove the bathroom fixtures and fittings like showerheads and handles using a drill or screwdriver. This is to avoid damaging them while removing the tiles. Next, using a chisel and hammer, pop the tiles from the top of the wall down to the floor.

If you’re planning on turning your bathroom renovation into a DIY project, you need to be extremely careful to prevent damage to the pipes and drywall. Additionally, cover existing floor tiles that you want to keep using towels or cardboard to prevent damage.

Ensure to perfectly remove the mortar using a scraper or a razor blade. Clear it for a flat and smooth surface. Remember that you can stick tiles better in a new one.

Step 3: Prepare the surface and ready it for installation

Before installing the tiles, prepare to install the backer board. Installing one on your subfloor helps provide a sturdy base for your tiles. Afterwards, lay out how many tiles you’re going to use. Use a wet saw to cut your tiles to exactly position them in the bathroom.

Cover the wall with mortar and spread them using a notched trowel. Keep in mind that the thickness of your mortar should be the same width as your tile.

You can use chalk to mark level lines that will serve as a guide in positioning your tiles. Don’t forget to leave space for grout. To do this, use 1/16 spacers either for large or small tiles. Any size lesser than 1/16 space cannot be grouted properly. Grout keeps the tiles airtight so that the moisture won’t seep in and cause damage.

Step 4: Give your tiles time

Leave the mortar overnight or for at least 24 hours. It takes that amount of time for it to dry. Afterwards, you can apply grout. Press the tiles with a notched trowel and allow it to set for 15 minutes before wiping the excess. Leave them to dry for 24 hours as well. 

Once the tiles have been reapplied, avoid stepping on them for at least 72 hours to prevent damage.

Step 5: Finishing touches

The last step is caulking or sealing the gap between the tiles. For this, you may have to pick one that is suitable for bathroom use like silicone or latex. Although on the expensive side, silicone is pure and waterproof. But if you’re leaning on something inexpensive but fast-drying and workable material, latex will do.

Using a caulk gun, you can seal the lines along the wall and floor tiles easily. Set this for 48 hours.

Better bathroom renovations

Retiling is an easy way to enhance the look of your bathroom. You can play with patterns, shapes, and sizes and achieve the look you’re aiming for. Plus, enhancing your bathroom tiles is a home renovation project that can boost the value of your property.