Hey everyone! I've got this 90s bathroom with some peeling vinyl flooring near the tub, and I'm considering swapping it out for ceramic tile. I've watched quite a few tutorials on YouTube, and while it seems manageable, I'm worried about making mistakes. Here's what I'm trying to figure out:
- Is it a good idea for a beginner to tackle tiling a small bathroom (around 50 sq ft)?
- What tools do I actually need besides tile, mortar, and grout?
- What common blunders should I avoid, especially near the toilet and tub?
I'm torn between enlisting a professional to do it right and the urge to learn a new skill and save some cash. Anyone else tried this as their first DIY project? I'd love to hear your success stories or regrets! Thanks a lot! ?
5 Answers
It’s totally doable! Just keep in mind that you might not get perfect results. Also, try to avoid choosing super complicated tile patterns, like marble or intricate mosaics. You learn by doing, so give it a go!
I've done a ton of DIY projects, and while I really enjoy it, the results can be hit or miss. If you’re okay with it not being perfect, go for it! Just make sure you get a trowel, sponge, bucket, and rent a wet or tile saw. Oh, and those plastic spacers are super helpful!
Now's the best time to dive in! Make sure to get a good cutter for your tile, which will depend on the tiles you choose. A rubbing block is also a good investment for smooth edges. If you're going with larger tiles, you might want to consider a leveling system to keep everything flat!
You can definitely do it if you have patience and don’t mind a little frustration. But just remember, pros charge for a reason—tiling isn’t as easy as it looks! You'll need more than just the basics: a wet saw (you can rent one), tile spacers, various trowels, mixing paddle for the thinset, a level, knee pads, and maybe an oscillating tool for cutting around door casings. And don’t skimp on layout tools; a good straightedge and chalk line are a must! Just be careful around the tub edges and the toilet flange—these are common areas for beginners to mess up. A basic project like this can run you $1,500 to $2,500 in labor and materials here, so you’ll save a lot doing it yourself, though you will spend time and effort, and mistakes can lead to some serious regrets funny enough!
When it comes to ceramic tiles, you need a really sturdy and flat subfloor, which can be tricky, especially in older 90s homes. If your floor isn’t up to par, you might run into issues later with cracked grout or tiles. You could strengthen your floor with cement board, but that could also raise the height of your flooring, which means adjusting your toilet and more work. An alternative might be vinyl plank flooring; it's easier to lay, more forgiving on the subfloor, and comes in lots of styles. Check out some beginner guides on LVP to see if it's right for you. Good luck!
But don’t you still need a level subfloor for LVP, right?
Totally agree! DIY is always worth it if you have the time and skills!