Choosing a border for the bathroom on tiles

If you don’t install a bathroom border on the tiles during renovation, you can be sure that after your first bath, there will be a lot of water on the floor. This happens because it is physically impossible to move the bathtub against the wall so that there is no gap. Of course, you can use the old method, which involves filling the existing cracks with cement mortar and then painting it. However, the border can not only prevent leaks, but also decorates the room.

Choosing the best option

Types of borders

Manufacturers offer to purchase borders:

• plastic;
• ceramic;
• tape;
• from natural stone.

Plastic products are distinguished by their availability and long service life. To install them, you need to purchase a special adhesive composition “liquid nails”.

Manufacturers also offer self-adhesive borders, which are made using plastic. To install them, it is enough to remove the special protective film.

[note] It is worth noting that you can install a plastic bathtub curb under the tiles, as well as on the tiles. When performing finishing work on your own, preference should be given to the second option, since in this case the installation of the curb is carried out after completion of the work.[/note]

Ceramic bathroom border tiles are more durable than their plastic counterparts. It goes better with ceramic tiles, traditionally used for wall decoration. Special corner elements will allow you to beautifully design corners. It is better to entrust the installation of borders of this type to professionals, but if you wish, you can perform the necessary work on your own.

Tape borders are no less practical. They must be installed at the junction of the bathtub and the wall. This sealing tape is made from polyethylene and comes in a variety of widths.

Curbs made of natural stone (marble, travertine, granite) can add special sophistication to the bathroom. If they are present, the interior looks quite expensive. In this case, the plumbing fixtures must correspond in cost to the finishing materials.

Which type do you prefer?

When choosing the best option, you should pay attention to:

• material used to decorate the walls in the bathroom;
• the size of the gap between the wall and the bathroom;
• financial component.

If tiles were used to decorate the bathroom, a ceramic border would be the preferred option. When decorating walls with glass wallpaper or plastic lining, you can purchase a plastic product. However, do not be surprised if such a border becomes cloudy over time.

When choosing the best option, it is very important to decide on the color of the product. If desired, the border will allow you to divide the available space into zones.

All the details of installation

Installing a ceramic border

Before starting work, you need to ensure that you have the following tools and materials:

• Borders in the required quantity. It is better to purchase them with some reserve.
• Corners (concave and convex) for connecting elements.
• Silicone sealant. To complete the required amount of work, one cylinder will be enough.
• Mounting gun.
• Tile adhesive (2 kg is enough).
• Spatula.
• Sandpaper.
• Pliers.

In this case, border tiles for the bathroom are installed in the following sequence:

1. The entire perimeter of the bathroom is thoroughly cleaned and degreased.
2. The gap between the bathtub and the wall is evenly filled with sealant. If the thickness of the applied layer fluctuates, the sealant is leveled using a spatula or a damp hand.
3. Preparing tile adhesive.
4. When starting the actual installation, it is worth cutting one edge of the tile at an angle of 45 degrees.
5. The corners are joined by matching the curbs in pairs to minimize the possible gap;
6. Glue is applied to the back side of the borders with a spatula. The ceramic border is glued to the joint. In this case, work should begin from the corner. Other products are installed in a similar manner.
7. The next day after installation, it is necessary to generously fill the laid corners with water. This will increase the strength of the adhesive composition. It is imperative to get rid of existing gaps and transitions by using silicone sealant.

[note]When laying the border, you must try to ensure maximum fit of the products.[/note]

When attaching a ceramic border to a tile, you must first treat it with waterproof glue and apply a thin layer to the wall. After waiting the required time, you can begin attaching the corner, pressing it as tightly as possible to the surface of the tile. If excess glue appears, it must be removed immediately. After the glue has completely dried, the seams are treated with special compounds to increase service life.

Installing a plastic border

The work is performed in the following sequence:

1. Removing dirt from the surface of the bathroom with a dry cloth.
2. The border is cut exactly to the size of the bathroom.
3. Apply the border and press firmly.

After waiting some time for the glue and sealant to harden, you can conduct a test. If it can withstand exposure to water, then the job was done correctly and there is no need to be afraid of a flood.