I'm looking for the least expensive way to tile my 36" X 36" shower stall. The existing tile is covering 72 square feet of surface. I can get some great deals on good quality 12" X 12" ceramic floor tiles between $1.50 - $3.25 ea. This is far cheaper than a dollar each for 4" X 4" bathroom tile.
Are there any reasons why I shouldn't use ceramic floor tiles instead of bathroom/shower tile?
The installation would be identical, but far less expensive if I can do this.
I'm looking for the best deal because I've discovered a huge termite/dry-rot/mold problem in the bathroom. The total cost of replacing the lumbar, drywall, tile, etc., is killing me, so must make all repairs myself.
Thanks for reading this & for any help! I live near Los Angeles, California, so any suggestions on local suppliers are welcome.
P.S.
Anybody know where to find prefabricated "plastic" panels that look just like 4 inch square tile on the wall? I saw it used on a DIY show, but can't find it
2006-09-02 12:38:18 · 10 answers · asked by cheapskate 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Yes but you may need to support the tile as it sets up. I ADVISE you to deal with the termites and mold and ventilation, or all those heavy tiles will come tumbling down on someone in the shower or you won't be able to sell because it won't pass an inspection. The panels are available at Home Depot but will get nasty if you don't deal with the mold first.
2006-09-02 12:47:54 · answer #1 · answered by Emee 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ceramic Tile is ceramic tile. The larger sized tile on the shower walls will of course give you a heck of alot less grout maintenance.
I do have to say this though. I cant beleive someone would be selling you basic 4x4 ceramic for 1.00 EACH ?
They usually average about .19ea. (1.29s/f)Unless its some type of specialty tile you looked at.
You can also use (most common sized used) an 8x10 or 8x12 on the shower walls. They avergae about 3.00s/f (Here in NJ anyway)
The only disadvantage using the 12" on the wall MIGHT be that they dont offer a bullnose to finish with. I do find more and more floor tiles being used on walls today and therefore many manufacturers are producing a bullnose.
Good Luckk,and hope you find this info useful.
Bellzie
2006-09-04 02:03:59 · answer #2 · answered by Bellz B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you sure can, however you should find some decorative tiles like borders or so to make it look better. Also my practice has shown that it looks better if you do not use full 12" or 16" tile unless it is a very large area. However you can always cut those tile in half. Don't forget to install 1/4" backerboard (cement board)
2016-03-27 04:48:01 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can use ceramic floor tiles on your bathroom walls... NO PROBLEM!
I would suggest you shop around a bit. You should be able to find 12x12 tiles for a buck each...
Just make sure you buy the proper grout and ensure it's sealed. After that, you're laughing!!
Good Luck!
2006-09-02 12:39:51 · answer #4 · answered by MALicious 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can find prefab plastic panels at Lowes or Home Depot.
Yes, you can use ceramic tile on shower walls. Many decorators sub this material. It looks great and you can be very creative with the tiles.
2006-09-02 13:42:01 · answer #5 · answered by lizzybit64 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go ahead and use the ceramic, just make sure you seal it properly. about the $1 12x12 tile, i know that they do exist. I bought 350 sq ft. from home depot for 91 cents each! And they were actually high quality porcelain tile! Just look around to find the best deal.
2006-09-05 07:09:57 · answer #6 · answered by streetsmart0000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My wife and i had the same problem, i laid the tile in my shower and made sure to get a water tight sealent and sealed all the cracks everything i could think of that might leak. well two years later no leaks and it works great!!!!!
2006-09-02 12:45:29 · answer #7 · answered by eliteprotectionofficer 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
go ahead. your premonition is right. you can use it and install it just as you do with other tiles. its cheap and practical.
haven't seen the plastic panels yet.
2006-09-02 12:42:58 · answer #8 · answered by Ley 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to the diy show web sight. They will have a list of suppliers which have the products featured on their show
2006-09-02 12:42:13 · answer #9 · answered by aussie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes floor tile can be used on the walls but wall tile should not be used on the floor........
lic. gen. contractor
2006-09-02 13:14:50 · answer #10 · answered by bigg_dogg44 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋