Complete your bathroom tile project yourself.
Many assume only professional installers can do tiling; however, any do-it-yourselfer can complete a professional-looking bathroom tile job with the right preparation and time. Make sure the wall studs, subfloor or drywall are completely plumb before beginning to tile. Any imperfections in the substrates will show through. It is also essential to have access to alternative bathroom facilities for at least a week.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Staple waterproof membrane over the wall studs. Fit the backer board onto the walls, securing it with backer board screws every 6 inches on center. To resize the backer board pieces, score with the utility knife, then snap the board to cut. Stagger the joints of the backer board pieces, then caulk the joints to ensure a waterproof seal.
2. Add the thickness of the backer board to the thickness of the tile to get the approximate floor thickness. Thus, you will determine the approximate starting point of the wall tile. Snap a level line of chalk along the wall at this height. Snap another level line the height of the base tile away from the first line, then a third line around three-quarters the height of the wall tile. This gives the starting point for tiling the wall, with the base tile and "adjustment" row of tiles completed last, after the wall and floor are tiled.
3. Tack on a length of one-by-two just under the starting line with finishing nails and the hammer. This will provide a ledge for the first row of tiles to sit on while the mortar cures. Snap a level chalk line along the walls at the height of each row of tile, then a vertical chalk line at the width of each tile, so the wall is now covered in a grid, with one square representing one tile. Factor in any decorative accent tiles when gridding the wall.
Tiling
4. Apply thin set mortar to around four squares in the middle of the first tiling row -- the one with the one-by-two support. Furrow the mortar with the notched side of the trowel, then set the tiles in place, pressing firmly to ensure good connection with the mortar. Continue applying mortar and setting the tiles, working outward and upward from the center of the wall. After a couple of hours, you can remove the one-by-two support. Leave any tiles needing cutting for last.
5. Put on protective eyewear, then cut the tiles that need resizing. Cut straight lines for tiles going around bathroom vanities or on the edge of the tile design. If a tile needs a circular cut to allow for electrical or plumbing fixtures, put masking tape over the cutting area, then drill the appropriate-sized hole with the ceramic drill bit or hole saw. Butter the backs of the cut tiles with mortar and set them in place on the wall.
6. Repeat the preparation procedure on the floor, placing the waterproof membrane over the subfloor, then attaching backer board and creating the tiling grid. Tile the floor the same way, leaving any tiles going around the drains or vanities that need cutting for last. Once all the tiles are in place on the floor, install the base tile on the wall. Measure, cut and install each tile for the "adjustment" row of tiles -- the row between the base tile and the first row of wall tile installed. This should be done individually to ensure precision. Leave overnight to allow the mortar to set.
7. Sweep grout into the joints of the wall tiles first. Use the grout float held at a 45-degree angle, and wipe off excess grout as you go with a damp sponge. Grout the floor the same way, but leave all the joints between tile and vanities, drains or lighting/plumbing fixtures without grout. Also leave the joint between the base tile on the wall and the floor tile without grout.
8. Apply a bead of caulk into the joints left without grout. Smooth the caulk over with a damp sponge or wet finger to create a waterproof seal. Leave for three days to cure. Apply three coats of the tile and grout sealant to the walls and floor. Check the sealer's instructions for the appropriate drying time between coats. Leave the bathroom for another two days before use.
Tags: backer board, base tile, each tile, tile wall, wall tile, without grout, adjustment tiles