What elements do I need to tile a bathroom?

Tiling a bathroom is a DIY job that anyone should be able to master if they want to. You will need to know which mosaics to buy and you will also need some tools on hand. As the bathroom is an area that can get very wet, the correct type of tile must be used. Your tiles will need to be vitreous or impervious to water to prevent damage. Porcelain tiles are a good option. They can be completely colored or simply glazed with the color.

They are incredibly hard and are good for bathroom floors. Marble, granite, slate, and sandstone tiles are also ideal for flooring and can also be used on walls, counters, and backsplashes. Floor tiles need to be sturdy to last, and not too soft to prevent people from slipping. Look for a tile with a coefficient of friction (COF) rating of at least 0.60, dry and wet. Quarry tiles can be used in damp areas, but they stain easily, so they may not be the best choice. A natural stone tile sealer will be required.

The wall tiles will also need to be vitreous or waterproof, but they don’t need to be sturdy as no one will walk on them. If you have a small bathroom, small size tiles will make it appear larger, and for a large bathroom you can use large tiles to reduce the overall impression of size. To order the correct number of tiles, you need to measure the length and width of the area to be laid and multiply one by the other, then add at least 10% to that total to account for breakage etc. You will also need tile and grout spacers. Use sanded grout for porcelain, granite, and other single-fired tile. A grout spreader will also be required.

It is important to always use a waterproof tile adhesive on areas that will come into contact with water. You can usually buy these premixed, but some will require you to add water yourself. For floors, choose a thin-set mortar adhesive. On countertops, it’s usually fine to putty under and over the cement board. Get yourself an adhesive spreader to help spread the glue and a damp sponge to wipe up the excess. You’ll also need a tile cutter, tile saw, tile cutting jig and tile nibbler to cut your tiles and a spirit level to make sure your work is straight!

While most items will need to be purchased, borrowed, or rented, there is something you can do yourself. A gauge stick will help you trace the position of the tiles on the wall and can be easily done with a piece of soft wood. Lay several tiles next to the wood (adding spacers) and mark the position of each tile along the stick. Use a spirit level to make sure this is accurate. The indicator stick is now complete and can be used to lay out the rows of tiles on each side. With the right tiles and tools, your bathroom project should be a success and, in fact, quite enjoyable to do!