How to Install a Tile Baseboard in a Bathroom

We usually think of baseboard as being lengths of wood that sit along the bottom of the wall, bordering the floor. However, a baseboard can also be a row of tiles, which is a good way to do it in a bathroom, since wood can soften and rot in a wet environment. The idea is to line up bullnose tiles (finished on one edge) along the bottom of the wall, side by side, with the finished edges facing up to form the border.

• 1

  Draw a horizontal line along the bottom of the wall, up from the floor by the height of a tile plus ¼ inch, using a tape measure, level and pencil. If the tiles are 6 inches high, the line should be 6 1/4 inches up from the floor.

• 2

  Draw a vertical line at the center of the horizontal line, extending from the line to the floor.

• 3

  Spread tile mastic along the length of the bottom of the wall, below the horizontal line, from end to end.

• 4

  Set the first two bullnose tiles in place on either side of the vertical line, under the horizontal line, pressing them into place in the mastic and putting two spacers between them. Position the tiles so the finished edges are facing up. There should be a ¼-inch space between the bottom edges of the tiles and the floor.

• 5

  Press the rest of the tiles in place all along the bottom of the wall, building out from the middle to the sides. Keep the finished edges lined up under the horizontal line, so they form the upper border of the trim. Cut the end tiles as necessary on your tile cutter. Let the mastic set overnight and pull out the spacers.

• 6

  Grout the tiles with a grout float, pressing it into the lines between the tiles. Don't grout the space between the bottom edges of the tiles and the floor. Wipe off the excess grout with a damp sponge. Let the grout set for a day.

• 7

  Caulk the space between the bottom edges of the tiles and the floor. Let it all set for another day.