DIY Guide to Tile a Bathroom Floor

Laying Bathroom Floor Tiles:
Popular Options
Required Tools
Procedure

Remodelling floor tiles is not a big deal, provided that you have the list of necessary items and a handy guide on how to install bathroom floor tiles to complete the project without hiring additional help. 

Do you wish to renovate your house? Don’t have the extra money to pay a professional? Fret not, we have you covered with this guide on how to tile your own bathroom floor. 

However, before we get into the details, it is extremely important to understand the types of tiles you should be using to tile a bathroom floor. 

Keep scrolling to find out different types of washroom tiles in Pakistan! 

Popular Options for Bathroom Floor Tile in Pakistan

Having an idea about the floor space is the first step into selecting the type of tiles for your new bathroom remodelling project. It helps you decide what options you have and what will make your space appear bigger than it already is. The best thing in this regard is to use tiles in lighter hues. 

That said, here are the most popular options for tiling your bathrooms in Pakistan: 

• Ceramic tiles
• Porcelain tiles
• Vinyl tiles

Despite there being a multitude of options available in the Pakistan tile market, most homeowners choose to invest in ceramic, porcelain, or vinyl tiles since they are considered among slip-proof tiles having water-resistant nature. 

Not to mention, the options in the list are affordable as compared to other options available in the market. In addition, they are readily available in the local markets in a wide variety of colours, patterns, and designs giving you a much more creative space to make your bathroom look trendy. 

Tools and Materials for Tiling a Bathroom Floor

Now that we have discussed the possible types of tiles you could use for remodelling your bathroom, let’s take a look at the material you will need to lay your bathroom floor tiles: 

• Measuring tape
• Pointed trowel
• Flat trowel
• Grout sponge
• Tile spacers
• Mortar
• Grout
• Waterproof sealant
• Backer boards
• Circular saw
• Drill
• Screws
• Level

Step-by-Step Guide for Laying Bathroom Floor Tiles

Here is a step by step guide on how to lay your bathroom floor tiles by yourself. 

• Measure the Bathroom Floor 
• Prepare and Attach Backer Board
• Determine Tile Layout
• Apply Thinset Mortar 
• Mix and Apply Grout 
• Apply Grout Sealer 

Let’s look at each of these in detail. 

Step 1: Measuring the Bathroom Floor

First thing first: measure the area that you want to tile in your bathroom. 

In order to get this step done, you will need a measuring tape to note down the length and width of the bathroom. The measuring should include the toilet and closets. You will then need to multiply the length of the bathroom with its width to determine the exact total square footage of your bathroom. 

The best way to determine how much tiles, mortar, and grout you will be needing to cover the calculated area would be to consult your local hardware store. They will help you buy the right number of tiles and materials for your project. 

Pro Tip: It’s better to buy a little extra of everything, instead of stopping mid-project because you’re short on supplies. 

Step 2: Prepare and Attach the Backer Board

Backer boards – commonly known as cement boards – are an economical construction material. They are also used as an underlayer for bathroom and kitchen tiles to make the surface sturdier. 

Making the tile installation process convenient, backer boards are extremely porous and mortar tends to stick to it better. The board sheets are available in a wide range of sizes in the market. Therefore, you will need to calculate the number of boards that can easily cover the whole area of your bathroom. 

In order to lay bathroom floor tiles, all you need to do is place backer board panels on the floor and use a circular saw to install it all around your toilet, closet, and other fixtures present in your bathroom. 

Pro Tip: Make sure the screws are 6-inches apart from one another to make the surface evenly flat. 

Step 3: Determine Tile Layout

The third part of the process includes determining how you want the tile layout to look. This could largely depend on the design of the tiles, or how you want your bathroom to look. A great tip would be to place the edge tiles first and move to the centre of the room. It is important that you use tile spacers to evenly position them. This helps you create a much more precise end product. 

It is possible that you get stuck with a tile that is larger than the space available. In such scenarios, you will be required to cut up some tiles to install them properly. 

Pro Tip: If you have no prior experience, get the tiles cut from a nearby hardware store and only apply mortar when you are satisfied with how the layout works.

Step 4: Apply Thinset Mortar

Thinset mortar is a widely used option for indoor and outdoor installation of tiles. The mortar is a cement-based powder and water mixture and ensures that tiles fit properly to the surface. This is suitable for bathrooms since it is resistant to moisture and mould infestation. 

Once you have decided your tile layout, apply a thin layer of thinset mortar on the floor in small sections. Remove the tiles from your layout idea and place a thin layer of the mortar. Use a spacer to ensure proper positioning of the tiles. 

Pro Tip: Let the mortar dry for at least 24-30 hours before checking if it is done. 

Step 5: Mix and Apply Grout

Once the mortar has dried, remove the tile spacers to give you an easier access to fill up the grout lines. This is one of the most important steps when you’re laying bathroom floor tiles. 

You need to mix grout as per the instructions on the packaging. It can be applied easily with a sponge. Make sure there is no remaining grout on the surface of the tiles; if it dries up, it gets extremely difficult to remove it afterwards. 

Pro Tip: It takes 24 hours for the grout to dry, so refrain from washing or scrubbing the tiles for at least a few weeks after application. 

Step 6: Apply Grout Sealer

When the grout applying process is finished, wait for a day before applying a store-bought waterproof grout sealer to protect the material underneath. This will help keep the tiles intact for a longer period of time, giving it a much more professional look. 

However, if you plan on remodelling more than just your bathroom floors, here are some of the top bathroom designs that you could opt for in Pakistan! 

Since you’re here reading about bathroom tiles, our blog on types of floor tiles in Pakistan might also interest you. 

Got any queries? Contact us at blog@jagahonline.com. 

For more updates related to lifestyle, real estate, construction, and development, keep reading Jagah Online Blogs. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for fresh content!