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November 26, 2007
Bathroom Reno: Neighbor's Post-Gut
We've got a bunch of bathroom renovation submissions in the queue for the next couple of weeks but thought today we'd check back in with our friend down the block whose reno we used as a jumping off point last week. Since we posted about it, they've completely demo'd the room and are now ready to start rebuilding. You can see the "before" photos on the link below.
Let's Try This Bathroom Thing Again [Brownstoner]
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Comments
This is the way to do it, take everything down to the brick and the joists then start over. Once you open everything up like this you can readily notice any structural or plumbing issues that need to be adressed. It gives the building a chance to "breathe" and it cleans out mold, bugs, and dust.
Posted by: sam at November 26, 2007 12:30 PM
Sorry if this is an ignorant question, but I don't know anything about construction or construction history. Are there real wood floors under the tile in all these old brownstone bathrooms? I guess I always thought those octagonal tile floors were original and don't know why they would have laid them in on top of wood.
Posted by: guest at November 26, 2007 12:58 PM
12:58,
In those bathrooms, there is usually a sub-floor under those tile. Not a real finished hardwood floor.
Bring on the other bathrooms. I'm dyin' over here!
Posted by: guest at November 26, 2007 1:30 PM
In a brownstone, it's all just wood under there. That's why I like taking everything up and taking a look at the joists and the plumbing to make sure that there are no moisture or settlement related problems.
Bathtubs filled with water and people can be very heavy you have to make sure that the framing is adequate for the task, something one should not just assume.
Posted by: sam at November 26, 2007 1:37 PM
Replying to guest at 12:58:
In our house (1899 brownstone in Crown Heights) we discovered in the process of demolishing a bathroom that under the original half inch thick tile was a layer of "mud", or mortar, that was supported by rubble between the joists. The only wood was boards that had been cleated in between the joists to contain the rubble. So in this case there was no wood subfloor as such.
When we redid the tile floor we chose a pattern and colors that were similar to the original.
Posted by: Hal at November 26, 2007 2:22 PM
When we gutted an old bathroom, we found the tub was resting on rotted joists and mortar. No subfloor at all.
Posted by: rh at November 26, 2007 3:03 PM
Sometimes you do find a thick layer of mortar or "mud" underneath the tiles. Other times just a thin layer.
Your new tile floor should be set on a new layer of mud mortar on top of a plywood subfloor that has been shimmed and leveled. Sometimes the planking of the subfloor is perfect in which case you do not need the plywood but that is pretty rare. Small sized tiles are best as they are most forgiving of the moveemnt in an old house and they provide better traction when wet.
Unless your house is very stable, i would stay away from large ceramic or stone floor tiles. Any little structural movement and they will dislodge and crack.
Posted by: sam at November 26, 2007 3:20 PM
OMG Very good information about bathroom. It looks as "air-bath" :) I see more about this perfect idea here - http://loadingvault.com/search.php?q=air+bath
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