Are you interested in doing some home remodeling? While there are some tasks you might feel more comfortable leaving up to contractors, you can also potentially save money by doing other projects on your own. For example, installing new tiles in your bathroom doesn’t have to be intimidating. The guide below explains what is involved with this process.

5 Steps for Tiling a Bathroom 

1. Choose Your Material

Bathroom tiles are usually either porcelain or ceramic because they are durable and moisture-resistant. They are also easy to clean. Before you buy, measure your floor and then use an online calculator to determine how many tiles you will need. Consider buying extra—especially if you’ve selected a unique pattern. Whatever you don’t use, you can save in case one of the tiles breaks in the future.

2. Prepare the Floor

Once you have removed the old flooring, you will need to put down an underlayment to provide a level surface for your new tiles. Cement board, also known as backer board, is the most effective option for bathroom floors. You will need to trace out the shape of the toilet and other bathroom features and cut these out of the board with a jigsaw.

3. Do a Dry Run

After screwing the underlayment into the floor, place your tiles over it without any adhesive so you can see what the layout will look like. Be sure to use plastic spacers to represent where the grout will go. In most circumstances, you will need to cut some tiles into smaller pieces—such as where they edge the bathtub, wall, or toilet. This can be done with a tile saw. Try to avoid cutting tiles to less than half their original size.

4. Lay the Floor

Apply thinset mortar to the floor in small sections, rather than covering the entire surface. Place the tiles in the pattern you planned out during the dry run—making sure to use spacers again. Utilize a leveling device to check that the tiles are even. Once everything is in place, the mortar must be allowed to dry for 24 hours. 

5. Apply Grout

Apply grout to the spaces between the tiles. You can choose grout in different colors to match the design of your bathroom. Use a rubber grout float and spread the material in arcs, working on a small section at a time. After the grout has been applied, clean the floor with a damp sponge. Allow the grout time to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then, apply sealer. Don’t walk on the floor for a further 24 hours.  

If you have decided on a DIY bathroom project, you can find high quality tiles from Out of the Box in Ralston, NE. This locally owned and operated furniture store provides reclaimed and recycled building materials perfect for your home or office project. Call (303) 669-5237 to ask questions. Visit their website to explore their inventory.