This document provides tips for replacing bathroom tiles, including removing old tiles, preparing the surface, applying new tile and grout. It discusses different tile types like ceramic, porcelain, glass and stone. For a single tile replacement, use tools to loosen grout and pry up the old tile. For many tiles, smash them up before removal. Thoroughly scrape and clean the surface before applying new tile with adhesive and grout. Larger replacement projects may require professional help.
2. Tiles are a common sight in
many bathrooms, both on
the walls and on the floor.
Depending on your budget
and your goals with the
bathroom, you can choose
from several different
varieties.
A well-tiled bathroom adds a
lot to the room aesthetically,
and it also adds value.
3. DIFFERENT TYPES OF TILES
The most common types of bathroom tiles you’ll find are as
follows:
Ceramic Tiles – Ceramic is probably the most widely used
bathroom tile because it is pretty economical and comes in a
wide range of styles and colours.
Porcelain Tiles – These tiles will cost you more than ceramic, but
will also resist scratching and chipping better. Polished porcelain
tiles don’t need to be sealed, which saves during installation.
Glass Tiles – Glass tiles add a touch of class to bathroom walls,
and you can choose between glass mosaic or iridescent glass
varieties.
Natural Stone – Using natural stone tiles in the bathroom
gives a kind of spa look that is warm and inviting.
4. DIFFERENT TYPES OF TILES
Of course, you don’t have to settle for just one material
throughout your bathroom. Sometimes, it serves your
design best to mix and match a little bit. Try to think
outside the box a little bit, and always ask the experts if
you’re stuck.
You have a plethora of creative possibilities with ceramic
and porcelain tile, so you want to be sure that you
capture the look and feel that you want.
Regardless of your choice in bathroom tile, they aren’t
going to last forever. You will have to replace one or
more sooner or later, and when you do it’s wise to have
at least a little knowledge on the subject.
5. REMOVE THE TILE OR TILES
The first step to replacing tiles is to get the old ones out of there. If you
only need to replace one tile, you will have to use a painter’s tool to
loosen the grout around the outside of the tile. Once it is loose, pry up
the old tile and take it out. You can proceed this way for a handful of
tiles, if you need to remove that many.
If you have to remove several tiles or all the tiles, you can smash them
up with a hammer to make them easier to come up. Just remember to
wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your hands.
If you are using a rotary cutting tools to loosen the tiles, remember to set
the proper depth so you’re only cutting through the tiles and not through
the surface underneath.
If you’re cutting a large section of tiles with a cutting tool, start in the
middle and cut the tiles into sections toward the outside. Use your
hammer or a mini pry bar to get all the tiles up off the floor.
6. MAKE IT SMOOTH
In order to replace the tiles properly and do a
professional-looking job, you must make the
surface smooth before you lay down any new tiles.
Even one little bump will affect how the new tiles
adhere and how they look.
Take the time to scrape away all of the old
adhesive, so there is nothing left.
Once you’re sure that all of the old adhesive is
gone, sweep up all the debris and then vacuum the
area well.
7. MAKE IT STICK
Your new tile or tiles has to stick on the surface, so
once the area is smooth, add some adhesive to the
back of the tile with a toothed tile trowel.
Take your time and follow any instructions that
come with the adhesive. It won’t help you to start
doing things your own way if it goes against the
manufacturer’s suggestions.
Set your tile carefully in place, and then allow the
adhesive to dry for about an hour. It may help to
use spacers to ensure the tiles are straight and in
the right place.
8. APPLY GROUT
To give that nice, finished appearance
you’ll have to apply grout in the grooves
around each tile that you replaced.
Follow the instructions on the grout
packaging and mix it up thoroughly.
Once the grout is mixed up, you can
force it in between the tiles with your
finger. Use a damp grout sponge to wipe
away any excess grout.
You could also put the grout in a
sandwich bag once it’s mixed and snip
off one corner of the bag. Then you can
squeeze it out like icing around the tile
before wiping it in with your finger.
9. FOR ALL THE TILES
If you have to replace all the tiles, you
may want to consider enlisting the help of
professionals.
That’s not to say a skilled do-it-yourselfer
can’t replace a full bathroom worth of
tiles, but there’s a lot more to it.
Firstly, you may have to do quite a bit of
tile cutting with a wet saw, and you will
also have to remove and then replace
your toilet as part of the job.
Again, these aren’t insurmountable tasks,
but it is wise to look into all the variables
of the job before you jump right in.
