When it comes to tiling your bathroom, everything from the placement of specific items to the final touches must be considered.
So, if you’re having trouble tiling your bathroom vanity, here we cover what you need to know.
Here’s if you should Tile Around Bathroom Vanity?
Ideally, you should consider tiling around the bathroom vanity or replacing it before you start tiling. Because drilling to install the new vanity can cause major fractures and breaking if you are using ceramic tiles.
Pros And Cons
Looking into the pros and cons of tiling around a bathroom vanity helps one decide whether they will do the same or opt to uninstall the bathroom vanity to tile beneath it.
But first, one must understand that there are different types of vanities.
There are those suspended because they are attached to the wall, then there are those whose base sits on the floor, with legs or scatting.
Those that are suspended create no obstacles during remodeling, while those that sit on the floor do.
For sure, tiling around a bathroom vanity is ideal for cabinets laced with scatting because it does not give away the remodeling hack.
So which are the advantages and disadvantages of this option?
The Pros Of Tiling Around A Bathroom Vanity;
- It cuts down the renovation cost, factoring in the amount of work and money it needs to renovate and put back the bathroom to the way it was before.
- It ensures that the bathroom vanity, especially the countertop remains in good condition. This is especially if the countertop is not handled well when separating it from the cabinet.
- It reduces the amount of time needed for the job.
- It is a method employed if the owner retains the vanity and wants it to stay.
The Cons Of Tiling Around A Bathroom Vanity;
- Whereas one would start tiling from any corner, one needs to consider where to start and finish off without messing up the design of the floor.
- Any further adjustments to the cabinet whether lifting it or shifting it will be hampered because the floor will not be uniform.
- The risk of tile breakage and chipping is great. This requires the contractor to focus more on the finishing to conceal any damages.
How Do You Install Tile Around A Bathroom Vanity?
Before you embark on the task at hand, bring the tools and materials necessary for the job to the site.
In this case, you will need the following tools;
- An angle grinder with a marble or granite disk to cut through the tiles
An important factor to consider is that the grinder cuts like a circular saw, so one must be careful not to cut through the floor unknowingly.
- Trowel for apply underlayment and grout
- Measuring tape
Materials:
- Underlayment
- New tiles
- Adhesive
- Grout
Here’s how to install tiles around bathroom vanity.
Step One
Peel off the bathroom tiles using a pry bar or even using a chisel.
Start from the wall working your way towards the spot where the vanity is installed but make sure not to touch any tile that extends beneath the vanity before cutting it.
The trick is to peel off the tiles in the entire room or the section that needs remodeling, leaving the tiles surrounding the vanity for last.
Allow someone skilled in handling the grinder to be the one to cut through the tiles to avoid unwarranted incidents.
Step Two
After cutting the tiles, prepare the space for renovation by sweeping it clean to remove any debris before it is redone.
Step Three
Start by applying underlayment on the floor starting from the edge of the vanity. Spread it in bits so that you do not step on it while working.
Then lay down the first row of tiles starting from the far end of the vanity working your way horizontally.
Leave a strip that is ½“wide in between the tiles in all directions which will be filled with concrete otherwise referred to as grouting.
This will not only conceal the cut-out tiles hidden beneath the vanity, but it will make the floor appear seamless.
Step Four
Lay the tiles row by row until the whole floor is complete making sure to adhere to the same measurements between the tiles so that during grouting, uniformity is maintained.
Step Five
When the tiles are done, apply the grout which will seal and level out the tiles.
Should You Tile Behind Bathroom Vanity?
It’s essential to tile behind the bathroom vanity, and whether you do so or not is totally up to you.
Tiling behind the vanity should fall among the initial plans when designing and choosing furniture and other bathroom accessories.
What should always be considered is that the bathroom is a water-oriented zone. For this reason, it is always advisable to tile your bathroom walls at least 36” from the floor.
This will prevent water spillage and leakages from damaging the walls and the floor.
Aside from that, it ensures that the entire bathroom has some kind of uniformity in terms of style and design.
This is the same reason why the wall behind the vanity should be tiled.
Aside from protecting the wall from water damage, it protects it from dirt because tiles are much easier to clean and maintain.
Whether to tile or not to tile behind the bathroom vanity remains the homeowner’s sole preference because everyone has their style.
Do You Tile Under A Bathroom Vanity?
Yes, you do, and because bathroom vanities are not as heavy as the kitchen cabinets, tiling beneath them won’t be a problem.
The only exception to this is if you have heating ducts or other systems that use the hidden area beneath the cabinet and the tile will prevent them from being installed.
Water pipes often leak, and so do sinks, and it may take time for you to notice, especially if it is minimal. By the time you do, the building’s fabric will have sipped in water, causing molding and other damages.
The superior advantage tiles have is that it is highly resistant to water. In case of any spillage or leakage, the water will drain away from the sink, helping notice and take action beforehand.
This, however, will make the floor wet and slippery, which is the downside of tiles. But this can be managed by always keeping the floor dry.
Tiling under the vanity will also make your bathroom look flawless, especially if your vanity is suspended to the wall.
The advantage of tiling under the bathroom vanity is that the floor will be uniform from wall to wall.
Also, it repairs any damages the tiles might have sustained, and water or moisture might have taken advantage of.
Final Thought
To tile or not to tile around a bathroom vanity is a question many homeowners ask all the time as they try to customize their bathroom space to suit their style and taste.
But tiling is not one solution that suits everyone.
If one does not prefer ceramic tiles, there are several other building solutions to help you achieve the look you want for your bathroom. What matters is how you take care of your home to prevent damage.
