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DIY bathroom floor

I have old gloss tiles at present in v good condition but dated. I would like to put self stick tiles/planks over the top then seal for waterproofing. (Only a guest b/room so not much use). Is this possible and I imagine etching of some type is needed prior .

is it allowable to block and fill the drain in the tiled area before “levelling”?

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MitchellMc

Hi @roshick1,

It's great to see you've already received some expert assistance from @redracer01.

Have you considered laying Hybrid vinyl planks instead of stick-on tiles? Hybrid vinyl planks can be laid directly over the tile surface and due to their thickness won't show the grout lines through them. Your drain grate can be raised and inserted through them as well. No waterproofing is needed for them as your existing waterproofing is still in place.

You should find this step-by-step guide useful: How To Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring.

Please let me know if you would like further information about this product or need assistance.

Mitchell

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JaneK

Welcome to Bunnings Workshop @roshick1 !

You'll find a bit of advice from @2Belindas and @ProjectPete on the pros and cons of different bathroom floor treatments in @kim00's discussion. The always helpful @MitchellMc will definitely be able to offer some options for how to get the best result when he is back on the boards on Friday. Let me tag @redracer01 in the meantime to see if Red has any advice on waterproofing.

We're here to help, so please don't hesitate to ask for advice.

Jane

redracer01

Hello @roshick1

Would it be possible to post a photo of the floor? It would give us a more detailed idea of its condition and possibly make a more comperhensive recommendation.

Red

roshick1

redracer01

Hello @roshick1

You are absolutely spot on, those tiles are still in good condition. Placing stick on vinyl tiles is an option, however once you stick it on, it will show the tile grout lines which is lower than the tile! I suggest using Dunlop self leveling compound. Dunlop Multipurpose Floor Leveller is a cement based compound, that when mixed with water provides a smooth, pourable, free flowing material designed for levelling uneven concrete before applying floor coverings such as carpet and ceramic tiles. One bag is approximated to cover 9 square meters. Before using the levelling compound I suggest priming the tile with Crommelin 1L Tile On Tile Primer, this covers approximately 15 square meters. It promotes adhesion of new coverings, toppings and adhesives without the need for surface grinding or etching. Once you have the floor leveller on and it has cured you should have a level surface to lay the sticky vinyl on. I strongly suggest to read the priming process at the back of the can.

things to watch out for :

1. Loose or hollow tiles, these will prove an issue if they are left unfixed as they will work loose over time cracking our floor levelling cover.

2. Loose or cracked grout. If left unfixed will again crack the floor levelling and ruin the finish.

3. Make sure to wash and de-grease the floor to get maximum adhesion.

I know some of our readers will say otherwise concerning this particular idea and would clearly suggest that the proper way to do it is to remove all the tiles and level from the concrete and then lay the vinyl flooring. This suggestion I have made is on the condition that the floor is in very good condition and that the person doing the DIY is aware of the possible things that might happen should the tiles beneath come loose. It becomes expensive and the job has to be repeated, again. Now that you have both sides of the coin the decision to proceed is yours! Good luck and stay safe!

Cheers,

Red

MitchellMc

Hi @roshick1,

It's great to see you've already received some expert assistance from @redracer01.

You should find this step-by-step guide useful: How To Lay Vinyl Plank Flooring.

Please let me know if you would like further information about this product or need assistance.

Mitchell

roshick1

Thank you so much - think I may take the easiest option - vinyl planks - it appears easier and I can do this. Husband doesn’t think “ anything” needs doing, serviceable enough 🤣so I have to do a good job. 😄

marfa

@MitchellMc i think they look great and I'm now considering to lay them in our guest bathroom as the tiles are very dated and has some mosaic inserts. The problem is that this theme also is inside of the shower. This isn't suitable for inside the shower is it?

EricL

Hello @marfa,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. We are so pleased that you've joined us and thank you for sharing your desire to lay vinyl planks.

I'm glad that @MitchellMc's suggestion has inspired you to give it a go. Vinyl planks are quite hardy against moisture and the occasional spill, but I'm so sorry to inform you that they are not meant for the inside of your shower. Your other options are to re-grout the shower area to give it a fresh look or re-tile just the shower area to a tile colour close to the vinyl tile you are laying.

If you're planning your own remodeling project we would love to see your ideas. I'm sure our ever-helpful members will offer advice and information should you have any questions about your project.

Here are a few handy step-by-step guides:

How to grout wall tiles

How to lay floor tiles.

Please keep us updated. We're here to help.

Eric

marfa

Thanks @EricL for your quick response. I've taken a photo of the bathroom floor and shower floor. I think i'd prefer to retile the shower floor as don't really like the mosaic effect. Would I need to rip up the old tiles on the shower floor or could I lay new ones on top do you think? I guess the drain height would be the issue?

EricL

Hello @marfa

Each proposal has its own advantage and disadvantage. Re-tiling the floor over the existing tile is easier, less work, and can be done in a short amount of time. The disadvantage is that you will have to adjust the height of the bathroom door, the shower door assembly will have to be adjusted and your vanity will be 10mm lower due to the tile and glue.

Removing the existing tiles will give you peace of mind that the new tiles are all secure. No adjustments will be necessary for height as the new tiles will go back to the same position. The disadvantage is that you will need to waterproof your shower area again. Removing the old tiles will require that the vanity and shower assembly be taken out. It will take time to remove and re-tile the area.

I encourage you to explore Workshop and look at all the incredible bathroom transformations that our members have achieved.

Here is a list of our: Top 10 most popular bathroom projects

Let me tag our experienced member @prettyliving for their advice and knowledge.

We look forward to the start of your project.

Eric

prettyliving

Hi @marfa

I’ve personally never retiled a shower floor before but I do know of someone that did, they put new tiles right over the old ones and purchased a drain extension kit to add that height to the drain.

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