DIY Network

Bathroom: Storage Boxes Construction From "Tiling Techniques" episode DTIL-101

	The homeowners of this basic off-white bathroom ...
	with its plain tile were thrilled to have DIY's Tiling Techniques ...
	workers convert the room with new sheet tile for the bathtub and ...
	great looking tile around the mirror.
	And the final touch was a set of decorative storage boxes that were tiled inside!

In this final segment of the "Bathroom" episode of DIY's Tiling Techniques, host Paul Wilson will construct the tiled bathtub storage boxes.

Materials:

carpenter's pencils
razor blade
steel tape measure
grout float
notched trowel
margin trowel
hydra sponges
two 5-gal. buckets
tile cutter
safety glasses
ear protection
dust mask
knee pads
spacers
wedges
1/2" drill motor
rod-type mixing paddle
rubber mallet
beating block
hammer
pry bar
Level
speed square
caulk gun
backerboard cutter
tile nippers
silicone sealant

Specialty Materials (see Resources, below, for information):

Crossville Tile
custom grout
custom modified thin set mortar
custom cement backerboard ("Wonderboard")

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

Constructing the Tiled Bathtub Storage Boxes

1. The storage boxes were designed based on the measurements of the mini-shelf that sat on top of the old bathtub.

2. The box was built out of 2 x 4s and plywood (figure A), and backerboard was installed on the surfaces in order to tile.

3. Use the leftover sheet tiles and bullnoses for the storage unit.

4. Tile the box inside and outside, using the same system as before. Apply the thin set and lay the tile sheets, and at the corners use the bullnose tiles.

   Note: Small inside areas are difficult to tile due to the trowel and lack of space (figure B). Take it slow and be patient.

5. Let the thin set cure for 24 hours.

6. Grout the tile utilizing the same process as before.

7. For an extra safety precaution, be sure to screw the storage into the back wall (figure C).

8. Now it's time to caulk. Use a flexible sealant in the areas such as a 90-degree corner, the back of the tub and on the lip of the tub. The caulk should be the same color as the grout so you can't distinguish between the two.

9. The final step is to seal the grout. It's important that you seal the grout so excessive moisture doesn't get underneath it.

Next: Installing a Tub Safety Bar

RESOURCES :

Bathroom Tiling Products Information (Home Depot)

Crossville Tile
12" x 12" sheet
Model #: AV92.10303UTS
Color: Desert Stone

Crossville Tile
Model #: AV92/.1S4339S
Color: Desert Stone in a Bullnose

Accent Tile by US Ceramic
Romany Villa Antica Listello (3-3/4" x 8")
Model #: 333-833

Grout by Custom
Model #: 123-852
Color: Bone (Sanded)
25 lb. bag

Thin set by Custom
Modified thin-set mortar
Model #: 399-727

Backerboard
Used a cement backerboard type called "Wonderboard" by Custom
Model # for 1/4" thick: 648-282
Model # for 1/2" thick: 683-256

Where available: Home Depot

The Home Depot U.S.A. Inc.
Website: www.homedepot.com