How New Bathroom Tile Should Be Installed

So you've made the decision to upgrade your bathroom tile and don't know where to start? There is a right way and a wrong way (several in fact) to install new tile in the bathroom. The consequences for doing it the wrong way can be expensive, annoying, and inconvenient (see: Why Old Grout Looks Black). The following describes how Baths Plus installs new bathroom tile -- the right way!

After removing your old tile, Baths Plus will:

• Make sure the tub is level.
• Check that the wall studs are smooth, square and plumb.
• Determine if the window will interfere.
• Decide whether to extend the tile to the ceiling or tile the soffit ceiling above the tub area.

Baths Plus installs your new tile with thinset mortars on concrete board. We glue and nail the new cement tile backer board up. We use a mud bonding compound material to smooth out the area between the old walls and the new tile backer board. Then we start setting the tile.

Grout sizes are different (such as 1/8th inch, 1/4th, 3/8th, 5/16ths) for different applications:

Wall tile should be smooth and not be able to catch built up soap (unless you plan to clean it a lot), so a 1/16th or 1/8th inch grout line should be used.

Floor tile should be rough enough that you won't slip if you step on a wet spot. Grout should be 1/8th inch or larger.

After your new bath is completed you might notice that some areas don't look very clean. This is due to grout film and it's perfectly normal. Just buff it good with a dry or slightly damp terry cloth towel and it comes right off. If the grout is a lot more persistent, give us a call and we will be happy to come out.

John Ashton, Founder
Baths Plus Inc.
513-821-7464