How to Tile a Bath Vanity

A tiled vanity complements the bathroom.

If you want a custom look for your bathroom vanity, tiling it is easy and may be done during a short home improvement project. One advantage to tiling a vanity is that you may use specific tiles and borders that complement the look of the room, for a one-of-a-kind design. Adding tile to the vanity is similar to tiling a wall or floor, so even the inexperienced homeowner may improve the look of the bathroom.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood
• Wood glue
• Drywall screws
• Backer board
• Roofing nails
• Drill
• Jigsaw
• Thin set
• Notched trowel
• Tiles and bull nose tiles
• Tile spacers
• Tile nippers or wet saw
• Grout
• Rubber float
• Damp sponge
• Grout sealer

Instructions

1. Place a section of plywood over the entire vanity, making sure it overhangs the front of the cabinets by ¾ inch. Glue the plywood to the surface edges of the cabinets, and then secure with drywall screws.

2. Cut a piece of backer board to place over the plywood for added durability and water protection. Apply a thin layer of thinset tile mortar to the plywood and nail the backer board to the plywood and cabinets using 2-inch roofing nails.

3. Cut out the opening for the sink. Draw out the opening for the sink using a template for the sink you plan on installing. OnlineTips explains that many sinks now include a template for the shape and size of the sink. Use a drill to create a pilot hole into the two boards along one of the pencil lines. Cut out the opening with the jigsaw.

4. Mix enough thinset to work with in 30 minutes. Apply a thin layer to the backer board toward the front of the vanity. Lay the tiles from front to back, which will allow you to leave the cut tiles for the back of the vanity.

5. Affix bull-nosed tiles to the front of the vanity. Bull-nosed tiles are rounded at the top, allowing you to use them over countertop edges. Place one row of tiles on the wall behind the sink to create a decorative backsplash. Trim any tiles with a wet saw or tile nippers. Allow the thinset to dry for 24 hours.

6. Mix the grout according to instructions and spread a layer over the tile using a rubber float, held at a 45-degree angle. Make sure that each groove gets plenty of grout. Remove excess with a swipe of the float. Clean the tiles off with a damp sponge and allow the grout to dry for 24 hours.

7. Cover the tiles with a grout sealer. Allow the sealer to dry for 12 hours before attaching your new sink.

References

• OnlineTips: How to Tile a Bathroom Countertop
• Home Addition Plus: Installing Cement Backer Board