So you’ve decided that your next renovation project will be to tile your bathroom.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast, new to tiling, or hiring a professional, you’ve come to the right place. Before you start ripping out your old tiles, we recommend reading our top tips for installing bathroom tiles.
Tile sets the tone in any bathroom and can create a stunning visual impact. Why not take the time to plan so everything is perfect?
Discover our tips and quick guides on how to lay tiles in the bathroom.
Tile size vs. room size
Tiles are among the most versatile and decorative pieces of furniture. With countless shapes, sizes, colors and materials you can create impressive spaces in your home.
It is important to consider the size of the tile in relation to the size of the room. Large tiles create the illusion of more space in a large room, but wouldn’t have the same effect in a small bathroom.
To make a small bathroom more spacious, we recommend choosing medium-sized tiles. Rectangular tiles can also help to visually lengthen a room.
Is it difficult for you to decide? To help you choose the right tile, we provide free cutting patterns.
Practical tile design
A common problem when installing tile is finding a tile that’s versatile enough to cut and fit into small, awkward spaces like sinks, toilets, and closets.
Let’s take a quick look at the characteristics of ceramic and porcelain tiles.
Ceramic tiles are:
- A great choice for all bathroom sizes
- economically
- Easy to cut and shape.
- Sturdy and durable.
- Easy to clean.
- Slippery when wet, not ideal for flooring.
Porcelain tiles are:
- Extremely durable
- Good for high traffic areas
- Non-slip.
- Quick and easy to clean.
- Generally more expensive than ceramic.
- More time for installation.
Why not consider a textured tile for your bathroom floor that will provide better grip and reduce the risk of slipping?
Ultimately, the choice of porcelain stoneware or ceramic tiles depends on what you like and what you want to achieve. Material is just one thing to consider, but finishes like gloss, polish, satin or matte are also options.
Discover our wide range of bathroom tiles
There are safety factors to consider when tiling a bathroom.
Bathroom floors are notoriously slippery. Water combined with the slipperiness of a tiled surface can be dangerous. Therefore, you need a tile that you can walk on comfortably, but that also offers some support.
Many people choose to convert their bathroom into a wet room. Then you should definitely look for tiles that are especially suitable for laying in damp rooms.
When you get to the hands-on stage of removing and laying tiles, make sure you have the right tools and equipment. Items like safety goggles and gloves will protect you from ceramic splinters when removing tiles.
So we thought about the design, the practicalities and the safety aspects of tiling a bathroom. Now let’s look at the steps required to complete the job.
A guide to tiling in the bathroom.
Completing a DIY project at home can be extremely rewarding. Not only will you learn new skills, you’ll likely reduce costs as well. Below are some of our top tips when it comes to tiling a bathroom yourself.
- Measure the area to be tiled to know how many tiles to buy.
- the best advice! Buy 10% more than you think you need, allowing for cuts and waste.
- First try to remove a loose tile.
- If none are loose, break one off with a chisel and hammer.
- After the first tile, you should be able to continue removing the tiles without any problems.
- Place the chisel on the wall or floor and tap it with a hammer, move the chisel away from the wall and loosen the tile.
- Good wall preparation will ensure good adhesion of the tiles and ensure a smooth and even result.
- Remove as much dried glue as possible.
- Clean the surface.
- Fill in any voids and imperfections to create a flat, level surface.
- Proper preparation will extend the life of the tile and prevent mold problems.
- Choose the right adhesive depending on the type of tile and substrate.
- Look for tools specific to your project and the tiles you use.
- Avoid breakage by using a tile cutter or wet saw for precise cuts.
- Use spacers between tiles to ensure even joints.
- Allow the glue to dry completely before removing the spacers and joint compound.
Take a look at our most important tiling tools and adhesives here
Color
- Choose a grout that complements the tiles and blends into the overall design.
- Contrasting colors can make a strong statement, but they can also highlight imperfections in the line.
consistency
- The consistency of the grout affects the final appearance. Too much water can shrink and crack, allowing moisture to penetrate and cause damage. Too thick and can be difficult to apply.
application and sealing
- Mix the grout until smooth.
- Fill joints and quickly remove excess grout.
- Seal the grout to protect it from moisture and stains.
And finally, sit back and admire your finished tile masterpiece!
We hope you found this guide useful. If you need further advice or have any questions, contact one of our experienced staff today.