Efficient Technique for Upgrading Bathroom Tile

As a frequent traveler, you have likely encountered the following scenario when entering a recently renovated hotel room: you are impressed with the new modern furnishings, carpet, wall covering, and technology in the main sleeping area of the room, but feel as though you have entered a time-warp when exploring the bathroom.  Instead of noticing the new vanity or light fixture, your attention is fixed on the original, outdated tile surrounding the tub and on the floor.

Many renovation projects exclude replacing bathroom tile due to the associated costs and guest disruption.  The lengthy process of removing the existing tile – a noisy endeavor that can reverberate to occupied guest floors – water-proofing, setting new tile, grouting, and sealing often results in extended construction schedules and irritated hotel guests.

However, tile overlays – also known as tile-over-tile – can provide owners and operators with an efficient, economical means for upgrading bathroom tile.  Although tile overlays require setting new tile, grouting, and sealing, this technique eliminates the disruption and cost associated with demolishing the original tile.  Instead, the old tile is “scuffed,” a process that allows the new tile to adhere to the original.

Another option to scuffing the old tile is to apply a special primer such as Custom Building Products’ Peel & Stick Primer.
Note that this product may also contribute to LEED certification in at least one of three categories:

• Low-emitting materials that contribute to indoor environmental quality
• Recycled content
• Local manufacturing and raw materials from within 500 miles of manufacturing site

The primer will save labor costs, reduce noise and construction dust.

If you are considering tile overlays for an upcoming renovation, consult with your design team to review clearances around doors and plumbing fixtures.  Keep in mind that the tile thickness will increase, and tub/shower control extensions may be required.  Utilize tile trims, such as bull-nose or quarter-round, to conceal the additional layer of tile.  The end result will be a modern bathroom design that complements the improvements to the sleeping area – eliminating the time-warp phenomenon.

Take a look at the tile overlays we have completed at our recent renovation of the Parc 55 Hotel in San Francisco and our previous renovations of the Westin San Francisco Market Street and Sheraton Arlington (Texas).

Pros

• Efficient, economical technique for upgrading tile design
• Original tile remains in place – no demo costs (labor or disposal)
• Mitigates noise issues (scuffing noise is minimal)
• Water-proofing membranes typically unaffected
• Expedites construction duration per floor

Cons

• Clearances at bathroom door and plumbing fixtures impacted
• Toilets generally need to be removed and reset – can tile around flange, but locks toilet in place
• Tub/shower controls often need extensions (due to increased tile thickness)

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