You’ve all probably figured out by now that I’m not too chicken to try something new. And on that note, I’m about to do a tile project in our master bath around the whirlpool tub. I’ve tiled before, but never by myself, so this will be sort of a new thing for me. But, I’m pretty sure I can do it. And I’ll show you as I figure it out and get it done. I do know how to grout, so that should be a piece of cake.
My plan is to take out the little backsplash that is currently above the tub. Hoping that the drywall doesn’t all rip apart when I take this out. I’ve always thought that it would be really pretty to continue the line of white tile that you see on the right joining into our white tiled shower and continue that all around to the left 2 walls above the tub. It’s about 18″ or so of tiling. So that is my plan.
I’ve seen several girls in blogland using this pretty white subway tile from Home Depot and I didn’t even realize they had this in stock until I saw it around the blogosphere. Kate used it and so did Penny and both of their bathrooms are beautiful. I love subway tile and this will be a fun way to update this bath area just a little bit, along with a decorative row of white tiles too. 
So, I’ll be running the decorative tile underneath that ledge on the right. I’ll be taking down that row that hangs down and putting the decorative ones there and wrapping them all around the other 2 walls. Got it? Good, I will be figuring this out as I go along, but I think I’ve got the basics covered.
It will all end up over on this wall, where I’ll finish out that little left wall with more bullnose tiles down to the floor. 
And I’d love to add some beadboard wallpaper right on the front panel of the whirlpool tub too, so that is also in my head. I’m hoping it will stick to that surface. 
Already shopped Home Depot for the supplies, as well as brought home my dad’s wetsaw for cutting those corner tiles in half.
Here’s hoping that it all goes very smoothly! We’ll see about that. I’ve done enough projects to know there are always a few glitches, but I’m gonna dive in and give it a whirl!
You’ll be the first to see it and I’ll try to remember to take pics along the way. 
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disregard this, it’s just code
{ 39 comments… read them below or add one }
I can’t wait to see this! I am very interested to see if the bead board wallpaper will adhere to the tub. I would love to this, but I have a step up to the tub, so I keep trying to think of something else
I love the subway tile (I have been watching Penny’s progress). Good luck–I love a woman who is not afraid of tools!!
Wow, I’m very impressed(!) and can’t wait to see the beautiful results !! I love subway tiles … undoubtedly, they’ll be perfect surrounding your garden tub. Good luck !! (You’ve inspired me to try the beadboard wallpaper (to our “toilette” room in our master bath … I bought it yesterday at HD … now, I just need to muster up the courage and read your instructions over … and over … and over again !!) Thanks for your inspirational projects !! -Becca
I’m really looking forward to seeing how it turns out! I know it will be lovely.
Rhoda, I am SO impressed ….. you are one brave woman!
I can’t wait to see how this turns out.
this is exciting! your projects are always so inspiring, I’m looking forward to this one
I can’t wait to see your results!! We have an identical tub and backsplash in our master bath, and I’d love to change it up a little!
Hi, Rhoda
I used a wallpaper prep (painted on) on our kitchen blacksplash before I put the beadboard wallpaper up and it held (and it is still holding) beautifully. I think it might help on the area in front of your bath tub.
Your project sounds wonderful and I am looking forward to watching your progress. My next project is our small bathroom. I am going to use the beadboard wallpaper in there to give the illusion of space, I hope.
Plain Jayne
We recently remodeled our master bathroom shower with white subway tiles! I love subway tiles!!
Good luck!
Good Morning!
Thanks for the mention!! We love our bathroom…the subway tile and the decorative tile you are using are exactly like mine. Have fun with your project! Can’t wait to see it finished.
Hugs,
Penny
You go girl…I am woman hear me roar. Can’t wait to see your progress and I know the end result will be beautiful.
The tile is beautiful! Good luck with it Rhoda!
Good luck, Rhoda! I’m sure you can do it. I think I’ll stick to coasters as my tile project!
I have the same tile behind the bathtub in our master bath. My dad was our contractor, so I got to help with the wall and the floor. I learned a lot, and I think I want to do the laundry room floor soon.
If you’ve tiled before, you know what to expect, so it should be a snap! I think it will look really pretty. You can’t beat subway tile for a classic look.
You’ll do just fine! We recently tiled our kitchen counters and backsplash, and it really wasn’t as difficult as we thought it.
Can’t wait to see how it turns out
You are so talented! I wish I knew how to do these types of projects, then I wouldn’t have to rely on hubby!
Love your enthusiastic and confident attitude! Go Rhoda.
Wish I were so handy…. this will be beautiful… another thought- tile the outside of the tub too? My contractor did ours 2 years ago, and it still looks so “finished out” -though this was a last minute idea…..can’t wait to see the progress… good luck!
Good luck, Rhoda. I want to tile around the top of the combo shower/tub in the guest bathroom and I think my hubby put the fear of God in me so I am apprehensive to do it plus I don’t have access to a wet saw. I’ll be anxious to see how your project turns out.
Good luck! And…can’t wait to see the finished product!
ohhh, so exciting! I can’t wait to see the finished product! Good luck!!
Oh my goodness gracious, I am so excited for you ! I still heart my white subway tile, so classic ! Let me just say that your blue on the bathroom wall is so stunning ! Dramatic and soothing all at the same time. At the end of this project, you will have earned a long soak in that gorgeous tub. Yay! Can’t wait to see you next week.
Good luck! I love tiling. I don’t know why, but it is so much fun to do. Can’t wait to see what it looks like when it is all done!
You can do anything and it will be beautiful!
I know you are going to do a great job. You have the wetsaw which is terrific. My only recommendation, as I have done some tiling myself, is to get a level line at the top and work down, adjusting the tiles as you get to tub. If you have to make cuts on the tile it is best down on the lowest course.
I hope this makes sense. Onward and upward (actually onward and downward).
Rhoda, I so wish I had your willingness to try anything. You really amaze me. I am the girl that stands and points to others how I want things done. I am such a chicken when it comes to this kind of stuff. Good luck! I am sure it will look amazing, can’t wait to see the results.
Really? ReAlLy? You’re really gonna do it? I get shivers just thinking about it, because it seems so scary to me. Whaddo I know……. Rhoda, you are so brave and have such vision, you are an inspiratation. I visited the links of the other ladies who have tried it, and it looks soooo nice, no wonder you’re gonna try it. It’s just that I wouldn’t. couldn’t. sigh….guess I’ll just have to continue living vicariously in blogland.
WendyBee
It is going to look fabulous. Can’t wait to see it. Good luck.
I just love your attitude! I cannot wait to see this project! I am also very interested to see if the bead board wallpaper will adhere to the tub. This is a project I plan on tackling in a few months in our guest bathroom. Right before Christmas I resurfaced the tub in that bathroom but due to the holidays and then my mother’s illness, renovations came to a screeching halt. I am looking forward to seeing how yours turns out as it will give me the inspiration to get moving on mine.
Good luck!
~ Tracy
Hey Rhoda. This will be another fun project to watch. You’re fearless. Can’t wait to see the end results.
Hugs…Tracy
So excited!! I cant wait to see~
Good luck, Rhoda! I have Dal-tile also in my home. Can’t wait to see your finished tile job!
good luck, can’t wait for pics
I wanted to tile the base of my garden window with granite tiles to match my countertops, but have been putting this off for over a year because I did not have access to a wetsaw. This past weekend I was in Lowes looking at the granite tiles (on sale no less), and found out from the sales associated that Lowes will make the tile cuts for me for $.25 a tile. The only catch was that he asked that I bring in no more than 4 or 5 at a time. I live less than a mile away, so this is no problem for me. What a lifesaver when your working a small do-it-yourself tile job, and to think, I’ve been putting this off just over cutting tiles. Who knew?
Can’t wait to see your finished tile job. As always, you are so inspiring, Rhoda!
Hi Rhoda. You are one brave woman! I can’t wait to see how it’s going to look! Have a great night!
Sandra
Thank you for doing this for me, Rhoda! We have similar tubs only I have a big window next to mine and I’m wanting to tile around it too — or replace the whole thing eventually. Not sure I’m going to have the strength to do it now that I’m back working a j.o.b. But I can certainly add it to my hun bun’s honey do list.
Help me, Lord!
You go girlfriend! I love your bravery. Can’t wait to see the end results.
Hugs!
Kat
looking forward to seeing your tile finished:)
Happy Decorating:)
Kay Ellen
Sounds scary! I wish I were brave enough to tackle a project like this… I am sure it will be gorgeous when it is all done, can’t wait to see the results!!
I can’t wait to see how this turns out. Your ideas sound wonderful. I especially like the idea of the beadboard wallpaper down the front. I’ll be tiling soon, too (my first tile project)…so any advice or words of warning will be appreciated.