How to Retile a Bathtub
Retiling a bathtub surround can be a lengthy project to undertake, but it's well worth the effort. Tile is one of the more popular materials used in bathrooms and comes in colors, sizes and shapes to match every decor. Take time to plan and execute the project and you'll end up with gorgeous results. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Construction-weight paper
- Duct tape
- Mallet or hammer
- Broom
- Heavy-duty vacuum
- Level
- Thin-set mortar
- Bucket
- Mortar comb
- Tile
- Tile spacers
- Tile nippers or drill with diamond-grit drill bit
- 2-by-4-inch board
- Grout
- Rubber grout trowel
- Sponge
- Silicone caulk
- Caulk gun
Instructions
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Protect the existing bathtub by taping construction-weight paper to all exposed surfaces with duct tape.
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Remove the old tile and grout by hitting the surfaces with a mallet or large hammer.
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Sweep up debris as you proceed. A heavy-duty vacuum helps clean up the smaller pieces and dust.
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Determine the condition of the wall behind the tile. Many professionals advise to remove all material down to the wall studs to ensure your new wall is both water resistant and level. If you choose to do this, you will need to consult a local building supply store to determine the best materials for your specific site and budget.
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Prepare the wall by ensuring you have a smooth and level surface. Any bows or buckles in the wall should be repaired and leveled out prior to setting tile. Plan your layout so you don't end up with small pieces of tile at the edges of your project.
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Mix thin-set mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply it to the wall in small sections. You don't want the adhesive to dry before you have a chance to lay the tile. Only cover an area you're confident you can tile in 15 minutes.
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Use a mortar comb to make small groves in the thin set and apply the tile in rows starting from the bottom and working left to right, bottom to top. Make sure you leave a small space between the bottom of the tile and the top edge of the bathtub for caulk. Use small tile spacers to get even spacing between the tiles.
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Cut the tile to fit around your plumbing fixtures using either tile nippers or a drill fitted with a diamond-grit drill bit made for cutting tile.
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Check to ensure the installed tile remains level. One easy way to do this is to secure a small level to a 2-by-4-inch board. Place it over the tile and tap it with a rubber hammer until it registers level.
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Let the thin set cure before applying grout. Mix your grout according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply it over the tiles using a grout trowel to work the grout into the space between each tile. When complete, wipe the tiles with a damp sponge to remove excess grout. Wait for the grout to dry before applying caulk.
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Apply caulk between the top of the tub and the bottom of the first row of tile. Caulk around any fixtures. Match the caulk to your grout color for the best finished look.
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Tips & Warnings
Tile adheres to grooved thin set as opposed to smooth thin set, so be sure to make grooves in all the areas you place the tile.
If you are hesitant to use thin set mortar, latex tile mastic is another option. It is applied in the same manner but dries quicker so tiles are less likely to slide down the wall.
Wear protective glasses and gloves when performing any demolition.
