Tiling a bathroom: precise measuring instructions
Let’s say you’ve decided to rebuild your bathroom but have a strict financial limit on the project. You’re perusing tile samples in a tile shop and spot something you like. The cost per square foot for the tile is $5. What criteria do you use to determine if a tile that costs $5 per square foot is affordable? What are the recommended prices for grout and sealant and the tile?
In a recent piece, I discussed your many options for tiling your new bathroom. The next step in learning how to tile is being familiar with the process of taking measurements and figuring out how much tile and other materials will cost for your project.
To properly tile your bathroom, you will need the following materials:
Trim Tile for the Field
The primary body of your tiling endeavor will be field tile. The tile used for the shower walls is called the “field tile,” as an illustration. The field tile is laid out over the maximum surface area. The most typical size for field tiles is 12×12. The area to be covered by field tile must be measured to determine how many square feet of tile will be needed.
There are two types of trim tile:
Decorative border tile (for installation around the field tile).
The field tile’s finishing touch is a border.
Measuring Correctly
Let’s look at an example to understand further how to measure tiles. Here we will demonstrate how to tile a shower enclosure around an existing bathtub.
The three walls of a bathtub can be tiled to create a shower. A tiled area will be six feet tall above the tub deck.
The width of the first wall is 5 feet. The two opposite walls measure 3 feet in width. You may calculate the area of tiles needed for your shower by measuring the width of all three walls and multiplying that number by the height of your shower surround.
Let’s begin with the first wall’s dimensions:
Five feet across (60 inches) and 6 feet in height. Space of 30 square feet (5 x 6).
If so, you’ll need to take measurements of both end walls:
Six feet in height and 3 feet in depth. Space of 18 square feet (3 x 6).
Six feet in height and 3 feet in depth. Space of 18 square feet (3 x 6).
Then, tally up the dimensions of the three walls:
The area of the shower’s surround requires 66 square feet of field tile.
When laying tile, I advise my customers to add 20% extra for waste. If you don’t purchase enough tile for your bathroom remodel, you could run into issues like waiting weeks or making up for a less-than-ideal aesthetic. For a total of 66 square feet, you’ll need an extra 13.2 square feet of tile, or 20% more. I recommend purchasing 14 extra square feet of tile to account for waste.
Eighty square feet of field tile comprised 66 square feet plus 14 square feet.
The tile’s edges still need to be finished, so it’s time to take measurements for the trim. The two end walls and the top of the three vertical walls will have their tile edges finished with trim pieces. Linear feet of trim are available for purchase. The standard length for trim is between 8 and 12 inches.
In this case, we have one 5-foot-long wall and two 3-foot-long walls on either end. The height of the tub is only 14 inches. Therefore, the tile is placed 6 feet above the deck. Again, when measuring something in feet, I always round up to the nearest whole number. I will use that instead since 14 inches is less than the next highest foot measurement of 24 inches (2 feet). Combine the following quantities:
6′ plus 2′ (or 14″ rounded up) equals 8′
Keep in mind that you need to complete the tile’s edge on both end walls, therefore double this measurement:
8′ + 8′ = 16′
To complete the tiled edges of the two end walls in this example, 16 linear feet of trim tile is required.
The height of the tile above the shower enclosure is the next thing to calculate. Since we know the length of one wall to be 5 feet and the length of the two end walls to be 3 feet, solving this problem is straightforward:
5′ + 3′ + 3′ = 11′
Finally, you’ll combine the two figures to get the total linear feet of trim tile for the shower enclosure.
27 square feet of trim tile (16 x 11)
You must allocate funds for grout and sealant and the tile itself. To account for the cost of grout and sealant, I allocate $1.00 per square foot of field tile to be ordered. A tile budget may be established quickly and easily using this method, allowing you to control your bathroom renovation costs.
Now is the time to take precise measurements of the surface on which the tile will be laid. The tile price you want in your bathroom can be estimated using these dimensions.
Remodeling your bathroom with Excel Builders is a great way to bring it up to date and give it a fresh look.
We are the best bathroom remodeling contractor in Minneapolis and the surrounding area. Thus, we design and construct bathrooms from scratch. Remodeling your bathroom with Excel Builders is a great way to bring it up to date. We will apply our ingenuity, resourcefulness, and professionalism in every aspect of your bathroom makeover.
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Excel Builders handle remodeling projects of any scale in the Minnesota suburbs of Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Chaska, Chanhassen, Waconia, Edina, Plymouth, St. Louis Park, Victoria, Minneapolis, and Hopkins.
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