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The project:
Our project is a complete D.I.Y. renovation of our main ensuite bathroom by my partner and myself. The renovation took us seven weeks.
We completely changed this small and outdated area into a useful and calming space to relax and unwind.
Our goal was to make our bathroom feel like you are in a cave-like retreat. We had to try our best to use such a small space in a more effective way, so it felt like a larger and more luxurious room. Now we feel Like we live in a hotel!
- Materials:
- Tools:
- Step 1:
Demolition
We removed the vanity and sink, shower screen, toilet, mirror, shower head, towel rail, etc.
We used a sledge hammer to smash the hob to the shower and then a jack hammer to remove all tiling to the walls and floor. We used a jackhammer and spade bit to remove all of the tile glue from the walls and the cement from the shower base.
We blocked off the water pipes with some end fittings and put all of the rubble in the trailer for the tip. We cut the doorway with a brick saw to widen the door frame, so it was larger to walk through.
- Step 2:
Ceiling works and door frame
We had an electrician remove and replace the old exhaust fan and install two downlights. We patched the hole for the previous light.
We D.I.Y. installed the skylight by cutting into the ceiling, then re-painted the ceiling and cornice to freshen it all up.
We fitted out the wider door frame with wood and skirting boards to make it look nice from the outside.
- Step 3:
Floor preparation and nib wall build
We built a nib wall to hold our shower products. We did this buy using Ramset adhesive and rio bar in the wall, then building a nine course high brick wall in single brick.
We also built a hob so no water can escape when showering. We used bricks and cement for this, one course high.
We had a plumber move the drains to suit where the vanity was going.
We used self leveller for inside and outside of the shower, so the floor is fully level and prepped for tiling, this ensured a perfect canvas and worked great. We also considered the fall for the shower drain.
- Step 4:
Plumbing and wall chasing
We chased the walls using a jackhammer in preparation for the plumber to extend some of the piping for the shower taps and vanity.
We also chased the walls in preparation for the electrician to put a light switch and power point.
Once these services were complete, I used a rapid set morat to fill in the wall chasing and sanded it all down level in preparation for tiling.
- Step 5:
Waterproofing
We used waterproofing materials and tape to waterproof all areas of the shower, toilet and vanity areas. This was repeated twice as per instructions. We used a brush to spread this material and waited the specified amount of time to dry before tiling.
- Step 6:
Floor tiling
We began tiling by laying out the floor tiles, measuring and cutting them to make sure they all fit before we did any glueing.
Once it was ready, I started on the shower floor tiling. I used 300x600 tiles with an angle grinder and diamond blade and all appropriate PPE. I used the glue and a 10mm notched trowel, plus back buttering the tiles before they went down. Once down I used the wedge levelling spacers in between all tiles. Once I was happy with how the flooring went down, I secured all of the tiling wedges.
- Step 7:
Wall tiling
Once the floor was dried for 24 hours, I started on the floor-to-wall tiles. I was able to do one wall per day. I used a laser level to help me keep them all perfect. I followed the same steps as the floor tiling. I used tile edging around the door frame to finish it off perfectly.
Once all of the flooring and walls were dry, I removed all tile wedges and spacers and mixed up my white grout. I used a scraper to spread my grout between all tile lines.
Once all of the tiling was complete, I used a tile sealer over all tiles and grout lines. I repeated this three times to ensure they were sealed well.
- Step 8:
Toilet installation
We had a plumber come and install the toilet.
Once the toilet was installed, we siliconed around the toilet, plus all areas of the bathroom that needed silicone to finish it off. We used a white bathroom silicone and clear gutter silicone.
- Step 9:
Stone wall feature wall
We cut and installed all of the natural stone tiles to our feature wall in the shower and on the nib wall. This process was extremely time consuming and labour intensive, with each tile weighing 16kg each. We used a beautiful gold trim around the nib wall and shower hob to tie in all of the gold fittings.
We used the white grout in the pointing gun to put the grout between all of the lines of the stones. We wiped this down many times to fill in the the gaps. We then used a great quality stone sealer to repel any water.
- Step 10:
Fitout
We installed our vanity and sink to the wall. We installed our handmade Marri mirror, toilet roll holder and towel rings. We also installed our beautiful fluted shower screen with a U channel, which is secured to the wall.
We had the plumber install the shower head and taps, including the tap that we had put near the nib wall, so that we don't have to step in the shower to turn it on.
We had the electrician install a heated towel rail at the end of the shower to save space.
- Help and inspiration:
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How to plan a bathroom renovation
The way we think about our bathrooms has radically changed from the utilitarian spaces of years ago. They still need to be designed to be functional and easy to clean, but today we also often dream of creating a relaxing sanctuary, a spa-like retreat to pamper ourselves. Get expert advice How to plan a bathroom renovation from Adam Woodhams.
More inspiration for your bathroom renovation project
Bunnings Workshop members Dons-Glenno used timber and concrete-look tiles and VJ lining for their bathroom and toilet renovation.
Community member OurPretty_LittleHome completed a modern D.I.Y. bathroom renovation from a blank canvas including custom timber vanity, walk-in shower, corner bath, brushed brass tapware and frameless LED arch mirror.
Get more inspiration from our Top 10 most popular bathroom renovation projects.
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