It’s no secret that bathroom renovations can be confusing work. Once you’ve chosen your ideal bathroom suite, only more questions seem to appear! Are bathrooms the meaning of life? (Yes) If a toilet flushes in a forest, does it make a sound? (Only Einstein knows)
Oh - and do you fit a bathroom suite before tiling?
Don’t you worry - in this guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of both fitting your suite pre-tile or vice versa, and help you make an informed decision based on your unique circumstances.
The Sequence Of Bathroom Renovation
Before delving into the decision-making process, it's essential to understand the typical sequence of bathroom renovation steps.
The sequence of a bathroom renovation typically follows these steps:Planning and Design: This includes the placement of fixtures, tiles, lighting, and other elements.
Demolition: Removal of existing fixtures, tiles, and any other elements that need replacement. This step creates a blank canvas for the new design.
Plumbing and Electrical Work: Before installing new fixtures, we need to make any necessary plumbing and electrical adjustments. This includes moving pipes, adding outlets, and installing lighting fixtures.
Floor and Wall Preparation: Preparing the surfaces for tiling. This involves levelling the floor, repairing walls, and addressing any structural issues.
Tiling: Installation of tiles on the floor and walls according to the design plan. It's generally recommended to tile bathroom walls and floor before fitting the suite. This helps protect the walls and floor from water damage and ensures a more seamless and professional finish.
Fixture Installation: Installation of new bathroom fixtures such as the bathtub, shower, toilet, sink, and vanity. Connecting plumbing lines and ensuring that all fixtures are properly secured come under this step.
Cabinetry and Countertops: If you have cabinets or a vanity, they are installed next. Attach countertops and ensure they are level and secure.
Painting and Finishing Touches: Painting of the walls, ceiling, and any trim according to the chosen colour scheme. Additional touches such as mirrors, towel racks, and accessories.
Final Plumbing and Electrical Checks: Inspecting all plumbing connections and electrical components to ensure everything is functioning correctly and safely.
Sealing and Caulking: Application of sealant and caulk around fixtures, tiles, and other areas that require waterproofing. This helps prevent water damage and mould growth.
Fitting The Bathroom Suite Before Tiling: Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Easier Plumbing and Fixture Access: Fitting the bathroom suite before tiling gives you better access to plumbing and fixtures. This makes it easier to install and connect components like faucets, drains, and pipes.
- Accurate tiling: Installing tiles after fitting the suite ensures precise measurements and placements, creating a polished and professional appearance.
- Protection of Suite: Fitting the suite first helps protect it from potential damage that could occur during tiling.
Cons:
- Risk of Tile Damage: Tiling after fitting the suite might risk damaging the suite components if not done carefully.
- Limited Flexibility: Once the suite is in place, adjustments to tile layout or design become less flexible.
Tiling Bathroom Before Fitting Suite: Pros And Cons
Pros:
- Tile Protection: Tiling before fitting the suite protects tiles from potential damage during the suite installation process.
- Flexible Tile Placement: Tiling first provides greater flexibility in choosing tile placement and patterns.
- Easy Suite Adjustment: It's easier to adjust suite components' position if needed after tiling is complete.
Cons:
- Difficult Plumbing Access: Fitting the suite becomes more challenging as plumbing and fixtures are not easily accessible behind the tiles.
- Precise Measurements Required: Accurate measurements are crucial for fitting the suite correctly after tiling.
So, What Should You Do?
To achieve a top-notch result and enhance water damage resistance, it's advisable to prioritise tiling the floor and walls first.
Apart from the above mentioned advantages of tiling the walls and floor beforehand, it also provides a protective barrier against moisture and water damage. This is crucial in a bathroom environment where water exposure is frequent.
This method avoids cutting tiles into difficult shapes. It also ensures that there is a tile layer under the toilet. This tile layer protects the floor if the sealant has problems.
Conversely, if tile protection and flexibility matter more, tiling before fitting the suite could be the way to go.
DIY Vs. Professional Installation
Deciding whether to fit the suite before tiling can also depend on your skill level and available time. DIY enthusiasts might opt for fitting the suite first, while those seeking professional assistance might consider tiling before fitting.
Ultimately, the answer to the question: do you fit the bathroom suite before tiling depends on various factors. It's crucial to assess your unique situation, weigh the pros and cons, and determine which approach best aligns with your renovation goals.
Regardless of your choice, meticulous planning and consultation with experts can help you achieve a successful bathroom renovation that suits your needs and preferences. Get in touch with our team of experts at Bathroom takeaway to help you choose the best bathroom suites and accessories at an affordable price.
