How to tile a bathroom

Tiling a bathroom requires proper surface preparation, waterproof membrane installation, and methodical tile placement starting from the center point. The job typically takes a weekend and costs $200-500 for materials.

1. Remove old tile and prepare the surface. Strip away existing tile, adhesive, and grout using a hammer and chisel or oscillating multi-tool. Clean the wall thoroughly and check for any soft spots or damage. Fill holes with spackle and sand smooth. The surface must be completely flat and clean before proceeding.
2. Install waterproof membrane. Apply waterproof membrane to all areas that will contact water, especially around the tub, shower, and sink. Roll or brush the membrane evenly, ensuring complete coverage with no gaps. Pay special attention to corners and joints. Allow to cure according to manufacturer instructions, typically 24 hours.
3. Mark your starting point and layout lines. Find the center point of your main wall and mark a vertical line using a level. Measure and mark horizontal lines to ensure your first row of tiles will be level. Dry-fit several tiles along these lines to confirm your layout looks balanced and avoids tiny slivers at edges.
4. Mix and apply tile adhesive. Mix tile adhesive according to package directions, preparing only what you can use in 30 minutes. Using a notched trowel held at 45 degrees, spread adhesive in small sections starting at your center lines. The notches should create uniform ridges that will compress to about half their height when tiles are pressed in.
5. Install the first tiles. Place your first tile at the intersection of your layout lines, pressing firmly with a slight twisting motion. Insert tile spacers at each corner and continue placing tiles outward from this center point. Check each tile with a level and adjust immediately if needed. Remove excess adhesive from joints as you work.
6. Continue tiling in manageable sections. Work in 3-foot square sections, completing each area fully before moving on. Keep checking that rows remain level and plumb. For cuts around fixtures, measure twice and cut with a wet tile saw or tile nippers. Back-butter cut tiles with extra adhesive to ensure proper bonding.
7. Remove spacers and clean tile faces. After adhesive has set for about an hour, carefully remove all tile spacers using needle-nose pliers or a spacer removal tool. Clean any adhesive residue from tile faces immediately with a damp sponge, as it becomes much harder to remove once fully cured.
8. Apply grout and finish. Wait 24 hours after tiling before grouting. Mix grout to a peanut butter consistency and work diagonally across tiles with a rubber float, pressing firmly to fill all joints completely. Clean excess grout with a barely damp sponge, working diagonally to avoid pulling grout from joints. Allow to cure, then apply grout sealer after one week.