Love DIY home improvement projects? Want to learn how to lay tile in bathroom? Check out this handy tutorial! 

How to Lay Tile in Bathroom | DIY Home Improvement Projects

Looking for challenging but rewarding DIY home improvement projects? This might be the DIY for you!

Laying bathroom tiles is not as easy as it might seem. To give your bathroom that perfect professional look, you must follow the adhesive and grouting process carefully. Get the best-suited tiles for the space, and always pick up a few extra pieces so that if a few tiles get damaged you don’t have a shortage on your hands.

Tile floors are extremely durable, but still need to be routinely looked after to preserve their look and functionality. No matter where you are laying tiles — in the bathroom or elsewhere — it's important to properly mark your datum line, blend the mixture well, and cut and lay the tiles with extreme care!

Want more DIY Home Improvement Projects? Check out: How to Grout Tile | DIY Home Improvement

Materials

Laying bathroom tiles can be an extremely daunting task. But before you do anything at all. make sure you collect all the tools you'll  need, including: wall/floor measuring tape, hammer, chisel and tile cutter. You'll also need a notched trowel and a rubber float to equalize the material. A grout float and a silicone sponge/wipe are critical during the joint-filling process.

Safety first

Regardless the style, shape or color of the tiles you plan on laying, you need to follow the requisite safety measures. To protect your face and skin, you need to pick up goggles, gloves and a face veil.

After collecting the tools and safety items, you'll be ready to begin the tile-laying process. Follow the steps below:

1. Clean Your Floor.

Before you start with the laying process, make sure you thoroughly clean your floor by removing all the dust, dirt and grease. Make sure the surface is smooth. If it is not, apply sander on the floor to give it a completely smooth look. Then sweep up, wash and  drain the water so that your washroom gets dry quicker.

2. Measure the Floor.

Measure the length and breadth of the space and mark it with a datum line where you want to apply the tiles. Ensure there are no holes or gaps between the sheets of concrete board. Next, find the center of that washroom and mark it. Whether the space of your bathroom is round, square, rectangular or any other shape, make sure you find the center to start the process. Professionals always begin laying tile from the center!

3. Blend the Adhesive for Your Tiles.

Take an empty bucket and add water to it (the amount required for the amount of tiles you're laying). Then add the powdered mixture to the water. Blend it well until it becomes as thick as toothpaste. Add more water as needed.

4. Spread the Mortar.

Go back to the center of the room (see Step 2), and spread the mortar with a tool that is specially made for this spreading purpose only, so as to equalize it. Keep in mind that when you go through this process, you don’t have to move on them at least for 24 hours. Also, wear gloves as mortar can be dangerous to your skin.

5. Place the Tiles.

After applying the mortar, properly cut the tiles in the correct shape and size and lay the tiles. Adjust them and twist them as much as necessary to make sure they're in place and secure. (Twisting them prevent air from getting trapped inside the tiles.). NOTE: Never lean on the tiles and press them with your knees. That’s the wrong way of twisting, and your tiles may get damaged.

6. Grouting the Correct Way.

Remember that grouting is as important as the tile placing. When you place the tiles on mortar, make sure that you wait for a day and then begin  the process of grouting. Start with only a small section to check whether you are doing it right or wrong. That way it will be easy to remove before it gets dry.

In sum, you need to plan ahead and follow directions carefully to successfully lay tiles. If you have questions or comment for the author, feel free to comment below!

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Dan Kogan is owner of NY handyman NYC in New York City. He has more than 20 years of experience and is passionate about all things related to home improvement.