Antique Bathroom Tile - Looking for a way to upgrade your bath? New ceramic bathroom tiles are a great and inexpensive way to do this. The job is not too difficult, and well within the ability of the average do-it-yourself handyman.


Start by drawing horizontal layout lines. Make sure they are very accurate and easy to see. You will need to determine if your shower pan or bathtub are level before proceeding.

Level Tub or Shower Pan - If the tub is level to within 1/8″, measure and mark your horizontal line from the high point of the tub. The 1/8″ difference (if there is a difference) can be hidden with grout. Measure up from the lip of the tub, the width of a tile plus 1/8″. Make a line using a level and a straight edge, along the back wall and the two end walls.

Out of Level Tub or Shower Pan - If the tub is not level to 1/8″, mark your horizontal line from the low point. Determine a level line just like for a level tub and run a batten along the bottom of the line. It is usually best to nail a straight wooden batten so that the top of the batten is set to the horizontal line. This provides a level surface for the tile. After all the tile is laid, remove the batten and install the bottom row. You will have to cut the bottom row of tiles to fit along the uneven top edge of the tub or pan.