How to Install Bathroom Floor Tiles

Tiled bathroom floors add both beauty and practicality to any bath, making it the ideal solution for busy household environments.

When selecting tile for installation, be mindful of any surrounding elements like moldings, toilet bases or staircases that you will have to consider when planning your installation. Also order 10-20 percent extra so as to cover any mishaps during setup.

Cost

When it comes to tiling a bathroom, there are various materials that can be used. Each material offers its own set of advantages and costs; ceramic tile being one of the most popular choices because of its wide array of colors and designs available as well as being economical and water resistant; however it should be maintained to prevent scratches.

Porcelain tile, which is created using finer clay and fired at higher temperatures, comes in many different colors and glaze options; you can opt for either unglazed tiles or ones equipped with antimicrobial glazes that inhibit bacteria spread.

Natural stone tiles are another popular selection, boasting an extensive variety of colors to add warmth to any room. Though highly durable and low maintenance requirements apply to this material, natural stone requires special care when handling to prevent cracking or breaking under pressure – providing an upscale yet timeless aesthetic suitable for master bathrooms.

Material

An effective tile material selection can add great visual interest and texture to your bathroom design. There is an array of shapes, colours, textures and types of tile available; selecting one will depend on both personal taste and budget considerations. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are among the most popular choices as they’re affordable, easy to care for, scratch resistant, non-porous and non-porous – great features for bathroom design! Glazes can protect them from moisture intrusion; plus come in matte, satin gloss or polish finishes that you can select!

Slate bathroom floors are another popular choice, thanks to their natural slip-resistance and earthy hues. Slate can be cleaned using non-acidic soap and water but should be resealed periodically for best results.

Porcelain tile resembles ceramic in that it is composed of clay-based material but fired at higher temperatures for increased density and hardness, making it more suitable for high traffic areas. You can choose between several color options as well as germ-free tiles when buying porcelain.

Installation

When tiling a bathroom, the first step should be stripping the existing flooring. This will give you a fresh surface from which to work on and may necessitate you removing your toilet or relocating its flange bolts. Furthermore, it would be wise to take out decorations or wallpaper from walls prior to starting work on this task.

Before beginning tile laying, be sure that you have the necessary tools and equipment at hand. Also consider hiring a professional tile layer; they’ll get the job done faster and more effectively than yourself.

Before beginning tile laying, mix your mortar as per its manufacturer’s directions. Next, spread a thin layer across the floor using a notched trowel at 45-degree angles; place tile spacers between rows; periodically use an A-square framing square or framing square alongside each tile edge to check for squareness; this will help avoid lippage where a tile sits higher or lower than its neighbors.

Maintenance

Though your bathroom might not be top of mind when it comes to your cleaning schedule, it should remain clean at all times. A dirty bathroom harbors disease-causing germs and dirt. Along with cleaning the tiles on the floor and walls, ensure your toilet is in working order with an updated seat cover for optimal results.

Experts advise cleaning tile floors at least weekly in order to minimize soap scum build-up and moisture that promotes mold growth, while a routine can reduce scrubbing time required and extend their lifespan.

Before purchasing a cleaner for your tile floors, take into consideration their material and finish. Porcelain tiles are great choices for bathrooms as they resist moisture while having an appealing smooth finish; ceramic tile, however, has an uneven surface which shows watermarks easily.