Replacing the basement bathroom tile floor
Replacing a floor in the basement bathroom may be a challenge for some individuals, especially for those without the proper tools. Before buying expensive new tools for this project, look into alternatives such as renting, borrowing or buying used.
Typically, replacing a tile floor will be more difficult and expensive than replacing a vinyl or linoleum floor.
Instructions
Removing and Replacing a Tile Floor
1. Sledge hammer for breaking up tile floor
Remove the existing tile flooring in the bathroom by chipping away the grout with a hammer and screwdriver or crowbar and lifting the tiles up with the crowbar. If this does not work, try slamming a sledge hammer at the tiles to break them up. Use the method that works best for your situation and be careful not to damage the bathtub or shower if you plan to re-use them.
Most basement sub floors are concrete which is different than other areas of the home which are generally wood. Be sure not to damage the concrete sub floor when breaking up the tiles.
2. Remove all of the debris from the bathroom floor down to the sub floor. You may find black mason paper and wire lath beneath the tiles. Be sure to remove these as well and do not re-use them when installing the new flooring in the basement bathroom.
Many basement bathroom floors are actually tiled directly onto the concrete sub floor and not the wire lath and black mason paper combination.
3. Water damage
Examine your sub floor and its perimeter carefully. This is a good time to look for and repair water damage such as mold and rot. Many basement bathrooms that are not properly ventilated will develop mold.
4. Black
Install a layer of black mason paper over the entire basement bathroom floor.
5. Wire lath
Staple the wire lath to the black mason paper. This will prevent the tiles from shifting and cracking.
6. Concrete
Pour the concrete over the wire lath and black mason paper. Smooth out the concrete until the concrete is level. The concrete should be about a half inch thick if your floor is completely level and more if not. Allow the concrete to completely dry before moving on to the next step.
7. Wet tile saw
Apply Thinset mortar to the back of the tiles before placing them on the concrete and allow to dry for 24 hours. Any tiles that need to be cut should be cut with a wet tile saw and not a table saw.
For best results, use plastic tile spacers when installing the tiles to keep them evenly spaced. If you are using small floor tiles on a sheet, it is not necessary to use tile spacers because they are already properly spaced.
8. Finished tile floor
Mix the grout mixture according to the instructions on the package and keep it handy in a large bucket.
Apply the grout as instructed on the package and wipe clean with a large damp sponge.
Allow the grout to dry for 24 hours before washing or using the floor.
Removing and Replacing Vinyl or Linoleum Flooring
9. Cut into the vinyl or linoleum with a box cutter down to the sub floor. This will give you a start for lifting up the vinyl or linoleum flooring.
10. Wedge the crowbar under the vinyl or linoleum where you have placed your cut in the floor. Apply force behind the crowbar and lift all of the tiles up.
The floor may be a sticky mess but this should not be a problem if you are replacing the flooring with similar tiles.
11. Apply vinyl tile adhesive to the floor according to the directions on the adhesive product of your choice.
Note: If you are using self stick tiles, there is no need to apply vinyl tile adhesive to the floor. Simply peel the paper off the back of the tile and place where desired.
Vinyl and linoleum may be cut to size using an inexpensive vinyl tile cutter.
12. Apply the tiles to adhesive on the floor exactly where they should be. The adhesive will dry quickly and the tiles will be difficult to manipulate almost immediately.
Vinyl and linoleum may be cut to size using an inexpensive vinyl tile cutter.
Tags: mason paper, basement bathroom, black mason, , vinyl tile