How to Retile a Bathroom

Retiling a bathroom floor or shower is one of the highest-value DIY projects out there. It's also unforgiving — the substrate and waterproofing decide whether you do it once or twice.

Safety firstStandard drywall does not belong behind shower tile. Tear it out and replace with cement backerboard or a foam tile backer.

What You'll Need

• Pry bar and hammer
• Cement backerboard and screws
• Notched trowel
• Tile spacers
• Wet saw
• Grout float
• Tile sponge
• Thin-set mortar and grout
• Silicone caulk

Step-by-Step

1. Remove the old tilePry tiles off the wall or floor with a hammer and chisel. Take damaged backerboard out with it.
2. Install new backerboardScrew down cement backerboard with backerboard screws every 8". Tape and mud the seams with thin-set and alkali-resistant mesh tape.
3. Plan and dry-fitFind the center and dry-lay tiles in both directions so cuts on opposite ends are balanced and you avoid skinny slivers.
4. Mix the thin-setBlend mortar with water to a peanut-butter consistency. Let it slake for 10 minutes, then remix.
5. Spread and combTrowel thin-set onto the wall or floor, then comb in straight lines with the notched edge held at 45°.
6. Set the tilesPress each tile into the mortar with a slight twist. Use spacers to keep grout lines uniform.
7. Cut around fixturesWet-saw cuts around drains, valves, and corners. Test-fit before setting in mortar.
8. Cure, then groutWait 24 hours, then mix grout and push it diagonally across the joints with a float. Wipe with a damp sponge once it firms up.
9. Caulk and sealUse silicone — not grout — in any inside corner. Seal the grout once it's fully cured.

If you don't think you can do it, let our experts help.

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