Replacing old tile with new can be a do-it-yourself project.
Putting ceramic tile around a bathtub is one of the easiest tile installation jobs a homeowner can tackle. The surface around the tub should be clean and dry. If this is a new home, then water-resistant gypsum board should have been installed around the tub enclosure. You could also use fiberglass-concrete backer board. These sheets are more expensive than gypsum, but water will never damage them. If you are replacing tile around an existing tub, it is easier to tear down the old gypsum board and replace it than trying to remove the tile from it.
Instructions
1. Measure and mark a level line about 14 inches above the tub on the wall with the pipes. If this line is not at least 4 inches above the pipes, then use 18 inches as your starting point.
2. Using the v-notched trowel, spread the glue from this line down to the tub and from the corner to two inches past the outer edge of the tub. Make sure the glue is smooth and even with no lumps or voids.
3. Place a piece of the trim tile against the outer edge of the tub. Using your level, install whole trim even with this piece in a plumb line up to the line you drew on the gypsum board. This will become the outer edge of your tile installation.
4. Place your level on the line and put tiles even with the bottom of the level starting against the trim tile. Place all the whole tiles you can, covering the glue as quickly as possible. Wash the glue from the tile.
5. Check your work using the level and make sure the top line is still level and the outer edge is still plumb. This become the starting point for the installation so take your time and make sure it is perfect.
6. Cut tiles to fit between the last whole tile and the tub, as well as into the corner if needed. Make sure the gap between the tile and the tub is straight and even. The gap in the corner is less important as it will be covered by tile on the adjacent wall. Use the tile snips to snip tiles to fit around the plumbing fixtures. The plate that will fit over the pipes will cover any irregularities.
7. Spread glue from this point to a couple of inches below the shower head. Now that you have a level starting point, the rest of the wall should go quickly. Check your tile every 4 or 5 rows with the level. Stop the installation at the top allowing for your 2 inch trim piece and the plate that will go around the shower head.
8. Draw a level line on the back and other end wall at the same point you did on the first wall. Use the same method for starting your level rows as you did on the wall with the pipes. On the back wall, leave two full tiles out at the location you want the soap dish.
9. Continue spreading the glue and stacking the tile, stopping to check your level lines every few rows. On the back wall, leave out one tile each where the two towel bar posts will go. Hold the towel bar in place to determine where they need to be.
10. Cut the rest of the tiles to fit against the tub and in the corners. Place the trim tile all the way around the installation, using the corners at the top right and left. Cut two half tiles and place there where the towel bar posts will go. Make two one and quarter inch cuts and place them on the outside edge of where the soap dish goes. Wash well and allow the glue to set for 24 hours.
11. Spread the grout with the grout pad using a 45 degree angle to push the grout around and into the tile joints. Pull the pad back across the tile with the surface perpendicular to the tile to remove the excess. Using clean water and a sponge, wash the excess grout from the surface and smooth the grout in the joints. Work in small areas so the grout does not dry too hard on the tile.
12. Spread a thick bead of grout along the edge of the soap dish and press it firmly into place, allowing the grout to ooze out around it. Make sure it is firmly against the wall. Follow the same process with the towel bar posts, cutting the towel bar if needed to fit the holes you left. Let the fixtures sit for a few minutes, then wipe and wash the excess grout from around them and smooth it at the edges.
13. Wipe the installation down with more clean water. Allow to dry, then buff off the grout dust with a clean towel.
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