How to Tile a Bathroom

Contributor

By Glyn Sheridan
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (29 Ratings)

Tile makes a water-resistant surface in the bathroom.

Tile is a popular floor and wall covering in bathrooms where surfaces encounter water and moisture. A little more expensive than linoleum for floors or fiberglass for shower walls, tile increase the value of your home and adds a quality look. When you're ready to tackle a bathroom tiling project, some easy techniques will help you create the look you want.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Tile
Tile saw (preferably wet)
Tile
Chalk box and chalk
Measuring tape
Spacers
Notched trowel (with a comfortable handle)
Thin set mortar (for floor tile)
Tile glue (for wall tile)
Cement backer board
Grout
Silicone
Rubbing alcohol
Soft rags

Floor Tile Application

Step 1

Reinforce the subfloor before installing floor tile. The commonly accepted method is to smooth a layer of thin set on the floor, covering it with backer board before it sets. Use screws to fasten the backer board down. This provides a solid secure surface for the tile.
Step 2

Begin in the center of your room when laying the first tiles. You will use two chalk lines as guides. The first is halfway from your longest wall, running parallel to that wall, in the exact center of your room. The other chalk line runs perpendicular to the first between the adjacent walls. By using your longest wall as a guide, you reduce the effect of an uneven floor area.
Step 3

Spread an even layer of thin set on the floor at your starting point, keeping a portion of the chalk line visible for reference. Use the notched edge of the trowel to spread the thin set approximately 1/4 inch thick.
Step 4

Place the starter tile at the corner of your guidelines, and maneuver it by pushing into place on top of the thin set. Put a couple of spacers on each side (if desired) and add more tiles, keeping them even with the existing tiles and with the guidelines.
Step 5

A wet tile saw makes cutting easier and cleaner.

Continue in this manner until you reach the edge of the wall. Measure and cut the outside tiles to fit using the tile saw. A wet saw is superior to a dry saw since it reduces the heat generated by the saw blade, preventing tile dust and chipping.

Wall Tile Application

Step 1

Prepare bare walls for tile with moisture-resistance drywall if they will not be in direct contact with water. These are not shower walls. For shower walls, install cement backer board, screwing it into place.
Step 2

Measure and make chalk lines on the wall as you did on the floor, popping the starting lines in the middle.
Step 3

Smooth tile glue onto the surface to hold wall tile in place. Use the notched trowel, and spread the glue evenly. Press the tiles into place, working quickly to position the tile before the glue sets. It's important to use tile glue instead of thin set for that very reason, but it shortens the period in which you can move the tile.
Step 4

Use spacers, if desired, although wall tiles often butt into adjacent tiles to provide a water-resistant surface.
Step 5

Apply silicone caulking between wall tiles, and quickly smooth off excess with a clean rag dipped in rubbing alcohol. Silicone that dries on the tile is difficult to remove.