How to Tile a Small Bathroom Floor | DIY Bath Remodel - Summary

Summary

Here is a concise summary of the provided text, a DIY tutorial on replacing floor tiles in a small bathroom:

**Project Overview**

* Replacing dated beige floor tiles in a small bathroom with large format tiles (24x12 inches)
* Using Ridgid tile tools and Schluter Ditra underlayment

**Key Steps**

1. **Demolition**: Removed old tiles using a demo bar (easier than expected due to incorrect initial installation)
2. **Subfloor Prep**: Flattened 3/4 inch OSB subfloor with a belt sander
3. **Underlayment**: Installed Schluter Ditra, applying modified mortar to the subfloor
4. **Tile Layout**: Used SketchUp to plan the layout, aiming for minimal cuts and a brick pattern with 1/3 tile overlap
5. **Tile Installation**: Applied unmodified mortar, used Ridgid Level Max system for spacing and alignment
6. **Grouting**: Applied light-colored grout at a 45-degree angle, cleaned, and buffed off haze the next day

**Outcome**

* Successfully installed new large format tiles, enhancing the bathroom's appearance and making the space feel bigger.

Facts

Here are the key facts extracted from the text, numbered and in short sentences:

**Project Overview**

1. The project involved remodeling a small bathroom.
2. The focus of this specific text is on replacing the floor tiles.

**Subfloor and Underlayment**

3. The subfloor is made of 3/4 inch OSB (Oriented Strand Board).
4. The underlayment used is Schluter Ditra.
5. Ditra serves as both an uncoupling membrane and a waterproofer.

**Removal of Old Tiles**

6. A large demo bar was used to pry up the old tiles.
7. The old tiles were not installed correctly, making removal easier.

**Preparation and Underlayment Installation**

8. A belt sander was used to flatten the OSB subfloor seams.
9. Modified mortar is required between the OSB subfloor and Ditra.
10. The Ditra was cut to size using scissors or a box cutter.
11. A quarter-inch gap was left between the Ditra and the walls.

**Tile Specifications and Layout**

12. The new tiles are 24 by 12 inch large format tiles.
13. A brick pattern layout with a third of a tile overlap was chosen.
14. SketchUp software was used to plan the tile layout.

**Tile Installation**

15. Unmodified mortar was used for bonding between Ditra and tiles.
16. A quarter-inch by 3/16 inch V-notch trowel was used to apply mortar.
17. The Rigid Level Max system was used for spacing and leveling tiles.

**Miscellaneous**

18. A JobMax multi-tool was used to cut back door jams for thicker tiles.
19. An angle grinder with a diamond embedded wheel was used for curb cuts.
20. Light grout was chosen to make grout joints less visible.
21. Grout was mixed by hand and applied at a 45-degree angle to joints.