How to Replace Bathroom Tile
Replacing bathroom tile is neither hard nor complicated. It will take some time and just about anyone can do it. The reasons for replacement could be just for a change in design or worn or damaged tiles. You will save big bucks by doing it yourself.
Items Needed:
- Tiles
- Hammer and chisel
- Safety goggles and hand protection
- Putty knife or scraper
- Vacuum
- Level
- Liquid nails and quickset
- Grout
- Sponge or rags for cleanup
- Measuring tape
- Tile spacers
- Replace either one tile, or a few or the entire bathroom. This is the procedure and it can be used for any of these situations.
- Pry up the tile being replaced and be careful, as you do not want to break or damage any of the other tiles while doing this. If you are replacing the entire floor just start taking them up. While doing this you should wear safety goggles and hand protection.
- Clean the area under the old tile. If doing the whole floor scrape the entire floor very well. You want no bumps or ridges under the new tiles. You will be preparing a new base and it must be level. If you do not follow these instructions you may end up with broken tiles or have them pop up later.
- Clean up the entire area when done. Use a vacuum and make certain all debris is cleared from the floor area.
- Squirt some liquid nails on the back of a single (or a few) tiles if that is all you are replacing. Get the liquid nails out to the corners and make a good pattern all over the back of the tile. Line the tile/tiles up really well and place on the floor of the adjacent tiles.
- Mix matching grout and push it into the areas around the tile/tiles. Wet your fingers and smooth it out and wipe clean with a wet sponge or rag remove the excess.
- Measure to find the exact center of the room if you are replacing all the tiles.
- Mix up some thinset and allow it to set up for about five to 15 minutes. Use a floor trowel to put grooves into the thinset and tile spacers for correct spacing and start setting the tiles.
- Line up a bunch of tiles and begin working your way toward the edges. Use a tile cutter when you get to the edges or to go around fixtures to make tiles fit correctly. Be sure to wipe off the thinset as you proceed. It comes off a lot harder when it dries on the tiles. Remove the tile spacers as you finish each section.
- Work your way into the walls, the tub and the toilet and sink. Try to finish at the bathroom door so you won’t have to be on any of the tiles you just laid.
- Stay completely off the tiles until they have dried which should be no less than a full 24 hours.
- Apply the grout to the tiles the same way you laid the tiles. It is best you wipe the grout off the tiles as you proceed. Once again remain off the tiles when done for at least 24 hours. Now your repairs or your replacements are complete.