Are you thinking about remodeling a bathroom but do not know where to begin? Maybe you know where to start but have a few questions. What kind of tile should I use? What type of tools do I will need to tile a bathroom? How do you prepare a bathroom for a remodel? Must I hire a contractor, or can I complete the remodel myself?
Where to Begin? Design Your Bathroom
The first place to begin is with the bathroom design. I suggest that you produce a list of the amenities you want in your bathroom and a list of the amenities you would like to include in your bathroom. You may possibly want to edit your list depending on your budget. Once you have a basic thought of the needs of your bathroom remodel, it is time to start putting all the pieces together.
Designing a bathroom involves several considerations; selecting tile, vanity, vanity top, paint colors, and fixtures. In addition, you want to set a realistic time frame of completing the remodel. If you are planning to complete the remodel yourself, set a schedule of when you are going to complete the work. If you are planning to complete the bathroom remodel your self, I encourage you to do your homework before you begin the project. Be sure to study all actions involved in the bathroom remodel project. Prepare yourself by making certain you have all the essential tools to complete the project and have all your supplies on hand prior to you begin. Keep in mind that you need to allow extra time if you are ordering tile, vanities, etc.
A bathroom remodel can be broken down into three basic categories;
a makeover
an expansion
an addition
For the sake of this write-up and other articles to follow, I am going to focus on a bathroom makeover. A makeover is normally much less expensive and less difficult to complete. A makeover typically is also the quickest bathroom remodel. All the existing walls, plumbing, electrical outlets, doors, etc. remain in location. A makeover typically includes replacement of all the fixtures, such as bathtub, shower, and faucets. You may possibly also want to replace the tile on the floor, walls, and shower. In addition, a bathroom makeover may possibly include replacement of the lighting, vanity, and vanity top. Most individuals also install a bath fan, if needed. Keep in mind, you ought to follow all building codes and have the electrical inspected by a licensed electrician to make certain the electrical is conforming to current building codes for the bathroom. Finally, give the bathroom a new coat of paint to give it a new look!
Everyone has distinct bathroom needs. The best part of a bathroom remodeling project is that you can customize your bathroom to meet your needs and the needs of your family!
Maybe you have 3 bathrooms in your home, every with a bathtub but only 1 shower. You might establish that you do not require three bathtubs, but you could truly use a second shower. When designing your bathroom remodel, plan to remove your existing bathtub and incorporate a shower in that space instead. Maybe you have a pedestal sink in your bathroom but you want more storage space in your bathroom. Replace your pedestal sink with a full vanity that provides storage under the sink. Your choices are endless! The most important thought with this part of the procedure is to design your bathroom remodel to meet your needs!
Selecting Your Tile
Once you have an idea of your bathroom design and what you want to incorporate in your bathroom, the next step is selecting the tile. There are several items of tile on the market right now ranging in price.
Ceramic Tile: Ceramic tiles are made primarily of clay mixed with mineral and water. The material is fired to harden the tiles. A sealer and glaze can then be applied to the tile prior to a second firing. The glaze helps the tile turn out to be far more durable. Nevertheless, the drawback to ceramic tile is its strength. Ceramic tile is not as strong as a porcelain tile. Ceramic tile is normally more cost efficient than other tile and is less difficult for homeowners to install themselves.
Porcelain Tile: Porcelain tiles are made by mixing porcelain clay, finely ground sand and curing them with high heat and pressure. Porcelain tile is denser than ceramic tile and has a lower water absorption rate than ceramic tile. When a porcelain tile is unglazed, the color remains consistent throughout the tile. This is the benefit of porcelain tile along with the strength of the tile.
Quarry Tile: Quarry tiles are unglazed ceramic tile. Quarry tiles tend to be much less high-priced than other tiles readily available on the market.
Terra-Cotta Tile: Terra-Cotta Tiles are typically hand molded from clay. This tile is a lot more rustic searching. They come in reds, browns, or yellows, depending on the color of clay and the origin of the tile. Terra-Cotta tile tends to be soft and porous, which can make the tile susceptible to staining and scratches, and chipping.
Stone Tile: Stone tiles come in Granite, Limestone, and Travertine.
-Granite is 1 of the hardest stones obtainable.
-Limestone comes from a sedimentary rock. The sedimentary rock is collected and compressed to make the tile. Limestone is very soft and can scratch simply.
-Travertine tile is made of limestone. Travertine tile is far more natural and rustic than other tile. Since the tile is soft, it is excellent to use the tile on horizontal services, such as backsplashes.
Mosaics contain a grid of modest tiles connected with a mesh backing. Mosaic can be used for custom shower floors. Mosaics can also be utilized for trim or accent pieces that can be set with other tile. Mosaics also are typically employed for backsplashes. Mosaics are fantastic to add detail to your tile design.
Trim tile are finished on the edges and are employed to provide a finished edge where the tile field stops.
I hope this data gives you with greater understanding of the various sorts of tile that are available. It is time to go to the local tile shop and look for the tile that catches your eye! I encourage my clients to go to a tile store that consists of full tile displays so they can see firsthand the finished product. Take along any photos you may have discovered in a magazine or book that you would like to use as a base for your bathroom design. Great luck on your bathroom remodel!