If your bathroom tiles get damaged or outdated, you can replace them in an afternoon.If you are replacing tiles on the bathroom wall or floor, first cut out the old tiles and clean the area.Before installing your tile, apply a layer of mortar or thin-set to hold the tiles in place.Your bathroom will have a new look when you are done.
Step 1: Don't surround your tiles with fixture that surround them.
If the tiles intersect with the shower head, faucet, or overflow drain, it is time to replace them.Remove the fixture from the wall and set them aside for later use.If you only replace single tiles that are not in the way of your fixture, you don't need to remove it.If you don't want to take out the plumbing on your own, contact a plumbing or contractor to do the work for you.
Step 2: Use a drop cloth to cover your workspace and drain.
Falling tile pieces can cause damage.Spread a drop cloth over the entire area where you are working and use painter's tape to secure it in place so it doesn't slip or move around.If you are removing shower tiles, make sure the tub drain is completely covered.You can use old bedsheets if you don't have a drop cloth.
Step 3: Use a tool to remove the grout around the tiles.
The saw-like teeth on the removal tools make it easier to remove.Pull the blade from one corner of the tile to the other.If you want to completely remove the grout, apply a medium amount of pressure over the area.You can pry the tile out of place by cutting through the grout.It is easier to remove tile if you work through the grout at a time.If you don't want to remove the grout from the tiles, it will help keep your workspace cleaner.
Step 4: Use a chisel and hammer to remove the tiles from the wall.
The easiest way to remove the tiles is to start at the outer edge.At a 30-degree angle, hold the end of a flat chisel against the edge of the tile.Use a hammer to force the chisel under the tile and remove it from the wall.Work from top to bottom.Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from tile shards.Since the tiles could fall and cut you, wear long pants.The old tiles can break when you chisel them out of place or when they fall down.
Step 5: Use a metal scraper to remove leftover glue.
Some sections of mortar may still be on the wall after you remove the tiles.Hold a metal scraper at a 45 degree angle and apply a firm amount of pressure to lift up the glue.Continue removing as much as you can before moving on.If you can't remove the mortar with a metal scraper, use a chisel and hammer to apply more pressure.
Step 6: You can get a clean application if you brush the drywall.
Use a shop brush to clean the area.If you want to push residual material onto your drop cloth, start at the top of your wall.Continue brushing the wall until you can see no more dust.If you want to use the hose attachment on your vacuum to clean your walls, make sure you don't suck up large tile pieces since they could damage the inside of the vacuum.
Step 7: Measure.
Write down the dimensions of the area where you plan to install new tiles so you don't forget.Check the dimensions of the tiles you are using to see how they will fit on your wall.If you want to know how many tiles you need for your space, calculate the area of the wall and divide it by a single tile.Line up your new tiles in a grid pattern or offset them slightly to make the space more visually interesting.If your bathroom wall is 30 square feet and your tiles cover 2 square foot, you will need 60 tiles total.If you only replace a single tile, you don't need to plan a layout.If the tiles don't fit on your wall, you may need to cut them.
Step 8: You can spread a thin layer of tile mortar on the wall with a square notch trowel.
Spread the tile mortar on your wall by removing a large blob from the container.If you want to place your tiles, you need to cover the section that is 3–4 square feet.If you want the mortar to expand when you press a tile onto it, drag the edge of a square notch trowel over it.You can mix it yourself or buy premixed tile mortar.
Step 9: Push the tile onto the mortar.
Line the tile up on the wall so it is even and level.Press the tile against the wall to make sure it sticks to the mortar.To get an even mortar application on the back of the tile, apply pressure to the entire surface.If you want to check if there is enough mortar, you can peel the tile off the wall and check the back.
Step 10: You can install the other tiles on your wall with spacers.
The tiles look even and level if you work in horizontal rows from the bottom to the top.As you apply more mortar, press the tiles into place so they stick to the wall.If the tiles don't stay a uniform distance apart, they'll get crooked.The mortar should be set for 24 hours.If you want to buy tile spacers, you can go to your local hardware store.Make sure the tiles are pressed against the wall the same way.
Step 11: It's a good idea to apply the grout.
If you want to have a clean work surface, you need to remove the spacers from the wall.If you follow the directions on the package, you can mix it with a thick enough consistency to form a ball.Pick up some of the grout on the end of a rubber grout float, which is like a squeegee, and work it into the spaces between the tiles.Start at the edges of your tiles and pull the float across them.You can buy the items at your local hardware store.It is important to evenly apply your grout so that it doesn't look thinner than it is.
Step 12: Use a clean sponge to wipe off residual grout.
After about 20 minutes, wet a sponge under warm water and wring it out.The surface of the tiles should be wiped clean to remove any stuck tiles.Continue cleaning your tiles until there isn't any left on the surface after rinsing the sponge.Don't remove the grout between your tiles since it may still be wet.
Step 13: Once the grout sets, re install your fixture.
Wait at least one day for your grout to completely set between your tiles.You can reverse the process you used to remove the fixture.Make sure they are secured tightly to the wall so they don't cause any damage.You might need to caulk around some of the fixture to keep water out.
Step 14: The grout needs to be removed from between the tiles.
A tool with a serrated edge can be used to cut through the grout between the tiles.Put a lot of pressure on the corner of one of your tiles.Pull the tool between the tiles 3-4 times to cut out as much as you can from the wall.Continue scrubbing the tiles you plan to replace.You can buy tools at the hardware store.Take out one tile at a time to make your work easier.
Step 15: The tiles should be Pryed from the floor with a hammer and chisel.
At a 30-degree angle, position the flat end of your chisel on the edge of the tile.To break the tile off of your floor, lightly tap the end of the chisel.If you can't lift the tile after hitting it from one side, try positioning your chisel on the other side.The other tiles should be removed the same way.If you plan on replacing the entire tile floor in your room, begin on one of the tiles along the outer edge.You may be able to remove your floor tiles without breaking them if you work slowly and carefully.
Step 16: A metal scraper is needed to remove the residual glue.
At the edge of the mortar, hold a metal scraper at a 45 degree angle.Push the scraper forward and apply a firm amount of pressure.Continue working on the floor until you are able to lift as much of the mortar as you can.If you can't lift it with a metal scraper, use your chisel and hammer.
Step 17: Dust and debris can be removed by vacuuming your bathroom.
If your tiles leave shards and dust in your bathroom, your new tile may not stay in place.You can use the hose attachment on your vacuum to lift up small bits of tile that are difficult to clean up.Continue until you have removed all of the debris.Since you could damage the hoses or bag, don't use your vacuum on shards that are larger than a coin.
Step 18: Plan the layout of your tiles.
Write down the dimensions of your bathroom so you can see how many tiles will fit.You can start designing how you want to place the tiles if you take the measurements of the new tiles that you plan on installing.If you want to know how many you need to get, calculate the total area of your bathroom and divide it by the number of tiles.Lay your tiles on the floor to plan how they will look.If you have a bathroom that is 40 square feet and each tile covers 1 square foot, you will need 40 tiles total.If your tiles don't fit in the space, you may need to cut them.You can compare them side by side if you take multiple pictures of your layout.If you only replace a single tile, you don't need to plan a layout.
Step 19: The thin-set should be applied to the 3–4 sq ft section of the floor.
Start on the side of the bathroom.Follow the directions on a powdered mix if you want to get the right consistency.To spread the thin-set over the area that is 3–4 square feet, use a square notch trowel.To make the tile sticks better, go over the thin-set with the notch side of the trowel.If you only replace a single tile, you can either spread the thin-set onto the back of the tile or into the space where you are placing it.
Step 20: The tile should be put on the thin-set.
Carefully set the tile down in the place you want it to be.Make sure the tile stays straight so it doesn't appear crooked by applying a firm amount of pressure.If you need to apply more pressure to the tile, lightly tap it with a rubber mallet.Make sure the tile is flat on the thin-set by setting a level on top of it.Pressure should be applied to the raised sides if it is not.
Step 21: Continue adding tiles to your floor.
You can make sure your tiles stay straight by working in horizontal rows across your bathroom floor.Place the tiles next to each other on the floor when you need it.If the tiles are level with one another, they will stay the same distance apart.The floor looks uniform and even if you place the same number of spacers between all of your tiles.It is possible to level your floors with the help of spacers.You can get out of the bathroom when you finish laying the tiles if you work from the furthest corner.
Step 22: Once the thin-set is dry, spread grout in the spaces between the tiles.
The thin-set should be left to dry for at least 24 hours.Scoop some out with a rubber grout float after you mix your grout.To force the grout between the tiles, push the float into the spaces between them.The top of the grout is even with the tile and fills the space completely.If the application looks odd, wipe it out with a cloth.Hardware or home improvement stores can sell you grout.Don't use a regular trowel for spreading your grout since you may scratch or damage your new tiles.
Step 23: A damp sponge is used to wipe away excess grout.
After applying the grout, wet a sponge under warm water and wring it out so it's not wet to the touch.Take care to clean the tiles on the floor.Don't remove the grout between the tiles since it may be wet.