How to Install Tile Around Your Tub
Most bathrooms will have either a shower or a tub for users. While there are pros and cons to both, having a tub is a great choice if space permits. Taking a bath can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to unwind from a long day, improve circulation in the body and feel instantly refreshed.
The only problem with tubs is that unlike shower surrounds that are bought as one piece, tubs require tile to surround them in order to protect against splashes and humidity. Tile gets installed on the walls surrounding the tub in order to protect the infrastructure of the walls and to make the area easier to clean.
While professional installers can handle the job of tub tiling for you, this guide will help any DIY enthusiast tackle the project alone.
Measure and Mark for Tile Installation
The first step in the tub tile installation process is to decide what areas of the bathroom need to be tiled. Typically, a bathtub will be placed in the corner of the room or against a wall. Then the surrounding walls will be tiled to protect them from splashing water or leaks.
Carefully measure the area that needs to be tiled in order to get a precise estimate of the square footage that needs to be purchased. Mark the walls with pencils in order to see the exact spacing of the tiles and plan out the installation process. Make sure you measure the exact center of the tiling area so you know where to start.
Choose Tub Tiles
Once you have the exact dimensions measured out, you can begin looking for tub tile that meets your needs and fits into your budget. Most types of tile can be used for tub surrounds, but natural stones like travertine, granite and marble may need to be sealed first. The cheapest options will be ceramic, vinyl or porcelain tiles that can be purchased and installed within the same day. Make sure that you buy 115 percent of the square footage in tiles to account for cuts and mistakes that might occur.
Begin Tiling the Walls
After measuring the space and buying the tiles, you can start the installation process. Use a tile mortar and apply it to the wall in small areas to prevent it from drying out. Starting from the very bottom of the wall next to the tub, place one tile at a time on the mortar and hold it for a few seconds to ensure it stays on.
Work in rows and use a wet saw whenever necessary in order to cut tiles to fit around plumbing fixtures or appliances. You may choose to use spacers in between each tile in order to have an attractive grout line, although they are not necessary if you want a more seamless look.
Apply Grout
After the tiles have set for at least 24 hours, it is time to remove the spacers and apply the grout. Spread the grout over the entire tiled area and use a sponge or a grout floater to carefully push the grout into the seams in between each tile where the spacers were. Then carefully use a sponge to clean off the surface of the tiles to remove excess grout.
This will need to dry for an additional 24 hours to ensure that it has set. You may need to continually wipe down the tiles to ensure that no grout is anywhere but in between the tiles.
Tiling a tub is certainly not an easy task, but it can be rewarding and has great benefits in the home. To save on professional installation, let this guide help you to tile your own tub.
Get beautiful tile for your bathtub or any other area of your home at DirectBuy. Go to www.directhomediscount.com to find out how you can find home improvement products at confidential dealer pricing.
Tags: Bathroom Remodeling, Bathroom Tile, DirectBuy, Tub Tile