Tiling a bathroom – What do you need to consider?

So, you’ve decided your next renovation project is tiling your bathroom.

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY pro, tiling for the first time, or are hiring a professional, you’ve come to the right place. Before you start smashing down your old tiles, we recommend that you read our top tips to tiling a bathroom.

Tiles set the tone for your whole bathroom, and they can have an impressive visual impact. Why not take a bit of planning time to get it right?

Read our advice and quick guide to tiling a bathroom.

Tile size vs room size

Tiles are some of the most versatile and decorative interior staples. With endless shapes, sizes, colours, and materials, you can create impressive spaces in your home.

It’s important to consider the size of the tile in comparison to the size of the room. Large tiles create the illusion of more space in a large room but wouldn’t have the same effect in a small bathroom.

To make a smaller bathroom feel more spacious, we recommend opting for a medium sized tile. Rectangular tiles can also help achieve the feel of lengthening a room.

Finding it hard to decide? We can offer free cut samples to help you choose the right tile for you.

Design practicality of tiles

A common problem with tiling is finding a tile versatile enough to be cut and fit around the small, awkward spaces like the sink, toilet, and cabinets.

Let’s take a quick look at the features of ceramic and porcelain tiles.

Ceramic tiles are:

• A great choice for any size bathroom
• Budget friendly
• Simple to cut and shape.
• Tough and long wearing.
• Easy to clean.
• Slippery when wet, which is not ideal for flooring.

Porcelain tiles are:

• Extremely durable
• Good for high traffic areas
• Slip resistant.
• Quick and easy to clean.
• Usually more expensive than ceramic.
• More time consuming to install.

For bathroom flooring, why not consider a textured tile which provides better grip and reduces the likelihood of slips.

In the end, whether you choose a porcelain or ceramic tile is down to what you like and what you want to achieve. The material is just one thing to consider, types of finish such as gloss, polished, satin or matt are also things to bear in mind.

Take a look at our extensive range of bathroom tiles

Safety factors to consider when tiling a bathroom.

Bathroom floors are notoriously slippery. Water combined with the smoothness of a tile surface can be hazardous, so you need a tile that is both comfortable to walk on but also has some grip to it.

Many people are choosing to transform their bathrooms into wet rooms. If this is the case, then make sure you research tiles specifically for wet room installation.

When you reach the practical stage of removing and applying tiles, make sure you have the right tools and equipment. Items like safety goggles and gloves will help protect you from any flying pieces of ceramic when you’re removing the tiles.

So, we’ve thought about the design, the practicalities, and the safety aspects of tiling a bathroom. Now let’s look at the steps to follow to complete the job.

A quick guide to tiling a bathroom.

Completing a DIY project at home can be extremely rewarding. Not only are you learning new skills, you’re also likely cutting down on costs too. Below are some of our top tips when it comes to tiling a bathroom yourself.

1. Be sure to plan.

• Measure the area that will be tiled to work out how many tiles you need to purchase.
• Top tip! Buy 10% more than you think you will need to allow for cuts and waste.

2. Remove old tiles.

• Try to find a loose tile as your first one to remove.
• If none are loose, use a chisel and hammer to break one.
• After the first tile, it should be quite simple to keep removing the tiles.
• Sit the chisel against the wall or floor and tap it with a hammer, pulling the chisel away from the wall and releasing the tile.

3. Prep your walls! (Don’t miss this stage out!)

• Good wall preparation ensures tiles adhere properly and result in a smooth and even result.
• Remove as much dried adhesive off as possible.
• Clean the surface.
• Fill in any gaps or imperfections to create a flat, level surface.
• Proper preparation will extend the life of the tile and prevent problems with mould and mildew.

4. Tools and Adhesives

• Choose the right adhesive based on the type of tile and the surface.
• Research tools specific for your project and the tiles you are using.
• Avoid breakage by using a tile cutter or wet saw for precise cuts.
• Use spacers between the tiles to ensure even grout lines.
• Allow the adhesive to dry completely before removing the spacers and grouting.

Take a look at our essential tools and adhesives for tiling here

5. Get the grout right!

 Colour

• Choose a grout that compliments the tiles and blends with the overall design.
• Contrasting colours can make a bold statement but can highlight imperfections in the lines.

Consistency

• Grout consistency affects the final appearance. Too watery it may shrink and crack, allowing moisture in and causing damage. Too thick and application can be difficult.

Application and sealing

• Mix the grout to a smooth consistency.
• Fill the joints and remove excess grout quickly.
• Seal the grout to protect against moisture and staining.

And finally, sit back and admire your completed tiling masterpiece!

We hope you’ve found this guide useful. If you need further advice or have any questions, get in touch with one of our experienced team today.