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We’re taking a look at three very different bathroom renovations, from budget to modest to elaborate, that showcase the range of options available and demonstrate what’s involved in tackling a bathroom remodel in your home.

Budget Bathroom Makeover

Diagonal tile layout.
Diagonal tile layout.

This small bathroom was overdue for remodeling. While the cultured marble shower was in good condition, the peel and stick vinyl floor, vanity, and toilet all needed updating.

The first step was to remove the vanity, toilet, and vinyl flooring. Once the old tile floor under it has been thoroughly cleaned, porcelain tile were laid directly over it in a diagonal pattern using latex modified thin-set adhesive.

After the baseboard had been installed, the walls and trim were given a fresh coat of paint. The new vanity was then secured in place, and the sink top and faucet attached.

The final touches included installing glass doors on the shower, and replacing the existing toilet with a dual flush model, which can save 6,000 gallons of water per year.

Completed remodeled budget bathroom makeover.
Completed remodeled budget bathroom makeover.

Modest Bathroom Upgrade

Furniture style vanity.
Furniture style vanity.

In our second bathroom renovation, we started by removing the cultured marble tub surround, linen cabinet, pedestal sink, and existing tile floor. The remodel also necessitated reworking some of the plumbing and wiring for the new faucets and light fixture.

Next, the walls around the tub were covered with cement backer board and waterproofed. Large 12”x12” tile were applied to the walls, supported by a ledger strip. A horizontal mosaic glass tile band was used to accent the tile on the shower walls, and the same mosaic tile were used on the floor to tie the room together.

Once the wood floor in the adjoining powder room had been patched, a furniture style vanity, with black granite top and white undermounted sink, was installed to give the room a touch of elegance.

Tub surround tile with mosaic band inlay.
Tub surround tile with mosaic band inlay.

Find out more about this bathroom at Bath Basics.

Major Bathroom Renovation

Tiling shower walls.
Tiling shower walls.

Our last bathroom project included gutting and removing a wall to turn a two-room bathroom into one large room with a walk-in shower, soaking tub, and matching his and hers vanities.

The tile floor and plywood subfloor had to be removed to allow access to the plumbing below, which was in need of repair. Once the plumbing and wiring had been roughed in, a new subfloor and drywall were installed.

To construct the custom shower, a flexible vinyl membrane was placed on the floor, and extended up the walls behind the cement backer board to prevent any leaks. The walls were waterproofed, and a mortar bed troweled out on the floor and carefully sloped toward the drain to prevent puddles. The wall and floor tile were then laid and grout applied.

Remodeled shower and tub in bathroom.
Remodeled shower and tub in bathroom.

Find out more about this bathroom at Bath Finale.

Other Tips from This Episode

Cutting cement backer board with jigsaw

Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Cutting Cement Backer Board

A jigsaw fitted with a metal cutting blade can be used to cut holes in cement backer board. Drill a hole or plunge cut the blade into the backer board, then complete the cut. Always wear dust and eye protection when cutting cement backer board. (Watch Video)

Fluidmaster Click-Seal Toilet Connector

Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
Click-Seal Toilet Connector

The Fluidmaster Click-Seal toilet supply line clicks to let you know when the correct tightness has been reached to prevent cracking the nut by over tightening. The supply line is made of durable stainless steel tubing and is available at The Home Depot in different lengths. (Watch Video)

Choosing Bathroom Vanity Materials

Ask Danny Lipford:
Choosing Bathroom Vanity Materials

Since bathrooms have higher humidity levels than other rooms in the house, the materials used to construct the vanity need to hold up under high moisture conditions. For this reason avoid buying a vanity made from particle board, which can deteriorate over time. While MDF (medium density fiberboard) holds up okay, cabinet grade plywood and solid wood are the best choices. (Watch Video)

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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