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| Budget Bathroom Makeover |
| Is the smallest room in your house looking a tad shabby? This bathroom is totally transformed for under $1000. |
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For this budget, changing the layout of the room is not an option. However, a dramatic difference can be made by simply changing the colour scheme, re-tiling over the old floor tiles, and replacing the bathroom cabinet. The toilet will also be updated.
The drab olive green is replaced with white Tub 'n' Tile paint, which simply brushes on over the old tiles to give a tile-like coating. The paint is a two-part epoxy enamel and can also be used as a finish on basins and other appliances.
Comprehensive instructions are supplied with the paint. You will need to prepare the surface for the paint. Thoroughly clean the tiles with an abrasive powder and then sand the tiles (320 wet and dry) to take away the shiny finish. A quick rinse with warm water and the tiles are ready for painting.
New floor tiles are laid over the existing ones, after some surface preparation. This is an adequate and less costly method than removing the old ones first. This job is best left to a professional tradesperson.
Water (from the shower) was found to be dripping off the window glass, causing the sill to rot. The solution here is to place an additional panel of glass on the inside, so that the water runs straight off into the bath. A simple wood frame fixes it into place.
To make the replacement wall cabinet (900mm x 900mm size):
1
After determining the opening size between the studs, cut the sides to the height required. Then cut the top and bottom 45mm narrower than the opening to ensure 5mm clearance, after the sides are screwed to the top and bottom.
2
Next, assemble the unit using two chipboard screws for each joint. See diagram 1.
3
Cut the masonite back to the same size as the unit and nail it to the back using soft sheet nails. Make sure the smooth face is inside the unit. Use the two uncut sides to square up the unit as you nail it together. See diagram 2.
4
Fit the unit into the wall opening using two chipboard screws per side (making sure you level up the unit as you screw it to the studs, packing as required). See diagram 3.
5
Measure between the sides and cut the top and bottom tracks to suit. Fit the tracks to the top and bottom shelves using the 25mm x 1.6mm panel pins. See diagram 4.
6
Measure the mirrors as per the manufacturer's specifications, so they fit in the tracks. See diagram 5 for an easy measuring method.
7
The overlap on the doors is 30mm. Internal shelves can be timber or glass, held in by shelf supports. Paint as required. See diagram 6.
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Materials
Hand saw
Tape measure/pencil
Square and small level (approximately 600mm)
Drill and 15mm bit/Phillips head bit
Hammer
125mm x 25mm D.A.R. cedar, 1 x 3.6m
Chipboard screws, 12 x 50mm
900mm x 900mm masonite (backing)
900mm top and bottom PVC track to suit 4mm glass
Mirrors cut to size once unit is constructed
Glass or timber shelves cut to size
25mm soft sheet nails
1.6mm x 25mm panel pins
Eight shelf supports
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Cost
Total cost around $900. The cabinet cost around $100 to make.
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More Info
Tub 'n' Tile is manufactured by White Knight Paints. Available from hardware stores nationally.
For your nearest distributor, please call White Knight Paints on 1800 069 959.
Floor tiles by Tilecraft. For your nearest distributor call Tilecraft on (02) 9737 9300.
Apache Painting and Decorating, contact:
Wade, mobile: 0418 605 271 or Tony, mobile: 0417 223 252.
All materials for the wall cabinet available from your local hardware store.
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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