Remodeling a bathroom with tile is one of the most transformative upgrades you can undertake. Not only does it boost your home’s aesthetic value, but it also enhances functionality, water resistance, and long-term durability. In this comprehensive guide, we detail exactly how to remodel your bathroom with tile from start to finish whether you're doing a simple refresh or a full renovation.

Why Tile is the Ultimate Bathroom Material

Tile offers a combination of beauty and resilience that few materials can match. Its moisture resistance, ease of cleaning, and vast design options from ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, glass, to mosaic tiles make it ideal for the humid environment of a bathroom.

Key Benefits of Tiling a Bathroom

Waterproof and mold-resistant

Highly durable with proper installation

Wide variety of styles, textures, and colors

Increased resale value of your home

Low maintenance once sealed and grouted correctly

Planning Your Bathroom Tile Remodel

Before lifting a single tile, planning is crucial. Map out your goals and budget, and identify the specific areas to tile:

Where to Tile in the Bathroom

Floors

Walls (full or partial)

Shower walls

Shower floors

Tub surround

Backsplash or vanity wall

Choosing the Right Tile Type

Porcelain tile: Extremely durable, low porosity, ideal for wet zones

Ceramic tile: Affordable, stylish, best for low-traffic or vertical applications

Natural stone tile: Luxurious and unique, requires sealing

Glass tile: Great for decorative accents, reflects light beautifully

Mosaic tile: Perfect for shower floors due to added grip and design flexibility

Step 1: Remove Old Fixtures and Tiles

Demolition is the first physical step. Turn off the water supply, remove any vanities, toilets, or old flooring. Use a hammer and chisel or oscillating tool to pry up old tile.

Pro Tip: Wear protective gear and ensure proper ventilation when removing tiles and grout. Dispose of debris responsibly.

Step 2: Inspect and Prepare the Subfloor and Walls

Inspect the underlayment after demolition. If you see water damage or mold, it must be replaced. Your subfloor or wall surface should be clean, dry, and level before tile installation begins.

Install Cement Backer Board

For areas prone to moisture (shower and tub areas), install cement board (like HardieBacker) instead of drywall. Secure it with backer board screws and mesh tape over joints.

Step 3: Create a Waterproof Foundation

This is non-negotiable in a bathroom remodel.

Apply a liquid waterproofing membrane or sheet membrane on top of the backer board.

Pay extra attention to corners, seams, and floor transitions.

Consider adding a shower pan liner if tiling a walk-in shower base.

Step 4: Lay Out the Tile Design

Dry lay the tile first to determine the most aesthetically pleasing pattern and avoid narrow slivers at edges.

Tile Layout Patterns to Consider

Straight lay (classic and clean)

Diagonal lay (makes small bathrooms appear larger)

Herringbone (adds visual interest)

Brick or subway pattern

Mosaic inserts for borders or shower niches

Use a chalk line or laser level to keep your layout aligned.

Step 5: Apply Thin-Set Mortar and Install Tile

Mix the thin-set mortar as per manufacturer’s instructions. Use a notched trowel to apply evenly.

Press each tile firmly into the mortar

Use tile spacers to ensure consistent gaps for grout

Begin at the center and work outward

For shower walls, start from the second row up to avoid tile slipping

Allow tiles to set for at least 24 hours before grouting.

Step 6: Grouting the Tiles

Mix the grout to a peanut butter-like consistency. Spread it over tiles with a rubber float, pushing it deep into joints.

Wipe excess grout with a damp sponge

Allow to dry and then buff haze off with a clean cloth

For bathrooms, always use sanded grout for wider joints and unsanded grout for thinner joints

Seal the Grout

Once the grout has cured (typically after 72 hours), apply a grout sealer to prevent stains and moisture penetration.

Step 7: Reinstall Fixtures and Final Touches

With tiles fully cured and sealed, it's time to reinstall your toilet, vanity, lighting, and mirrors.

Use silicone caulk around tub edges, sink bases, and corners

Apply trim tiles or bullnose pieces where edges are visible

Install accessories like towel bars and shower caddies into wall studs, not tile

Design Tips to Elevate Your Bathroom Remodel

Accent Walls and Niches

Create a focal point with an accent tile wall behind the vanity or within the shower. Use contrasting textures or colors to make the space pop.

Heated Tile Floors

Add a touch of luxury with radiant heating mats under your floor tile.

Lighting and Mirrors

Highlight your tilework with strategic lighting: wall sconces, LED strips, and large mirrors enhance both form and function.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping waterproofing steps

Uneven tile spacing due to lack of spacers

Using wall tiles on floors (not rated for foot traffic)

Rushing grout curing or skipping sealing

Ignoring transitions between tile and other flooring types

Estimated Costs of a Tiled Bathroom Remodel

The total cost can vary widely depending on the size of the bathroom, tile quality, and whether you’re DIY-ing or hiring professionals.

Conclusion

A bathroom remodel using tile is one of the most rewarding home upgrades. When executed properly, it creates a space that is not only visually stunning but also functional, durable, and easy to maintain. By following the steps above, you ensure every inch of your bathroom is crafted with precision, comfort, and longevity in mind.