Tile size pros and cons for bathroom wall.

Jim F

I am looking for opinions on tile sizes for my tub surround based on experiences. I will try to keep it simple. My wife thinks she wants the 2x2 ceramic mosaic tiles on sheets. I would not likely consider anything larger than 6x6 for this area especially considering the small size of my bathroom. So, I'm wondering what the experiences are, if any in installing these over say, 4x or 6x tiles. This will be my first tile install BTW.

Also, since we will likely purchase these at HD or Lowes, has anyone had any problems with any of their tile products? I know the common answer is go to a tile store, but there really isn't much of a choice in Oneonta NY.

oh'mike

Hi Jim,--Mosaics on a sheet are rather difficult--the sheets are seldom square--leaving you with a sort of patch work.

The old stand by's 4 1/4 x 4 1/4--and 6x6 are fast and easy--most are self spacing--little lugs along the edge--- very easy to cut and install. The white body of the tile is soft and easy to drill into if your layout leaves you no choice but to drill into the center of a tile for the tub or shower spouts.

For a first time job I think that you will get fine results with either,---Let us know what you do.
Most of those have matching accent pieces--also--
-----Mike-----

Jim F

Thanks again Mike. I hadn't considered the squareness of them. They look like they use more grout too. I'll see if I can talk her out of those.

oh'mike

More squeeze out (thinset) to scrape out too.

Jim F

Oh, not pretty. I'll definately be talking her out of that.

Snickers123

try the subway tile look its 3"x6" it looks great and might make your wife happy too. I was going to do the mosic but its harder to clean after and daily use more grout to clean

oh'mike

Snickers--Jims bath is finished---He had a thread on the build--"Jims first floor bath remodel"

Or something like that----very good thread----a few newbie mistakes and the things that went into fixing them---see if you can find that thread--maybe Jim can post a link if he checks in---Mike---

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Jim F

Yep, here it is Jim's Downstairs Bathroom Project

That was quite a learning curve. I really need to get back to home improvements and get some new pictures up. I've been kind of busy learning the accordion lately.

oh'mike

Jim ,you deserve a break for a bit---music is a good idea----Mike---

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Snickers123

hey everyone jim your bath reno was educational thank you .
we are doing ours too but want to replace the bathtub too. the width of the current tub( finished wall to finished wall) is 58inches the bath guy told us that a 60inch tub would fit Im not sure how much of the tub is behind the walls when you finish im so confuesed and don't want to buy a tub and then it doesn;t fit

Jim F

The measured width of my bathroom was 60" finished. If you notice in the final pages I had to bump my wall out about an inch and a half to meet eh back side of the tub. I think you will find that a 60 inch tub will fit into the space in between the studs.

oh'mike

Five foot tubs have been standard for 70 years or more---no custom sizes--so you have a room framed for a 5 foot tub----safe bet---

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Snickers123

Thanks mike I though so just wasn't sure