The part under the tile
Our progress photo shows the whole floor covered in orange Schluter-DITRA uncoupling membrane. We patched around the toilet flange with mortar, set it at the right height for the new tile, and ran a green waterproofing band along the tub edge where the floor meets the tub.
That tub edge is where most bathroom floors fail. Water from the shower runs down the tub apron, sits in the joint and works its way into the subfloor. The waterproof band seals that seam before tile covers it.
DITRA also lets the wood subfloor move with the seasons without cracking the tile above it. In a Niagara house that swings between humid summers and dry, heated winters, that movement is real.
Large tile in a small room
We laid large rectangular light grey stone-look tile in an offset pattern. Big tiles mean fewer grout lines, which makes a small bathroom floor look wider and cuts down on scrubbing.
Large tiles need a flat base to sit right. Any hump or dip in the subfloor shows up as a rocking tile or an edge that sticks up. The membrane and a careful mortar bed give each tile full support.
Tub, fixtures and vanity
The white alcove soaker tub has a sculpted apron front and a cream ceramic tile surround. We installed a brushed-nickel single-lever valve, a matching tub spout and a brushed-nickel grab bar on the back wall.
A grab bar costs little and helps anyone stepping in or out of a wet tub, from kids to grandparents. We fasten it into solid backing so it holds your full weight, not into drywall anchors that pull out.
Across from the tub, a grey-washed woodgrain vanity with a white integrated top sits next to a white elongated toilet. A white four-panel door with a brushed-nickel knob closes the room.
Planning your bathroom floor
If your bathroom floor has cracked tile or soft spots near the tub or toilet, the problem is likely under the tile. Replacing the tile alone will not fix it. Ask your contractor to lift a section and check the subfloor before quoting a tile-only job. In older Niagara Falls homes we often find water damage around the toilet flange.
