Course Roadmap

Bathroom Tile Installation: From Subfloor to Seamless Finish

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This intermediate-level course guides learners through the essential stages of ceramic tile installation, focusing on achieving durable bathroom floors. You'll begin by mastering critical subfloor preparation and comprehensive waterproofing techniques, ensuring a stable and moisture-resistant foundation. The curriculum then progresses to precision tile cutting, covering various tools and methods for tackling complex shapes and materials. Finally, the course emphasizes the crucial post-installation steps of sealing grout lines and properly installing flexible movement joints to protect against cracking and enhance longevity. While primary grout and general mortar application techniques are discussed in context, the focus is on mastering foundational preparation, cutting, and finishing for a successful tile project.

Est. Watch Time: 1h13m11s
Unit 01

Subfloor Preparation and Waterproofing for Bathroom Tile

Learners will analyze existing subfloor conditions, prepare surfaces for optimal adhesion and moisture resistance, and understand essential waterproofing methods for a durable tile foundation.

Milestone 1.1

Leveling and Preparing Your Subfloor

This video details the crucial steps for subfloor prep, including removing old mortar, repairing gaps with expanding foam and silicone caulk, and applying self-leveling compound to ensure a perfectly flat base.

Prerequisites

Basic understanding of carpentry tools Ability to safely operate a grinder Familiarity with general construction safety
Est. Duration: 6m 1s

Learning Goals

Assess subfloor conditions to determine the need for leveling.

Effectively remove old thin-set mortar from a subfloor using an angle grinder.

Utilize Ardex Feather Finish to smooth imperfections on a wood subfloor.

Seal subfloor gaps and perimeter with expanding foam and silicone caulk.

Prime wood subfloors using Ardex P51 primer for optimal self-leveling compound adhesion.

Mix and apply self-leveling underlayment evenly across the subfloor.


Milestone 1.2

Applying Liquid Waterproofing Membranes

This video explains various waterproofing methods for bathroom floors, including filling floor gaps, applying Hydroban liquid membrane, and detailing corners and toilet flange areas for a watertight seal.

Prerequisites

Level and clean subfloor Basic understanding of applying liquid coatings Familiarity with measuring
Est. Duration: 13m 57s

Learning Goals

Articulate the critical role of waterproofing in prolonging bathroom floor life.

Prepare the subfloor by filling gaps to create a continuous waterproofing surface.

Select a suitable waterproofing system for specific bathroom tile projects.

Demonstrate correct application techniques for Hydroban liquid membrane.

Apply mesh reinforcement and sealant to critical corner areas for a robust waterproof barrier.

Securely waterproof around a toilet flange and tub perimeter.


Milestone 1.3

Installing Schluter DITRA Uncoupling Membrane

This video offers practical tips for installing Schluter DITRA uncoupling membrane, including mixing and applying thin-set mortar specifically for the DITRA system, and waterproofing seams with KERDI-BAND.

Prerequisites

Clean, level subfloor Basic knowledge of mixing mortar
Est. Duration: 3m 15s

Learning Goals

Achieve the proper thin-set mortar consistency for Schluter DITRA bonding.

Utilize a DITRA trowel to apply thin-set mortar for consistent coverage.

Lay Schluter DITRA membrane over the thin-set mortar, ensuring proper embedment.

Waterproof DITRA seams by applying KERDI-BAND with thin-set mortar.


Unit 02

Essential Tile Cutting Techniques for Any Layout

Learners will gain proficiency in using various tile cutting tools to execute straight, L-shaped, U-shaped, and circular cuts for ceramic and porcelain tiles, ensuring precision and minimal waste.

Milestone 2.1

Comprehensive Tile Cutting for Complex Shapes

This in-depth tutorial demonstrates how to use manual tile cutters, angle grinders, and diamond hole saws to make straight cuts, L-cuts, U-cuts for obstacles, and even mitre cuts for a professional finish on ceramic and porcelain tiles.

Prerequisites

Basic measuring skills Understanding of safety equipment use (eye protection, gloves, dust mask)
Est. Duration: 12m 47s

Learning Goals

Perform accurate straight cuts on tiles with a manual tile cutter.

Create L-shaped and U-shaped cuts using an angle grinder for fitting tiles around fixtures.

Cut clean circular holes in ceramic and porcelain tiles using diamond hole saws.

Apply mitre cuts to tile edges for professional-looking corner transitions.

Select the appropriate tile cutting tool based on the type of cut and tile material.


Milestone 2.2

Mastering Various Tile Cutting Tools and Techniques

This video provides an overview of five common tile cutting tools, including the manual tile cutter, wet saw, diamond hole saw, and angle grinder, explaining their best uses for ceramic, porcelain, and glass mosaic tiles.

Prerequisites

Basic measuring skills Understanding of safety equipment use (eye protection, gloves)
Est. Duration: 8m 36s

Learning Goals

Accurately score and snap ceramic tiles using a manual tile cutter.

Determine the appropriate application of a wet table saw for precise straight cuts.

Drill clean holes in different tile materials using a diamond hole saw.

Perform intricate curved cuts on tiles using an angle grinder and diamond blade.

Differentiate between tile types and select the optimal cutting tool for each.


Unit 03

Sealing Tile and Protecting Movement Joints

Learners will apply appropriate sealants to grout lines and around movement joints to ensure durability, moisture resistance, and a professional finish, addressing common post-installation details.

Milestone 3.1

Correct Caulking for Movement Joints and Corners

This video explains the critical technique of caulking movement joints and corners, specifically using 100% silicone sealant before grouting, to prevent cracking and ensure a durable, watertight seal in wet areas.

Prerequisites

Basic understanding of joint types in tiling Ability to use a caulking gun
Est. Duration: 13m 6s

Learning Goals

Justify the practice of caulking movement joints prior to grouting to prevent issues.

Identify and select the correct type of silicone sealant for bathroom applications.

Execute smooth and consistent caulk lines on shower bases and vertical corners.

Determine the ideal point in a remodel to apply caulk for best results.


Milestone 3.2

Sealing Grout for Durability and Stain Resistance

This video covers why and how to seal cement grout to prevent staining and mold, detailing various grout sealers and application methods for floor grout, shower grout, and natural stone tile.

Prerequisites

Grout has been applied and cured Ability to clean surfaces
Est. Duration: 13m 26s

Learning Goals

Articulate the functional benefits of sealing porous cement grout.

Differentiate between grout types to ascertain sealing requirements.

Choose a suitable grout sealer based on its composition and application.

Execute various techniques for applying grout sealer to different tiled surfaces.

Establish the correct timing for initial and periodic grout sealing.

Recognize scenarios where sealing the tile itself is required.


Milestone 3.3

Understanding and Creating Essential Movement Joints

This concise video emphasizes the critical need for flexible movement joints in tiled areas, particularly at changes of plane, demonstrating how to install foam backer rod and 100% silicone sealant for proper expansion and crack prevention.

Prerequisites

Basic understanding of tile installation principles Knowledge of building codes (optional, but helpful)
Est. Duration: 2m 3s

Learning Goals

Describe the function of movement joints in accommodating tile expansion and contraction.

Locate critical areas requiring flexible movement joints in a tiled space.

Implement the technique for forming a movement joint using foam and silicone.

Distinguish between flexible sealant in movement joints and rigid grout lines.


Final Outcome

By the end of this course, you will be able to prepare and waterproof a bathroom subfloor, execute a variety of precise tile cuts, and correctly seal grout and critical movement joints to create a durable and professional-looking tiled bathroom floor.

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