Retiling the Bathroom

Remove Linoleum

The large hole in the side of the wall was where I cut the sheetrock to find out where the shower was leaking. The smaller hole in the wall is for the toilet roll holder.

The first job is to strip the linoleum. This doesn’t take very long and could be fun if you are in the right frame of mind.

Remove Toilet

Paul (left) and Daniel (right) unbolt the toilet and take it outside. We now have an outside toilet for a few days. Not to worry, we do have an operational second bathroom. After all it is America.

Paul’s shirt says, “You couldn’t pay me to do this.” Correct, you won’t be paid. Daniel’s shirt says, “I hear voices and they don’t like you.” My shirt says, “Get back to work!”

Finish Removing Linoleum

The rest of the linoleum is removed. I was expecting a smell from the sewer but I was pleasantly surprised when there was none. Of course I wasn’t as close to the action as were Paul and Daniel. Occasionally I came in to take photographs — you know the important stuff.

Remove the Subfloor

Daniel works on removing the subfloor. This is a little more labor than removing the linoleum but it is soon completed. This project took several days to complete because Daniel digs post holes during the day and Paul was in college. However there were no complaints. Expert craftsman need their space.

Lay Plywood Subfloor

3/8 inch plywood is brought in to replace the subfloor that was removed. It is screwed down firmly. The boys made sure to cut out the hole for the heating vent. In the photograph it looks like they forgot about the hole for the toilet but what you see is just an upside down wooden stool.

Smooth the Floor

The door has been removed for better access to the work area. This is something that could have been done earlier. Next thin-set mortar is spread out so that the floor is very flat and smooth. The area where the toilet will go still needs to have mortar laid.

Lay Cement Board

Test fit your 1/4 inch cement board before laying your mortar. The cement board goes on top of the mortar. Cement board is a combination of cement and glass fibers formed into sheets. Cement board can be nailed or screwed to plywood for tile floors. Cement board is not actually waterproof but it is highly resistant to absorbing moisture and has excellent drying properties.

Finish New Floor

Paul is finishing up the floor by inserting a few more screws. It will soon be time to lay the tile. When the project is finished it is going to look really good.

Lay the Tile

Paul drafted his friend Jake C to head up laying the the tile. By spreading the mortar as needed and making sure the tiles are aligned correctly the job goes smoothly. Paul cut the tiles to fit while Jake C laid them. We call him Jake C to distinguish him from our own Jake.

Fitting the Tile

Fitting the tile around the heating vent took some time and a few broken tiles. Here Jake C skilfully lays the tiles. A superb craftsmen, he is the man to have on your project, Bred in a family of hard workers his tirelessness and focus is renowned.

Use Tile Spacers

The process of laying tiles typically involves positioning tiles individually on to a surface to which an adhesive or some form of mortar has previously been applied. When the tiles are being positioned, tile spacers are used to assist in aligning the tiles relative to each other and to provide consistent inter-tile spacing. In use, such tile spacers are inserted between the tiles at the intersection defined by four tile corners.

Floor Tiles All Laid

The project is nearing completion. There are still a few things left to do and then we will get our bathroom back. It is worth the wait.

Patch the Wall

Putting my camera down it is finally time for my contribution. I patched the wall by the left side of the shower and also on the right side (not shown). I am an expert at this having repaired holes in sheetrock a number of times. With four boys you do not have to ask what caused the holes.

Grouting

The tiles are grouted and then sealed. We still have to tile around the base of the wall.

Jake C

The famous Jake C. He is generally shy of cameras but this time I convinced him to let me take a picture. We all appreciate his help on the project. Jake C, tiler extraordinaire.

Tiling around the Base

These base tiles cost more than twice as much as the floor tile, All you get is one curved edge which of course is all you need. It is worth the extra cost because it looks really good when it is finished. All that needs to be done is to attach the toilet back where it belongs.