Tiling a Bathtub: Benefits, Steps, & Best Tile Options

Best Types of Bathtubs for Adding Tile

Bathtubs come in a wide range of shapes and styles. Nearly all are conducive to adding bathtub tile. Here are some common choices and why they work well with bathtub tile.

Alcove Bathtubs

These tubs are also called recessed tubs and are among the most common bathtubs installed in modern homes, especially in the master bathroom. Recessed bathtubs have three walls surrounding the tub — perfect for a custom tile installation.

Drop-in Tub

These tubs are shells dropped into a framed wood platform that provides a nice deck for shampoo, conditioner, bubble bath bottles, candles, freestanding shelves, and other necessities.

Freestanding Tubs

It’s hard to match a freestanding tub’s simplistic beauty and elegance. These tubs are a visual centerpiece for your bathroom, and adding tile to corresponding walls enhances the sleek design and aesthetic appeal of freestanding tubs.

Shower/Tub Surround

The space-saving design of shower-tub combos features a tub with a shower head above. They are common in guest and secondary bathrooms where space is at a premium. You can tile the walls above the shower enclosure at minimal cost since most drop-in shower enclosures are six feet in height.

Walk-in Tub

Homeowners who require the additional mobility that comes with a threshold-less walk-in tub can seriously spruce up the space by adding custom tile around the bathtub.

These are just a few options — discussing your bathroom remodel plans with a licensed remodeling contractor can help determine the best course of action.

Steps to Installing Tile Around a Bathtub

While tiling around a bathtub isn’t overly complicated, achieving a flawless result can be tricky for those without professional experience in tile work and design. It also requires several specialized tools, such as notched and flat trowels, tile saws, a level, straight edge, and a hole saw.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing tile around a bathtub:

1. Remove old sheetrock and install backer board: Replace the existing sheetrock with a waterproof cement board, as tiles can’t be installed on regular sheetrock2.
2. Measure and mark for tile layout: Measure the area and center of your layout. Aim for full tiles at the bottom and cut tiles at the top.
3. Apply tile mastic: Spread mastic in small sections to avoid drying too quickly. Only cover what you can tile in 15-20 minutes.
4. Lay the tiles: Start tiling from the bottom, using plastic spacers to align the tiles. Use bullnose tiles for any exposed edges.
5. Make custom cuts: Cut tiles to fit odd spaces and drill holes for plumbing fixtures as needed.
6. Apply grout: After the tiles are set overnight, remove spacers and fill gaps with grout. Wipe off excess grout with a damp sponge after 20 minutes.

After giving the grout a day to fully harden, the final step is to wipe off any excess grout from the tiles with a wet sponge and apply a bead of caulking between the tub and the initial layer of tile.

Best Types of Tile for Installing Around a Bathtub

The best type of tile for installing around a bathtub is one that meets your design requirements and renovation budget. You can use small or large tiles, porcelain, ceramic, or even natural stone — the options truly depend on your remodel budget.

Smaller tiles create more grout lines, which can stain over time and are harder to clean. Natural stone is more porous than ceramic or porcelain and may absorb water. For this reason, most homeowners choose ceramic or porcelain tile when installing tile around a bathtub.

Tiling a Bathtub: DIY or Hire a Professional?

Our step-by-step guide to tiling a bathtub covers the essentials. You need to mix tile mastic and grout correctly, measure the layout precisely, and use several tools with skill.

This project isn’t suitable for beginners. If you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s best to hire a licensed contractor. Modernize connects you with professional tile installers in your area, so you can get multiple quotes and ensure the job is done right.

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