How to Install Tile in the Bathroom

Tile can be a beautiful addition to any home, and adding ceramic tile can help raise the total value of your home. If you're going to add ceramic tile to the floor of your bathroom, there are some simple steps to follow.

Things You'll Need

• Tile
• Subfloor
• Wet-cut tile saw
• Grout
• Tile adhesive
• Spacers

Instructions

Prepare the Area for Tiling

1. Measure in square footage the surface area that you want to tile. Do not measure, for example, the area where your vanity or tub will be. Make a rough drawing of the area.

2. Choose the materials at a hardware store, and bring along your drawing. Order extra ceramic tile in case of mistakes. This is especially important with special orders. The store representative will help you determine how many boxes to order.

3. Purchase subfloor and tile adhesive, as well as tile spacers, depending on how big you want your grout joints.

4. Measure the thickness of your tile, then use a jamb saw to cut the jambs out of the door frame so that the tile can run underneath.

5. Remove the toilet.

6. Remove the base molding from the bathroom walls and set it aside. Number each piece so you can remember where it goes.

7. Screw the subfloor to the plywood on your floor. If you are going to have fancy tile or accents, it helps to draw a grid of your design on the subfloor or even lay out the tile to be sure.

Begin the Project

1. Start against the longest wall, applying adhesive to the back of each tile with a trowel and securing it to the floor. Work across the room, continuing to tile toward the door of the room.

2. Use spacers to keep a uniform and consistent space between the tiles.

3. Expect to rip pieces of tile with a wet-cut tile saw or score saw to get around your vanity or other permanent items in your bathroom.

4. Mix grout according to the manufacturer's instructions.

5. Apply grout with a rubber applicator.

6. Grout a small area (4-by-4 foot area) so that you can clean it up with a damp sponge, working quickly before the grout dries. Move onto the next area.

7. Wipe down the ceramic tile with a dry cloth after a few days to remove any remaining white haze on the tile.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that wet tile can be slippery. Make sure you have bathroom rugs in places where slips and falls can happen.