DIY Network

Art Deco (2 of 4): Applying Field Tile and Accent 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

Applying Field Tile and Accent Tile

1. Before you lay the field tile, you need to determine where the accent tile will go. The accent tile will be a border. A diagram of what is happening on each wall helps you decide the placement of tiles. You need to take measurements of the new floor (if you are installing a new floor), the vanity, countertop, and the courses of subway tile. When you add those numbers up, that is where the tile will sit (figure A).

2. Once you determine how many inches from the floor to place the accent tile, use a 360-degree laser level to continue the mark around the room. Mark the laser line so that once you start to set the field tiles you will know when you're ready for the accent tiles.

3. To lay out the tile, stagger the joints so that you have a classic brick style (figure B). You don't want to set the tile flush with the wall because you will end up with a little tile and have a mess.

4. Slide the tile in from the corner and if you have an irregular piece, split the difference and cap the corners with small pieces you cut to size (figure C). This will give you a nice, clean line throughout the whole wall. For the second row, cut another tile so you can continue the staggered joint and then fill in the rest.

   Note: Use a wet saw with a diamond blade to cut all the tile. The diamond blade is a tile cutter's best friend because it is more precise than a score and snap tile cutter, and will give you a professional looking cut every time.

5. To set the tile, apply an even coat of mastic about three courses down. You have about five to 10 minutes to set the tile, so don't apply too much adhesive. Again, apply the tile with a slight twisting motion.

6. The subway tile used on the show was self-spacing, so they didn't have to use spacers. The tiles have a small lip that creates a uniform gap between the tiles, forming perfectly spaced grout joints.

7. The accent tiles go on the same way (figure D). There is no special adhesive needed for the fun accent.

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