Tiling a bathroom: the complete guide

Tile is the ideal flooring for the bathroom: water-resistant, easy to maintain and durable. Its installation requires method, but it is within reach of a motivated DIYer. Here is the complete process.

Choosing the right tile

• Porcelain tile: very durable and low-absorption, ideal on the floor
• Ceramic wall tile: perfect for walls, with a wide choice of patterns
• Large formats: fewer grout lines but a more delicate installation
• Check the PEI class: PEI 3 minimum for the floor, PEI 2 is enough for the wall

Preparing the substrate

1. The substrate must be clean, dry and flat
2. Fill the hollows with a self-leveling compound
3. Apply a bonding primer on smooth surfaces
4. Plan the materials: suitable tile adhesive, spacers, level, mallet

Laying the tiles

1. Draw reference lines with a spirit level
2. Spread the adhesive with a notched trowel, combing it
3. Lay the first tile and adjust it with the mallet
4. Place spacers between the tiles for even grout lines
5. Check the level every two or three tiles
6. Cut the corner tiles with a tile cutter or an angle grinder

Grouting

1. Wait 24 hours for the adhesive to dry
2. Remove the spacers
3. Apply the grout with a float, filling the spaces well
4. Smooth with a damp sponge in diagonal strokes
5. Let dry then clean the haze with a soft cloth

Waterproofing

Around the bathtub and shower, apply an antifungal sanitary silicone sealant between the tile and the fixture. The silicone absorbs movement and prevents water from getting under the tiles.

Once the grout is dry, your bathroom is ready: clean the cement haze, install the baseboards and enjoy the result.