Course Roadmap

Ceramic Tile Installation for Bathroom Floors

ceramic tile bathroom remodel floor installation DIY tiling subfloor preparation thin-set mortar grouting tile sealing home improvement bathroom flooring

This roadmap provides a comprehensive guide to installing ceramic tile for bathroom floors, designed for DIY enthusiasts and aspiring renovators. It systematically covers the entire process, from the initial demolition of old flooring and meticulous subfloor preparation to precise tile layout, secure installation with thin-set mortar, and the final steps of grouting and sealing. Emphasizing best practices, common mistakes, and expert tips, the course ensures a durable, aesthetically pleasing, and water-resistant finish.

Est. Watch Time: 45 minutes and 55 seconds
Unit 01

Removing Existing Flooring and Subfloor Preparation

This unit outlines the safe and effective methods for removing existing bathroom flooring and preparing the subfloor for new ceramic tile installation. It covers assessing subfloor conditions, making necessary repairs, and ensuring a stable, level base.

Milestone 1.1

Safely Removing Old Ceramic Tile

This video was selected to provide foundational knowledge on the crucial first step of any tiling project: safely and effectively removing existing ceramic tile. It offers essential tips for efficient demolition, complementing subsequent videos on preparing the underlying structure.

Understand common tools and equipment needed for tile removal.

Identify safety precautions to take during tile demolition.

Apply techniques for efficiently breaking and lifting ceramic tiles.

Assess the subfloor for damage after tile removal.

Clean the work area and dispose of debris properly.

Duration: 8m 3s
Milestone 1.2

Preparing the Subfloor for Tile Installation

This video covers the essential general steps for subfloor preparation, building upon the previous milestone's tile removal by focusing on ensuring a clean, stable, and level foundation. It sets the stage for installing specialized underlayment materials.

Identify different types of subfloors suitable for tile installation.

Evaluate subfloor conditions for stability and levelness.

Apply methods for repairing damaged or uneven subfloors.

Understand the purpose of a mortar bed or underlayment for tile.

Select appropriate materials for subfloor preparation based on project needs.

Duration: 5m 5s
Milestone 1.3

Installing Cement Backer Board for Tile

This video provides detailed instructions on installing cement backer board, a critical step that builds directly on general subfloor preparation. It introduces a specialized material and technique necessary for creating a durable and stable base for ceramic tiles, ensuring readiness for tile layout.

Identify the correct type and size of cement backer board for floor tiling.

Demonstrate accurate measurement and cutting techniques for backer board.

Apply thin-set mortar correctly for bonding backer board to the subfloor.

Securely fasten cement backer board using appropriate screws.

Understand the role of mesh tape in reinforcing seams between backer board panels.

Duration: 2m 42s
Unit 02

Ceramic Tile Layout and Installation Techniques

This unit teaches learners how to plan a professional tile layout, accurately cut ceramic tiles, and correctly apply thin-set mortar for secure and level tile placement on a bathroom floor. It emphasizes techniques to avoid common installation errors.

Milestone 2.1

Planning Your Tile Floor Layout

This video focuses on strategically planning the tile layout, a crucial step after subfloor preparation to ensure a professional and aesthetically pleasing result. It provides the groundwork for applying thin-set and setting tiles accurately.

Identify the critical starting point for a tile layout in a room.

Demonstrate how to find the center of a room for balanced tile placement.

Apply dry-lay techniques to visualize the tile pattern and make adjustments.

Understand how to minimize small cuts and awkward tile pieces at edges.

Plan for grout lines and their impact on the overall layout.

Duration: 2m 37s
Milestone 2.2

Correct Thin-Set Application and Tile Setting

This video delves into the proper techniques for mixing and applying thin-set mortar and setting tiles, directly following the layout planning. It emphasizes achieving optimal adhesion and levelness, building on the preparatory work to ensure a high-quality installation before any grouting begins.

Understand the importance of selecting the correct trowel size for different tiles.

Demonstrate proper thin-set mixing consistency for optimal adhesion.

Apply the correct troweling technique to achieve uniform thin-set coverage.

Identify common mistakes in thin-set application and how to avoid them.

Recognize the significance of back-buttering larger tiles for full coverage.

Set tiles accurately, ensuring proper spacing and levelness.

Duration: 6m 36s
Milestone 2.3

Avoiding Common Tile Installation Mistakes

This video offers crucial insights into common mistakes made during tile installation, which is vital knowledge after learning proper setting techniques. Understanding these pitfalls helps learners reinforce correct practices and anticipate issues before moving on to grouting and sealing.

Identify critical mistakes related to improper shower floor slope.

Understand the consequences of insufficient waterproofing beneath tile.

Recognize issues stemming from incorrect thin-set coverage on shower floors.

Apply methods to prevent common tiling errors in wet environments.

Evaluate existing tile installations for signs of these common failures.

Duration: 5m 22s
Unit 03

Grouting, Sealing, and Final Touches for Tile Floors

This unit guides learners through the process of applying grout, cleaning excess, and sealing the tile and grout for a durable, water-resistant finish. It also incorporates safety advice and professional tips for achieving a high-quality, long-lasting bathroom tile floor.

Milestone 3.1

Avoiding Grouting Mistakes for a Perfect Finish

This video addresses common grouting mistakes, providing essential knowledge after the tile installation phase. It ensures learners avoid errors that could compromise the appearance and integrity of the newly laid tiles, preparing them for proper grout application and sealing.

Identify the critical mistake of grouting too soon after tile installation.

Understand the proper curing time for thin-set mortar before grouting.

Recognize the importance of thoroughly cleaning grout lines prior to application.

Apply techniques to ensure consistent grout color and prevent hazing.

Assess environmental conditions that can impact grout curing and longevity.

Duration: 5m 18s
Milestone 3.2

Effective Grout Sealing for Long-Lasting Tile Floors

This video guides learners through the process of sealing grout, building on the proper grouting techniques learned previously. It emphasizes enhancing the durability and water resistance of the tiled surface, which is crucial for a long-lasting and maintainable bathroom floor.

Identify different types of grout sealers and their applications.

Demonstrate the proper method for cleaning and preparing grout lines for sealing.

Apply grout sealer evenly and effectively using appropriate tools.

Understand the importance of multiple coats and drying times for optimal protection.

Recognize areas that require extra attention during the sealing process.

Duration: 3m 18s
Milestone 3.3

Epoxy vs. Cement Grout: Choosing the Right Option

This video introduces advanced considerations for grout selection by comparing epoxy and cementitious grouts, offering significantly new material beyond basic grouting and sealing. It enables learners to make informed decisions for optimal durability and performance in challenging environments like bathrooms.

Compare the key characteristics and properties of epoxy and cementitious grout.

Identify appropriate applications for epoxy grout versus traditional cement grout.

Understand the advantages and disadvantages of using epoxy grout, such as durability and cost.

Recognize the specific installation considerations and challenges of working with epoxy grout.

Select the optimal grout type based on project requirements and environmental factors.

Duration: 6m 54s
Learning Outcomes

"By the end of this course, you will be able to confidently remove existing flooring, prepare a subfloor, lay ceramic tiles with accurate spacing, apply grout, and seal a bathroom floor to a professional standard, avoiding common installation pitfalls."

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