Easy weekend makeover: the bathroom

The bathroom is the most personal, private space in the home. A place of sanctuary and indulgence, the bathroom can somehow get away with being more remote in terms of style compared to the general theme of other rooms within the home as it is a truly personal space. From clean-lined contemporary through to Victorian splendour, bathrooms very much reflect the personal taste, character and often eccentricities of the owner.

Usually the smallest room in the house, bathrooms pose problems for minor DIY improvements as structural changes are normally required to dramatically alter room layouts - but a whole new look can be achieved without having to reposition walls etc, with just a little planning and forethought. We take a look at three bathroom projects this month, each within the scope of the competent weekend DIYer, one requiring no more skill than pure imagination.

New floor tiling

The flooring in any bathroom, along with contrasting wall tiling, plays a vital role in bringing together floor-standing sanitaryware such as WCs, bidets and baths. Good flooring must also perform two key functions: it must be practical, providing a sound, safe surface underfoot as well as being a thing of beauty in itself in order to complement and harmonise the room.

Types of floor tiles

The choice of bathroom floor tiling is many and varied, ranging from easy to lay mosaic sheets to rustic marble, ceramic and even terracotta. All sizes, shapes and colours imaginable are available so one must take time at the planning stage to get it right. There are many specialist tiles shops in every town but one of the best sources of quality bathroom tiles available nationally is Fired Earth, who have a vast range as well as experienced staff to advise on product suitability.

Things to consider

Having great tiles is one thing, but it will count for nothing if you do not do your preparatory work first. The vast majority of bathroom sub-floors are of standard timber floorboard construction which is subject to movement and will cause cracking in any floor tiling and grout simply laid on top.

In order to mitigate the effects of movement, one should fix an 18mm WBP grade plywood floor over the existing floorboarding ensuring that all underfloor pipework is checked first and all existing timber floorboards are firmly screwed back in place.

The plywood floor must be screwed down at 150mm centres to ensure complete stability. Take care in selecting the right length of screw so that none penetrate below the floorboards risking damage to pipework or cabling.

If your floor is concrete screed, ensure that it is perfectly level and if necessary, use levelling compound to create a perfectly flat surface to tile over.

The finished floor level including new tiling and adhesive bed will also require any inwardly opening door to be cut shorter to accommodate the new floor height. You may need to adjust the height of the threshold between the bathroom floor and the outside landing/room if this drop in level is substantial.

Difficulty level: 3/5

Tools you'll need:

• Spirit level
• Tile adhesive applicator
• Sponge and bucket
• Tile cutter (a hired diamond cutting disc is best)
• Profile gauge
• Chalk line and pencil
• Tape measure

How to do it

1. Plan the room layout first by drawing a scale diagram of the bathroom. Mark the centre of the room by measuring across from wall to wall and making a chalk line cross in the centre. Lay the tiles out dry at first from this centre point to check how they line up with the wall. Some walls are uneven so doing a dry run will allow you to see how the finished tiles will line up against the wall.

2. Having previously applied a PVA adhesive wash to the plywood floor and allowed it to dry, spread a layer of proprietary waterproof bathroom tile adhesive in small areas at a time, placing tiles down and checking with a spirit level that each tile is laid level as you go. If appropriate, use tile spacers. Mosaic tile sheets can simply be eased into place and butted up against each other.

3. When you arrive at the wall, measure the distance from the line of tiles to the wall and cut the tile accordingly to fit. For awkward areas around bathroom fitments such as WCs and shower cubicles, use a profile gauge and draw a pencil line on the tile so that you can cut accurately. A hired diamond tile cutter will give a much more professional finish.

4. When the floor is laid and fully dry, apply bathroom tile grout following the manufacturer's instructions and using a damp sponge. Work the grout into each gap. Buff dry with an old rag ensuring that no grout is left on the tile surface. When fully dry, apply clear bathroom tile sealant or any product as recommended by the tile manufacturer.

Replacing bathroom taps

Sometimes the only thing that lets an otherwise tidy bathroom down is the hardware, i.e. fixtures and fittings such as taps and handles which can look out of style, date or otherwise do not complement an existing suite. A whole range of exciting tap designs and finishes are now available and with the right tools to hand, replacing taps, although tricky, is something the reasonably competent DIYer should not fear.

Difficulty level: 4/5

Tools you'll need:

• Adjustable basin wrench
• Adjustable spanner
• Set of box spanners
• Pipe cutter (if needed)
• Screwdriver

Things to consider

When replacing taps, it is usually sensible to utilise the existing plumbing if this is appropriate for the new taps. However, there may be occasions when this is not the case. If you find yourself in this situation, and unless you are able to reconfigure the plumbing yourself, it is best to call in an experienced plumber to do this. Before you take any tap off or make any cut or disconnection, check the fittings first! Mistakes can be costly, will delay your project and are inconvenient.

How to do it

1. Isolate the water supply, either from the mains or turning any individual isolation vales 90 degrees to shut off the water. Drain old taps.

2. Release the securing nut which holds the tap to the basin. This is sometimes called a Top Hat Nut.

3. Holding the tap above, use the adjustable tap wrench to undo the tap connector nut underneath the basin/bath. Undo the nut completely and pull the pipe down away from the old tap.

4. Slide a box spanner over the top hat nut and undo, holding the tap above quite firmly. When the nut is undone, remove the tap.

5. Having fixed all new washers as per instructions to the new tap fittings (or using a proprietary tap fixing kit), place the tap into the hole in the basin/bath and connect to pipework reversing the process as for removing the old tap.

6. Ensure all nuts are tightened fully before turning on the water supply. Test new tap to ensure it is positioned tightly in place and that there are no leaks.

Accessories - new linens, fittings, soaps and candles

Even in a high-quality bathroom, whether indulgent antique or contemporary modern, there is a missing spark of magic needed to bring the room truly to life. This can be achieved by something as subtle as accessorising with a combination of new linens, perhaps some new wall fittings, or as simple as a fresh bowl of quality soaps and scented candles. Sam Walker, Buyer for Heals says: "Bath linens are the easiest way to update your bathroom space, either creating a vibrant, colourful accent or by creating a sophisticated spa environment with sumptuous qualities and a calm palette.

Accessories are also key to setting the tone of your look, whether it be clean polished chrome, a softer wooden look or contemporary white. The current cleaner look in a bathroom means taking clutter away so investing in cabinets and wall fittings will provide you with years of use.

Soap dishes and toothbrush holders are now available wall mounted to help create a streamlined look too, but if you quite like the look of colourful lotions and potions then invest in a luxury hand wash in a beautiful bottle that will not only look aesthetically pleasing but will pamper you every time you use it."

Difficulty level: 0/5
Tools needed: none

Linens

There is something both exquisite and decadent about the luxurious feel of new bathroom towels. Plain white is the classic choice of the majority but if you want to contrast colours in harmony with your colour scheme, don't be afraid to go bold. The quality of towels varies enormously but the very best ones are made from finest Egyptian cotton. Christy have a new Renaissance range for spring 2009 made from 100% Egyptian cotton.

Fittings

A great way to add style and function to a bathroom is to replace soap dish/dispensers, toothbrush holders and toilet tissue dispensers in matching or contrasting colours/finishes to your current bathroom colour. Chrome is timeless although some suites lend themselves more naturally to gold finishes.

Look out for satin chrome too, which looks particularly good with a contemporary bathroom. Floor-standing units or corner mounted shelving can add useful storage too. Waterfront Bathrooms is a bathroom specialist selling high quality ranges of taps, fixtures and fittings from designers like Kelly Hoppen to the legendary KH2 range.

Soaps & Candles

When it comes to making a bathroom feel really special, nothing beats a fresh bowl or two of quality soaps and scented candles - so that bath or showertime becomes a uniquely special 'me-only' pampering occasion. Jo Malone sells the country's finest selection of high quality candles and fragrances, perfect for creating the right atmosphere in any bathroom. Try their Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Scented Candle or Kohdo Wood range of essential fragrances brand new out this month - they're perfect for relaxing, steamy bathtime bliss!