If you have basic “measuring” and “put things together”
skills, a simple bath remodel can make a wonderful change in updating part of
your home.
For example, you just want to fix an old tub
surround with new tile. If you have an older home, say 30 years or more, the
existing tile is probably put right over drywall. Older homes then that, you
could find that the tile was set into mud and mesh. Newer homes you should find
the tile installed over a concrete type sheet, Wonder Board, Dura Rock or Hardi
Backer Board.
If you have tile right over drywall, it is a must to strip
it down to the studs as it most likely will be water damaged, moldy and rotten. With any of the other methods, if you are careful, the
tile might come off without too much difficulty. The mesh and mud method you
will find the tile will be pretty stubborn to get off and you may be farther
ahead to strip that off to the studs too.
Now that you are down to the studs, it’s time for the backer board. I prefer the Hardi brand. It is very flat, light, and easier to cut. Most tub surrounds will use 4-3’x5’ sheets. Use one on each end and 2 on the back wall.
Use the Hardi Backer screws to install it and put a screw
every 6” on each stud.
Now you are ready for taping the joints and seams. I use
mold resistant mesh tape and a 90 minute set Dura-bond setting type joint
compound. Do not use an easy sand product.
Tape all joints being careful to fill all cracks between
each sheet, the new sheet and the old wall surface, and between the new sheets
and the tub surface.
You are now ready to tile.
A tile saw comes in very handy especially if you are using
any kind of stone or glass, it is a must.
Plan out your design. Make sure to have enough tiles on
hand. Most suppliers will let you return extra, unless it is a special order
design.
Plan to use a Portland cement base thin set for the
adhesive. Do not use Mastic type adhesive in a shower.
Most tiles and all stone should be “Back Buttered” (back buttering is a process of filling in the voids on the back of the tile with thinset mortar prior to setting the tile into place) and use
the tile manufactures recommendation for the type of notched trowel to use.
Lay your tile and grout and seal. It's a fairly simple process!
If you aren't feeling up to tackling a tile project or don't have the time, feel free to contact us for
more precise and detailed information for this type of project or any other.
Go to http://applewoodremodelers.com/services/ to see all of our services we offer.
~The Carpenter
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