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Tips for Replacing Bathroom Tiles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.