Are you tired of looking at your outdated bathroom tile? Do you want to give your bathroom a fresh new look without breaking the bank?
Wainscoting may be the solution you’ve been searching for! In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of covering your old bathroom tile with wainscoting.
We’ll cover everything from preparing the area to installing the beadboard, and even offer an alternative option for those who prefer not to use wainscoting.
So, let’s get started and transform your bathroom into a stylish and modern space!
How To Cover Dated Bathroom Tile With Wainscoting
Step 1: Prepare the Area
The first step in covering your dated bathroom tile with wainscoting is to prepare the area. This includes disconnecting the water supply to the sink and carefully removing the sink. You should also remove any towel bars or other accessories from the area that will be covered by wainscoting.
Open any windows in the area where you will be installing the new wainscot paneling and cover the doorway to the next room to restrict dust and debris from flowing throughout the home or office. Cut plastic sheeting to fit with a utility knife, and use masking tape to hold it in place over the door. This will force dust out the window, if available, or keep it in the work space.
Step 2: Install the Beadboard
Cut the 1/2-inch plywood into 2-inch strips, and apply the strips over the tile. Drill through the grout lines, and attach the strips to the studs in the wall using screws. These strips will be used to attach the beadboard.
Attach the beadboard pieces using a nail gun. Cut them to fit using a miter saw. Install the baseboard and top molding using a nail gun. Caulk all the seams, and touch up the paint.
With the new wainscoting installed, you can now paint the room. Tip: You might prefer to paint the bathroom walls, above the beadboard, before you start the installation in order to save having to trim paint the new wainscoting.
Step 3: Alternative Option – Tile Paint
If you prefer not to use wainscoting, another great option is to use tile paint cover up old bathroom and kitchen wall tiles. Tile paint can be applied to any tiles to give them a clean look.
Follow these instructions for best results:
1. Remove grout thoroughly using brush, mop, tile cleaner and scrub.
2. Sand tiles to roughen up surface and prepare it before painting.
3. Prepare tile painting materials: Paint’s tape to cover edges, tile paint primer, tile paint colours of your choice, paint rollers and brushes, sealant or polyurethane, stencils if necessary for your design, grout.
4. Apply paint primer to tiles and grout. Leave it and let it dry before proceeding to next step.
5. Apply initial coat of tile paint in smooth stroke.
6. Wait for first coat dry for few days, then reapply second coat and let it dry again.
7. Apply sealant/polyurethane over painted tiles.
8. Reapply grout and enjoy your new painted tiles!
Preparing The Bathroom For Wainscoting Installation
Before installing wainscoting in your bathroom, it is important to properly prepare the area. This includes disconnecting the water supply to the sink and carefully removing any accessories that may be in the way of the wainscoting installation.
To protect the rest of your home from dust and debris, cover the doorway to the bathroom with plastic sheeting and masking tape. This will help to keep the dust contained to the work area.
Once you have prepared the area, you can begin installing the beadboard. First, cut 1/2-inch plywood into 2-inch strips and attach them over the tile using screws. These strips will serve as a base for attaching the beadboard.
Next, attach the beadboard pieces using a nail gun and cut them to fit using a miter saw. Install the baseboard and top molding using a nail gun as well. Finally, caulk all of the seams and touch up any necessary paint.
If you prefer not to use wainscoting in your bathroom, an alternative option is to use tile paint to cover up old wall tiles. This can be a great solution for giving your bathroom a fresh look without having to replace all of the tiles. Simply follow the steps outlined above for best results.
With these steps completed, your bathroom will be ready for wainscoting installation or tile paint application.
Choosing The Right Wainscoting Material And Style
When it comes to wainscoting, there are many materials and styles to choose from. The right choice will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and the overall look you want to achieve in your bathroom.
One popular material for wainscoting is wood. Wood wainscoting can be painted with a moisture-resistant paint to help it withstand the humidity in a bathroom. However, if you choose wood, it’s important to keep it away from direct water sources to avoid maintenance issues.
Another option for wainscoting is tile. Tile wainscoting is easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for bathrooms. Plus, with so many different tile options available, you can create a unique and stylish look that complements your existing bathroom decor.
If you want to add some texture and depth to your bathroom, consider using beadboard wainscoting. Beadboard is made up of narrow planks that have a tongue-and-groove design, creating a classic look that works well in traditional or farmhouse-style bathrooms.
For a more modern look, consider using shiplap wainscoting. Shiplap is made up of wider planks that overlap each other, creating a clean and streamlined look that works well in contemporary bathrooms.
Ultimately, the right wainscoting material and style will depend on your personal preferences and the overall look you want to achieve in your bathroom. Take some time to explore different options and find the one that works best for you.
Measuring And Cutting The Beadboard Panels
Measuring and cutting the beadboard panels is a crucial step in the installation process. Before you begin, make sure to measure the height and width of the area where you will be installing the beadboard panels. Use a measuring tape to get precise measurements.
Once you have your measurements, transfer them onto the beadboard panels with a pencil. Use a straight edge or level to ensure that your lines are straight and accurate.
Next, use a circular saw or miter saw to cut the beadboard panels to size. Be sure to wear eye and ear protection while using power tools. Cut slowly and carefully to avoid mistakes or accidents.
If you need to cut holes for outlets or switches, use a jigsaw or hole saw to make the necessary cuts. Again, take your time and be careful while cutting.
Once all of your beadboard panels are cut to size, dry-fit them into place to ensure that they fit properly. Make any necessary adjustments before installing them permanently.
Installing The Wainscoting Panels On The Bathroom Walls
Installing the wainscoting panels on the bathroom walls is a great way to cover dated bathroom tile. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Measure the height of the wall and mark a level line around the room where you want the top of the wainscoting to be. Bathroom panels are typically 38 to 42 inches high, or roughly one-third of the height of the wall.
2. Apply construction adhesive to the back of each wainscot panel as you stick them on the wall on top of the existing tile up to your level line. Use wood glue to bond the notches of the pieces together.
3. Make any necessary cuts into corners with a circular saw or a utility knife, depending on whether you are working with wood paneling or plastic paneling.
4. Use a nail gun to attach finishing nails through each panel’s tongue and into the wall studs. Make sure to nail every six inches or so along each stud.
5. Repeat until all panels are installed.
6. Install baseboards and top molding using a nail gun.
7. Caulk all the seams, and touch up the paint.
With these steps, you can easily install wainscoting panels on your bathroom walls and transform your outdated tile into a beautiful new look.
Painting Or Staining The Wainscoting To Match Your Bathroom Decor
Once the wainscoting has been installed, it’s time to paint or stain it to match your bathroom decor. This will give your bathroom a cohesive and polished look. Before you start, it’s important to consider the material of your wainscoting and consult an expert if necessary.
If you choose to paint your wainscoting, you can use a color that defines the theme you’ve chosen for the space. For instance, if you want a nature-inspired decor or a spa ambiance, you can work with tones of green, beige, and gray combined with white. Painting the wainscoting in a solid color works like an anchor for even wildly patterned wallpaper ideas while the millwork acts like a frame, highlighting or contrasting existing colors from the print itself.
On the other hand, if you prefer to stain your wainscoting, you can choose a color that matches your bathroom cabinetry or flooring. This creates a cohesive look that makes your bathroom appear more peaceful and calming.
It’s important to note that some paints are incompatible with certain finishes and will leave your moulding looking patchy or unappealing if not compatible. Therefore, it’s best to consult an expert before painting any existing wainscoting in your home or installing new wainscoting. An expert can help you determine the right paint or stain you can use or show you available options for your new wainscoting.
Alternative Option: Using Tile-Look Wainscoting Panels
If you’re not a fan of painting your tiles or installing traditional wainscoting, there is another alternative option: using tile-look wainscoting panels. These panels offer a stylish and practical solution to cover up dated bathroom tiles.
Tile-look wainscoting panels are made of PVC or other synthetic materials that mimic the look of real tiles. They come in various styles and designs, from classic subway tiles to mosaic patterns. These panels are easy to install and can be cut to fit any size or shape of the bathroom walls.
To install tile-look wainscoting panels, first, measure the area where you want to install them. Cut the panels to fit using a saw or utility knife. Apply construction adhesive to the back of each panel and press it firmly onto the wall. Use finishing nails to secure the panels in place.
Once all the panels are installed, finish the edges with trim pieces. Caulk any gaps between the panels and the trim. You can also paint the trim pieces to match the color of the panels for a seamless look.
Tile-look wainscoting panels offer many benefits over traditional tiles. They are waterproof and easy to clean, making them ideal for bathrooms. They are also more affordable than real tiles and require less maintenance.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to cover up dated bathroom tiles, consider using tile-look wainscoting panels. They offer a stylish and practical solution that will transform your bathroom in no time.