The perfect tiles can make a simple bathroom look extraordinary. Tiles are durable, moisture-resistant, and can be very versatile in design. However, laying tile in a bathroom by yourself may seem complicated, but the results can be gorgeous and last a long time.
Read on to find out what you will need and how to lay in the bathroom.
Yet, if you’re looking to retile or lay fresh tile on your bathroom floor, don’t forget to check the best tiles company in Bangladesh.
First Things First – Remove Existing Bathroom Tiles
It is pretty easy to remove tiles from your floor. All you need is a chisel and hammer as well as goggles and gloves for protection. The first tile is the most difficult. So, try to find a loose or broken tile. If none are there, break one.
After that, just put the chisel underneath a tile and hammer to lift it. Do the same with the rest of the tiles. After completing, remove all the old mortar using the chisel and hammer, as your new floor requires a flat and clean surface.
Preparations required
Before you can begin tiling, you need to make plans and preparations. You will need to decide on the pattern and the area you will cover. However, if you are retiling the bathroom, you will already have an idea.
Next, you will need to figure out the number of tiles you will need.
How many tiles will you need?
To determine how many tiles you will need, you must first figure out the square footage of the surface area you want to cover. Then add 15% to your calculation to allow for cut pieces, so you aren’t left needing tiles later.
Use the formula below to calculate the number of tiles required:
(Length of floor/length of tile) x (width of floor/width of tile) + 15%
If the result is a decimal point, it is better to round to the larger number
What do I need to tile a bathroom?
The tools and materials you will require to tile the bathroom floor are:
Materials
- Tiles
- Mortar
- Sealant
- Grout
Tools
- Measuring tape
- Adhesive Trowel
- Notched Trowel
- Pencil
- Spirit Level
- Tile Cutter
- Sealant Gun
- Protective gloves and goggles
- Grout spreader
- Tile nipper
- Rubber mallet
How to Lay Tile in Bathroom?
Here is a step by step guide on how to lay tile on a bathroom floor:
Where to Start?
Use a measuring tape to find the width of the floor, and then mark the center with a pencil. Starting from the center point, place tiles, and tile spacers until you reach the wall. This will give you an idea of the number of tiles you will need. It would be best to always work out to the corners from the center.
Apply Mortar
Use the adhesive trowel to apply mortar to the floor. Use the smooth side to spread the mortar, and then use the notched side to go back over it and form ridges. These ridges will help create a level surface.
Place the Tiles
After applying the mortar, place the tiles on the floor using a twisting motion and then press them. Place tile spacers and then repeat with the next tile.
Check if Level
As you place the tiles, remember to check that they are flat with the spirit level. If they are not level, use the rubber mallet to tap them into place gently. Use a damp cloth to remove excess mortar from the top of the tiles.
How to Measure and Cut Bathroom Tiles?
Before laying the tile, mark where they will need to be cut, and then use a tile cutter. Use a tile file to smooth out the rough edges and make minor changes.
If you are cutting to fit toilet appliances like toilets or basins, you will need to cut curves into the tile. You can use a piece of paper to measure the required angles and then place it over the tile. Then use a tile scribe and tile nipper to cut along the marked line. Use the tile file to smoothen the edges.
Grouting the Bathroom Tiles
Once your tiles are in place, wait 48 hours for the mortar to dry. Then you can begin to add grout between the tiles. Use a grout float or spreader and add the grout into the joints.
Also, ensure to use enough grout to fill the lines and make the surface level. You can use a grout finisher to do so. Now use a damp cloth to remove excess grout from the tiles before hardening. Then leave it to dry and keep the floor off-limits.
Applying Sealant
Lastly, apply sealant between the tiles and the bathroom walls and toilet appliances. The sealant prevents water from entering appliances and between the wall.
The sealant will also allow the floor and the wall to move and expand if required. So, use a sealant gun to put a consistent amount of sealant from one side of the bathroom to the other. After that, you need to leave it to dry for a day.
If you have completed the steps above, congratulations, you have a brand-new tiled bathroom floor!
Conclusion
Tiling a bathroom floor may seem like a daunting task. If done correctly, you can save a lot of money on labor costs, and you get to lay the tile as per your vision.
Although you may think to leave it to the professionals, nothing truly beats the satisfaction of doing something yourself and getting it right.
If you safely and carefully follow the instructions, you can end up with a beautiful bathroom floor that you can be proud of.
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