Install Bathroom Tile In 9 Steps

If you have decided to remodel your bathroom, you may need to install new bathroom tile as part of the project. It's a job that can be done without a contractor and performed over a weekend, and once you pick your tile and design style, you can simply follow these 9 steps to install bathroom tile in a way that makes your job easier.

Materials Needed:

• Tape measure
• Goggles
• Tiles and spacers
• Tile cutter
• Tile saw
• Grout and grout spreader
• Level
• Tile nibblers or sandpaper
• Adhesive spreader
• Tile cutting jig blade
• Pencil
• Sponge
• Gloves (optional)

Step 1 - Measure Your Space

You will first need to take appropriate measurements of all areas where you are planning to add tile. These precise measurements are needed to make sure you purchase the correct amount of tile and other materials you need for this job.

Step 2 - Prep The Area

Before you begin actual installaion, you need to prep the area for the project. Make sure that all surfaces are in good repair and are thoroughly cleaned and dry.  This will include the removal of any previous tile or wallpaper, if you are mounting wall tiles. 

Step 3 - Do a Test Run

After the area is properly prepped, do a dry run of tile placement. This entails is laying out the tile, starting at the center of the floor/wall and moving outwards, to make sure you have enough materials and tiles at the right size. Be sure to leave room for the spacers and check the edge of the tiles to make sure they will match up. Make any adjustments necessary so all patterns and edges match up before taking tile back up. You can also take a digital picture if that will help with installment. 

Step 4 - Apply the Adhesive

Begin applying adhesive with adhesive spreader in the middle of the floor or wall.  Adhesive should be applied in approximately one-meter squares, depending upon the size of your tiles and workspace. 

Lay tile on adhesive as you did in the dry run, inserting spacers between them and using your sponge to wipe away extra adhesive from top of tiles as necessary. 

Step 5 - Cut Borders and Edges

Once you have the main floor laid, it’s time to work on the borders and edges. Be sure to use a pencil to very precisely make marks on your tiles where they will need to be cut, or use a paper and pencil to trace, and use the pattern to make cuts. 

Wearing goggles and using appropriate safety precautions, use your cutters and saw to shape the rest of the tiles to fit snugly where they need to go. Lay the rest of the tiles in the adhesive, again using spacers and a sponge where necessary.

Step 6 - Let it Set

Allow the adhesive to bond overnight to the tiles.

Step 7 - Apply the Grout

After the tiles are completely set and bonded with the adhesive, remove the spacers and prepare your grout. 

Mix the grout according to directions and start applying it with a grout spreader. This can be messy at times, so this is a good time to use the gloves, if you prefer. Clean excess grout  from the tiles as you go.

After the grout has been applied, wait another hour and then check for excess grout again, wiping it away with a damp sponge. 

Step 8 - Allow Grout to Harden

Wait several days for grout to set, then apply silicone sealant around areas that will be exposed to water, such as around the bathtub or sink. Use a dry cloth to polish tiles.

Step 9 - Let Your New Tile Firm Up

Wait another two days before using the area where your new tiles are firming up and setting. However, feel free to go in to examine and appreciate your work whenever you want!