In this video, Brad Rodriguez from "Fix This Build That" shares a step-by-step guide on how to replace dated floor tiles in a small bathroom with large format tiles. He begins by removing the old tiles, which were not installed correctly, and then prepares the subfloor by sanding down raised seams.
Brad uses Schluter Ditra as the underlayment, applying modified mortar between the OSB subfloor and the Ditra. He then cuts the Ditra to size, leaving a quarter-inch gap from the walls.
Before laying the tiles, Brad creates a layout plan using Sketchup, aiming to have as many full tiles as possible and avoid small slivers near the walls or doors. He uses a brick pattern layout with a third of a tile overlap to reduce lippage.
Brad mixes unmodified mortar and applies it to the Ditra, using a half-inch by half-inch square notch trowel to work the mortar into the waffle pattern. He back-butters the large tiles to ensure a good bond and sets them in place, using the Ridgid Level Max system to space the tiles and reduce lippage.
After laying the tiles, Brad allows the mortar to dry for 24 hours before snapping off the stems of the spacers. He then cleans up the joints, vacuums the area, and mixes light-colored grout by hand. Brad works the grout into the joints using a grout float at a 45-degree angle and rinses off the excess with a damp sponge.
Finally, Brad buffs off any grout haze, applies grout-colored caulk between the tub and flooring, and reinstalls the baseboards. The result is a beautifully renovated bathroom with large format tiles that make the room feel bigger.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The bathroom had a beige tile floor with dark grout that needed to be replaced.
2. The bathroom was being remodeled, and the old tiles, tub, and mirror were removed.
3. The subfloor was made of 3/4 inch OSB with Schluter-Ditra underlayment.
4. The old tiles were removed using a large demo bar.
5. The subfloor was prepared for new tile installation by flattening the seams with a belt sander.
6. The new underlayment used was Schluter-Ditra, which is an uncoupling membrane and waterproof ER.
7. The new tiles used were 24 by 12 inch large format tiles.
8. A modified mortar was used to install the underlayment, and an unmodified mortar was used to install the tiles.
9. A level system was used to ensure the tiles were aligned and spaced correctly.
10. The tiles were cut using a wet saw and an angle grinder with a diamond embedded wheel.
11. The grout used was a light color to help the grout joints disappear.
12. The grout was mixed by hand and applied using a grout float at a 45-degree angle.
13. The excess grout was removed using a damp sponge, and the grout was allowed to dry overnight.
14. A haze remover was used to remove any grout haze, and a microfiber towel was used to buff the tiles.
15. Grout-colored caulk was used to seal the gap between the tub and the flooring.
16. The baseboards were reinstalled after the tile installation was complete.
Note: I excluded any opinions or subjective statements from the extraction.