DIY Network

Art Deco (2 of 4): Shower Wall Tile From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-102

	This antiquated '70s-style bathroom ...
	with a leaky tub ...
	is converted into an Art Deco delight that gives the rest of the house a new lift.

Materials for the Plumbing --

Safety glasses
Work gloves
Screwdriver
Close quarter pipe cutter
Adjustable wrench
Channel lock pliers
Wire brush
Prybar
Teflon tape
Impulse nailer
Backerboards (green-treated plywood)
Hole saw
Drill
Fitting brush
Copper pipe
Torch MAPP gas
Spacer blocks
Wire brush
Teflon tape
Flux (soldering paste)

Materials for Tiling --

Tiles
Spacers
Silicone caulk
Caulk gun
Plastic spoon
Laser level
Tape measure
Mastic
V-notched 3/16" trowel
Wet saw
Pencil

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

Shower Wall Tile

1. The wall was removed where the old single vanity used to be. The homeowners are going to install a double vanity. To get the plumbing ready for the new vanity, a vented T was added (figure A) and the drainpipe extended.

2. The backerboard was installed around the tub so that the tile is ready to be installed. The homeowner (Mary) met with a tile expert for some advice on bathroom tile and design. The expert started by showing her handmade 3x6 subway tile that would fit with the classic Deco style. These tiles have more personality than the regular mechanical tile that you would get at a lower price-point. When they're up on the wall they'll have more poling of the glazes at the edge, and they'll have a little more texture to them and will look more individual than a flat sheet of tile (figure B).

   Note: Handmade tile costs approximately $12 - $30 a sq. ft. They are available in many different colors and you can even have a custom color made.

3. The tile expert also suggested finishing options like top caps, called listellos, and the use of accent tile between the top cap and field tile.

4. A less expensive way to go is with machine-made tile also known as mechanical tile (figure C). It sells for approximately $3 a sq. ft. These tiles are easy to install yourself because the tile is beveled out. You don't have to use spacers, you can use unsanded grout. For a handmade look when you set them, you can place them farther apart.

5. The homeowners (John and Mary) decided to go with a field of machine-made subway tile in white, accented with a row of glass tile, and topped off with a black chair rail. They are also going to use the black chair rail as a border (figure D) in the shower area to picture frame the tube. The glass tile will work as a border around the center and the white subway tile will fill in the remainder area.

6. Before you begin to put the tile up, you need to figure out the layout of your tile.

7. When you are read to begin the installation, prep the area by running a bead of silicone caulk around the perimeter to seal it (figure E). Use the back of a plastic spoon to smooth the caulk.

8. Use a wet saw to cut two chair rail tiles at a 45-degree angle. They will form the picture frame corner that will border the shower. Tilting the saw base to 45 degrees gives the perfect cut.

   Note: You can rent a wet saw for approximately $40 per day, or you can purchase a small one for under $100.

9. Take measurements, both of the tile, and the wall, to make sure you don't end up with a sliver of tile.

10. Use a laser level to mark a line for laying the tiles. Use a 3/26" V-notched trowel to spread double duty mastic just under the laser line and down the side of the tub. Once you are ready to lay the tile, start at the corner, with the chair rail border (figure F), and apply the tile with a slight twisting motion. Use spacers to ensure even spacing.

In the last segment, they install the field tile and accent tile.

RESOURCES :

Lefroy Brooks USA Bathroom Products

Showerhead
Brand name: Edwardian 8 Rose and Arm Showerhead
Model #: LB1775
Color: Polished Chrome

Sink Faucet
Brand: Edwardian
Name: Mackintosh three hole with metal levers
Model #: ML1228
Color: Polished chrome

Concealed Thermo Valve
Brand name: Mackintosh
Model #: MK8706
Color: Polished chrome

Flow Control Valve with Lever
Brand name: Mackintosh
Model #: ML5001
Color: Polished chrome

Wall Mounted Tub Spout
Brand name: Mackintosh
Model #: MK2200
Color: Polished nickel
Where available: Visit the Lefroy website, link below.

Lefroy Brooks USA
Website: www.lefroybrooks.com

Wall and Shower Tile (American Olean)
Field tile: Martinique Ice White 3x6 (MT25)
Border tile: Gloss Black Chair Rail
Accent tile: Glassworks Aspen Mist 3x6 (GW01)

Floor Tile (American Olean)
Field: Chloe Satin White Pinwheel with Satin White 12x12 (CH01)
Inlay: Chloe Satin White Pinwheel with Gloss Black 12x12 (CH02)
Cove: Bright Gloss Black Cove Base 4x6 (49)

American Olean
Website: www.aotile.com

GUESTS :

Maxine Theusch
Showroom Manager
Rubble Tile
6001 Culligan Way
Minnetonka, MN 55346
Phone: 952-938-2599