Bathroom Remodel/Upgrade

mn1985

I am a first time homeowner with a decent bathroom right now. However a few new items would make a huge difference. All I want to do is tile the floor, install a new shower/tub, new vanity and new toilet. I will be removing the old linoleum flooring in there right now as well. I need to know the order to do those things. Here is what we have in mind:
1. Demo
2. Install new tub and surround (or new tub and then tile the walls)
3. Tile Floor
4/5. Vanity and Toilet

My only fear is that I install new tile and when I go to replace the toilet the plumbing wont line up.

Also any other tips and advice would help as well.
Thanks.

fixrite

Most toilet flanges ( the hole in the floor) are set at a standard distance from the wall. If you are intending to install a new one, before you purchase check the instruction manual on line for the dimensions and compare them with what yours is at right now, should be the same.

Bud Cline

Do that last thing. You'll need some type of tile-backer.
With tile surround?
You could install the vanity before the tile and save a few dollars.
fixrite is correct.
Typically toilets are a standard 12" (to the center of the drain hole) from the back wall (but not always) so verify that dimension before you go to buy a new one.
Depending on what type of supply line you have you may need to buy a new supply line but that's not an issue at all.
The old linoleum may have a 1/4" plywood underlayment under it that was installed when the linoleum was new. Remove that also. It isn't compatible with a tile installation.

mn1985

Thanks for the info...im gunna run with it.

mn1985

I am thinking a fiberglass tube however I have heard some things about having the tub sit in a type of mortar mixture, is this true?

Jim F

I've never installed a fiberglass tub but I have had a fiberglass tub bottom crack on me due to too much flex. This was in a mobile home we owned years ago so no real surprise there. That is your chief concern. You want to make sure that there is no flex in the tub bottom once you installed it.

Most tub installers here will likely tell you to set it in some type of mortar base.

sharpsport

The order of the work you laid out is how I would do it and have done it. Like everyone else said, check all dimensions to be sure of a proper fit.

As far as the fiberglass tub idea, I would encourage you to seek out other options. These tubs are poorly supported and are notorious for cracking over time. The ones that tend to hold up better are the ones that are set on top of a mortar bed. Good luck.

Rick
http://myhandyadvice.blogspot.com/