So you’re about to redecorate your bathroom, and you are at a crossroads: should you tile behind that gleaming new vanity unit or keep it bare? People often ask this question, and no one answer works for everyone. Choosing to tile behind your vanity may completely transform the look and feel of your bathroom, whether you’re performing a whole remodel or just freshening up a tiny section.
Should You Tile Before or After Installing a Vanity Unit?
Tiling Before Installing the Vanity Unit
If you intend to tile the entire bathroom, including the walls behind your vanity unit, it is best to do so first to ensure a uniform appearance, and it will make future renovations much easier. The wall is ready for anything, and you don’t have to worry about cutting the tile to fit around tricky edges or arranging them in an unattractive manner.
Furthermore, if you are considering the long term, having a full set of tiles on the wall allows you to change things up without worrying about leaving a gap where the vanity used to be. It is unquestionably the best option.
Tiling After Installing the Vanity Unit
If you only want a splashback behind your vanity, you don’t need to tile the entire bathroom. It is perfectly acceptable to wait until the unit and other accessories, such as the basin or toilet, are installed. This can save you time and money. Splashbacks are simple to install (all you need is adhesive), smaller in size, and only tile in the area that is directly exposed to water from taps or splashes.
Homelay offers a wide range of splashbacks, including glass splashbacks and stainless steel splashbacks. Our splashbacks are suitable for both the bathroom and the kitchen behind the cooker.
Factors to Consider When Tiling Behind Vanity Units
Full Bathroom Tiling vs. Splashback Tiling
The first thing to consider is how much of the bathroom you intend to tile. If it is the entire room, tiling behind the vanity unit prior to installation is a no-brainer. It ensures uniformity and provides flexibility for the future. But if you’re only adding a splashback behind your vanity, you’re in luck! You do not need to worry about the entire wall. Simply concentrate on the small area that is exposed to water. This makes the job easier, faster, and more cost-effective.
Vanity Unit Configuration
Your vanity unit selection can influence whether you need to tile behind it. If you choose a built-in unit, the majority of the wall will be hidden, so tiling behind it is optional, or you might not even need it since it’s impossible to look behind a built-in vanity. However, you should consider the long term, as water from a pipe leak could cause damage in the future.
In contrast, freestanding units leave the wall exposed. If you choose a freestanding vanity unit, tiling behind it may make more sense, especially if you want everything to appear neat and tidy from all angles. In contrast, freestanding units expose the wall. If you choose a freestanding unit, tiling behind it may be more practical, especially if you want everything to look neat and tidy from all angles.
Future Bathroom Updates
As humans, we don’t always stick to our original plans! So, if you decide to change the vanity unit in the future, perhaps to a newer model, a new colour, or a different style, consider titling behind now. This way, even if the new unit isn’t the same size, there won’t be any unsightly gaps where the old one was. But do this only if you have a freestanding vanity unit with a basin (or without a basin).
If you skip the tiling and need to replace the unit later, you may have to find matching tiles or redo the entire wall. A little foresight can help you save time and stress in the future.
Tips for Choosing Tiles
When selecting tiles for the area behind your vanity, a couple of things should be on the top of your list:
Water-resistance: Choose tiles that can handle moisture. It will help to prevent damage and mould growth, particularly in the bathroom.
Durability: Choose tiles that can withstand some traffic. After all, bathrooms get a lot of use.
Design: Make sure your tiles blend well with the overall style of your bathroom. Whether it’s sleek and modern or classic and cosy, your tiles should complement the look.
Conclusion
Whether or not you tile behind your vanity unit is determined by your bathroom design goals. If you want a polished, long-lasting finish, tiling behind may be worth the extra effort. However, if you are short on time or have a limited budget, tiling after installation or simply adding a splashback may suffice.
