What is the “standard” sequence to finishing a new bathroom?
Install trim such as doors, molding, baseboard, then ceramic tile. Or install tile first.
Thanks in advance.
What is the “standard” sequence to finishing a new bathroom?
Install trim such as doors, molding, baseboard, then ceramic tile. Or install tile first.
Thanks in advance.
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Replies
I did tile first, and I imagine if you have the option that is the prefered way. Although I can imagine that certain designs might need trim first. But usually, in retrofit jobs, the trim is cut to allow the tile to slide underneath it.
In my limited experience, it depends on when they can schedule the trim guy, the painters and the tile layer - in tract houses they seem to prefer to put in the base first to get it painted and do the tile later; in upscale houses, they usually paint the wall, put down the tile, hang the base.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
I vote tile first. Otherwise you create a 'well' for water to sink into under the baseboard. Also looks more finished, since it hides the seam.
Though, wooden baseboards in bathrooms would not be my first choice. I prefer tile part way up the walls so you can really hose things down.
It's easy to find really nice tile pieces that have fancy trim profiles now.
Sad but true fact, almost no one does the old style, where wall cove tile goes first, then floor field tile butts to it.....lay it out well, & there aren't noticably odd cuts in the field tile, and no ugly gaps btwn the tile & base
(I eagerly await the inevitable "but where's the expansion room" comment...LOL)
Old time custom builder here, also done lots of remodeling and additions.
We install trim / doors / shelving / cabinets / etc. prior to any type of floor covering.
We raise the baseboard up about 1/2". Tile slides under and we install shoemold or 3/4 x 3/4 quarter round at the bottom of the baseboard after tile installation.
Reasons:
Easier to paint or stain with no tile.
Reduced construction traffic on the tile floor after install.
Raised baseboard reveals whole baseboard profile.
Shoemold or 1/4 round produces nice look and helps with variances.