simple bath improvements

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