Changing bathroom tile: An in-depth guide.

Choosing the right tiles for your bathroom.

When choosing bathroom tiles, you have much to consider, from sizes to tile types to colors. Keep these tips in mind when researching your options:

Tile sizes. 

Can't decide if you should opt for small or large format tiles? Consider the advantages of both options. 

The benefits of choosing large format tiles include: 

• They're great for creating a modern, sleek, and seamless design.
• They're easier to maintain and clean due to fewer grout lines.
• They can help a small bathroom appear bigger.
• You'll need fewer tiles, so installation can be easier and quicker. (However, larger tiles can be heavier to handle, which means you may need a professional to install them.) 

Photo credit: Modern European Tile 

The benefits of installing small tiles include:

• They're better for creating intricate or textured designs.
• They can also help make a bathroom feel more intimate.
• They're easier (and less expensive) to replace a smaller tile. 
• The installation process is more DIY-friendly because they weigh less.
• The smaller the tile, the more grout lines there will be. This can be an advantage if you're worried about slipping on your bathroom or shower floor.

Ask a tile professional or interior designer for help picking the best size for your bathroom tile replacement project. Also, keep in mind that you can incorporate large and small tiles in your bathroom remodel. For example, you may want to use large format tiles for your bathroom floor and smaller tiles for your shower walls. 

Bathroom tile types.

One of the biggest — and perhaps hardest — choices you'll have to make is the type of bathroom tile you'll go for. Different tiles have different characteristics, costs, and maintenance requirements. 

Consider the following:

• Ceramic tiles are known for their durability and ability to resist decay. They come in matte, satin, gloss, or polish finishes and various colors and designs. They're cost-effective but not as hard-wearing or water-resistant as other tiles.
• Porcelain tiles contain a finer clay type than ceramic tiles. They have a compact surface, making them harder and denser than ceramic tiles. However, they can cost more than ceramic tiles.
• Glass tiles brighten up dull spaces with their vibrant colors and light-reflecting abilities. They are non-porous and can resist moisture. They are also easy to customize and don't stain.
• Limestone tiles are a great option if you're looking for natural-toned tiles. They usually come in beige, gray, or brown and give your bathroom a warm shade. However, they have pores and require a good seal to prevent moisture from seeping in.
• Marble tiles are perhaps the most luxurious of all tiles. It's one of the best options for a beautiful texture for your bathroom floor. However, you need to be extremely careful when installing it. Also, it's often one of the most expensive tiling options.
• Mosaic tiles can be made of ceramic, marble, glass, or other materials. They are tiny, so you can combine various colors to create the design you want. Because of their size, however, it may take some time before you finish installing all the tiles.
• Slate tile is one of the toughest tiles, so you don't need to worry about it getting scratched or chipped. It's expensive but a good investment and will last long.
• Terracotta tiles. Bring the endless summer vibes of the Mediterranean into your home with terracotta tiles. They usually come in orange, red, or earthy shades, giving your bathroom a warm, comfortable, inviting vibe. Terracotta, however, needs to be sealed well as it absorbs water in its natural state.
• Vinyl tiles are highly practical and low-maintenance. They can take a lot of wear and tear and still look good. They are also practical and cost-effective. These days, they also have designs that will look amazing on your bathroom floor. If you're on a budget, you'll find that they bring great value for money.

Related: 7 best bathroom flooring ideas for your home.

Other factors to consider.

Aside from size and type, you'll want to consider other things for your bathroom tiles, such as:

• Your bathroom's color scheme. If you want a specific color, ensure the tile is available in that shade. Check with the retailer and manufacturer to ensure they have tiles that fit your bathroom's color palette. 
• The level of moisture your tiles can handle. Bathrooms are generally wet, so you need tiles that won't soak up water and ruin your floor. 
• You also want to consider slip-resistant tiles to prevent accidents when the bathroom tile floor gets wet.
• How much are you willing to pay? Marble, slate, and other natural stone tiles typically cost more than ceramic, porcelain, or vinyl tiles. Get estimates from bathroom remodeling and tile installation professionals to find an option that fits your budget.

How to replace your bathroom tiles.

After you've selected your tile, decide if you want to hire a pro for this project or complete it yourself. Here are the general steps for changing bathroom tiles.

Tools you'll need:

• Retractable tape measure
• Spirit level (to ensure the substrate and floor tiles are level)
• Tile cutter
• Contour gauge or gauge
• Soft pencil or chalk
• Tile nippers
• Notched spreader
• Grout spreader
• Clean sponge
• Rubber mallet and hammer
• Utility knife or putty knife
• Dowel or finishing tool

Materials you'll need:

• New floor and/or bathroom wall tiles
• Waterproof adhesive/mortar 
• Antibacterial grout
• Self-leveling spacers (to ensure the tiles are level and spaced evenly)
• Soft sponges and cloths
• Gloves

Pro tip: When completing DIY projects, always consider your safety first. Wear protective gloves and, if possible, protective glasses or goggles. Old tiles can chip off into tiny pieces while being removed.

Step 1: Prepare the bathroom.

Start by removing furniture and other obstacles in your bathroom. You want your work area to be clutter-free.

Determine how many tiles you need by measuring out your square footage. Plan your floor layout so you don't accidentally cut your tiles incorrectly. You can do this by laying all your tiles loosely on the floor to see how you want to place them. Doing this is especially helpful if your tiles come in different patterns and colors.

Bathrooms are generally damp places, so you must work to keep them as watertight as possible while replacing your tiles. Moisture will be your biggest challenge when tiling your bathroom floor. 

Step 2: Remove the old tiles.

Get your hammer, utility, or putty knife to pry out the old tiles. Be careful not to hammer too hard, as this could damage the drywall or floor (or wall). Once you've removed all the tiles, use your utility knife to cut away any remaining mortar.

Before you apply the new tiles, make sure the surface where you will lay them is smooth and flat. If there is any remaining debris, you'll end up with uneven tiling. Clean every part of your surface well to avoid costly mistakes.

In some instances, you may have to attach a base layer or backer board to your subflooring. 

This will give your tiles a more level and steady surface.

Step 3: Install the new bathroom tiles.

Start re-tiling your bathroom by spreading your mortar mix with a notched trowel. Make sure to leave spaces between your tiles with the help of spacers. 

Lay out each tile one by one. You may have to trim your tiles around cabinets, doorways, the toilet bowl, and so on with a wet saw. 

After installing your tiles, leave them overnight to set.

Step 4: Apply grout and finishing touches.

When the mortar is completely dried, remove the spacers between them. Spread grout over the tiles and press between them with a trowel. Use a sponge to remove excess grout immediately so they don't harden on your tiles. 

Leave it for 24 hours to set, and make sure they don't get wet for at least 72 hours to allow the grout to dry.

Tips for maintaining and extending the lifespan of your new tiles.

Done with your bathroom and shower floor tile replacement? Follow our tips to maintain them and ensure they last a long time.

Keep your tiles clean.

Cleaning regularly with a damp mop or sponge will help keep your tiles looking new and prevent stubborn stains from building up. 

When dealing with difficult stains and spills, you can use pH-neutral cleaners. Just be sure to wipe them up immediately afterward so they don't set.

Related: How to clean tile floors like a pro.

Use mild cleaners only.

Avoid using acid or solvent-based cleaners. They may damage or discolor your tiles and grout. Only occasionally use alkaline cleaners for grout cleaning and avoid getting them on the tile.

Don't allow soap, bleach, or other cleaning solutions to set on the surface. If you aren't sure whether a cleaner is safe enough, test a little bit on a small area first.

Seal your grout.

When applying your grout, be sure to see it. Depending on your grout type, some — like cement grout — may be more porous and cause mold. You can also consider getting a different grout with a low porosity. This can help prevent mold, bacteria, and mildew from forming underneath the surface.

Change the look of bathroom tiles without removing them.

Understandably, you may not want to go through the trouble of replacing your tiles. Fortunately, it's possible to change the look of your existing tiles. Here's how:

• Apply wallpaper over the tiles. Make sure the tiles are clean and do not require repairs or re-installation. 
• Apply vinyl adhesives over the tiles. Again, ensure your tiles are in good shape and prepped before applying the vinyl. 
• Paint the tiles. Yes, you can also paint your bathroom tiles. Before you do, clean the surface, use a primer, choose a high-quality paint made specifically for tile, and apply a top coat. For a high-quality paint job, you might want to hire an interior painter instead of DIY-ing it.
• Clean the grout. Maybe your bathroom tile just needs a good cleaning to look new again. If so, hire a professional grout cleaner to deep clean it. 

Choose the right pros to update your bathroom tiles.

If replacing your bathroom project seems a little too challenging, you can get help from professionals on Thumbtack.

Download the Thumbtack app and get free cost estimates from professionals in the following categories:

• Bathroom remodelers
• Bathroom tile professional
• Bathroom designers
• Interior painters
• Wallpaper installation

These pros can help you remodel your bathroom or fix your tiles to give you the upgrade you want. They can also help you with bathroom tile replacement costs so you know how much to budget.

*A note about project costs featured in this article: Figures represent national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research. These figures are provided for educational purposes only and are subject to change at any time due to various factors. Details about your specific project and local rates can impact costs.