When you think of a remodeled bathroom, you probably think about a jacuzzi tub, an elegant vanity, and a nice stand-up shower. And while all of these things are an essential part of a successful bathroom remodel, the most vital part is the floor. Before you can start your bathroom tile replacement, you first have to demo the existing flooring and prep the floor for the new bathroom tiles.
GranitePro is home to experts in bathroom remodeling. We understand what it takes to bring your remodeling project to fruition. Find out how our expert installers can help you take your bathroom renovation to the next level by calling 410.875.7579.
Replacing Bathroom Tiles
Remodeling your home’s bathrooms has one of the highest return on investment percentages of any remodeling project and is a great choice if you are looking to improve the value of your home. Due to the amount of moisture that a bathroom is routinely exposed to, it is smart to go with waterproof flooring for a low-maintenance option.
Tile is the most commonly preferred type of flooring for bathrooms because it offers a beautiful and durable finish. The first step in replacing bathroom tile is getting rid of the old tile. Despite its durability under regular conditions, tile is generally pretty easy to demolish and remove.
Removing Bathroom Tile
Like any other demolition project removing tile can be a pretty messy job. This is best prepared for by wearing a filtered mask and eyewear to protect against shrapnel. If you are trying to prevent dust from getting all over the rest of the house, you can hang plastic barriers up in the doorways.
Thankfully this project takes a minimal amount of tools, as is so often the case when dealing with deconstruction rather than construction. A hammer, chisel, and pry bar will more than suffice for the removal of tile.
Don’t start smashing all the tile with your hammer; although this might feel great, it’s not very efficient and will leave you with an unnecessary mess. The strategic way to remove tile is by first removing the threshold at the doorway. Once this is removed and you have access to the edge of the tile, you can start by hammering your chisel under the first tile until it breaks free.
After this first tile is dealt with using the flat end of the pry bar; similarly, this is the quickest and easiest way to dispatch the rest of the tiles. After you have pried all of the existing tile free from the floor, it’s time to start prepping.
Prepping Floor for Tile
After removing the old tile, you will be left with dried mortar on the bathroom’s subfloor, and there are two ways to remove it. The easiest and most ideal method is using a hammer drill with a chisel mortising bit. If you don’t have a hammer drill, bust out the hammer, and preferably a masonry chisel, but a stiff blade scraper will suffice.
Whether you take the automatic hammer drill route or the manual route, the general practice is the exact same – hold the chisel at the ground at a 45-degree angle to ensure the optimal balance of downward and forward force and start chiseling away. It helps to vacuum your mess as you make it, so having an extra set of hands to clean as you chisel is a good idea.
After this, you are going to want to repair any damaged portions of the subfloor. If the floor is still in good shape, then there’s no need to replace it. I recommend installing a tile membrane for the best job possible, but some people choose to bypass this step. Once the membrane is installed, you are ready to start tiling. Consider a Maryland home improvement company for the following bathroom services:
- Tiling
- Countertops
- Plumbing
Learn More About Granite Pro’s Bathroom Tile Services
If you’re all worn out after getting rid of your old tile, and you don’t have the energy to install the new stuff, you can count on us! Contact GranitePro at 410.875.7579, or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and installation.