Bathroom remodel: Saving the 1950's Pink Tile

It is time to update this bathroom with a new bathtub, floor, toilet and vanity and sink. The pink tile is being preserved. We will lose a row or 2 around the tub when it is removed. The contractor knows we are adamant and dedicated to keeping the pink tile. The pink tile and tub are original. The house was built in 1952 by my husband's parents. He grew up here.

The cornice box is even original and made by his father. The peeling tub, that was refinished once, is the reason for the remodel. Yes, it is a cast iron tub.

I redecorated with a seashell theme about 7 years ago. I plan on eliminating some of the 'things'.

The large mirror on the left will remain.

The row of tile around the tub will be replaced with another color of tile or paint. That remains to be decided. The floor is being replaced with polar white and black vinyl tile squares. I did not want to deal with cleaning grout on the floor. The new floor will have no grout.

Time to take everything out of the bathroom in preparation of the remodel.

Starting with the closet. Here is the before photo: well, I was so excited to start emptying the closet that I forgot to take a 'before' photo. So, here is the empty closet.

It is a floor to ceiling closet.

I decided to empty the closet and will reorganize after the remodel.

Here is a close up of the grout! Some sections are darker/dirtier looking then other sections. I tried various methods of cleaning the grout but the color of the grout didn't change. After further research and blog reading, I decided to try Polyblend Bright White grout Renew!

Here is a section done; I am impressed.

Notice my dog laying on the floor totally bored with the project!

Yes, it is time consuming but worth the time. The other option would involve grinding out the old grout and re-grouting. That wasn't an approved option.

This is a corner that shows the dramatic before and after! Yes, I cleaned/scraped off the excess product when it dried. Amazing huh!

10-6-15 the remodel is starting today!

By the end of the day, the vanity is out and the tub removed. Very impressed with the contractor because he was very careful in removing the pink tile around the tub so they could be reused. Saving the pink tile.

This is the stack of saved pink tile!

Day 2 10-7-15

Well, the tub is in and the new toilet. Both are 2 inches higher. We both like the look of a one piece commode. I didn't think I could be impressed over the flushing of the toilet but I am! This toilet flushes quick and smooth. We are having the same one installed in the basement. That commode is as old as this house that was built in 1952!

The tub is in place and secured!

Part of the sub floor is installed. That brings me to the dilemma of the day! We originally planned on white and black square vinyl floor tiles. No grout. That order was expected in today. Well the white tiles are delayed. This made rethink the white and black floor theme. This was my opportunity to change my mind. So, to Pinterest I went look at black vs white/black bathroom floors. I decided on all black tiles. It doesn't cause any additional delays and I'm excited.

Toby even made friends with Mr. Leonard!

Jack and Mr. L like to chat and watch the traffic!

Overall, a great 2nd day!

10-8-15 Day 3

Today they finished the sub floor.

Also, re-installing the Pink Tile. It is tedious work but we are impressed with the effort to taking it off and re- installing it. Jack even had a few pieces of tile in the basement from the original build.

A work in progress.

The Pink Tile is saved thanks to determination, excellent work and the old tiles staying intact when removed.

All those little brown specks are cardboard kerpu them spaced while they dry in place. Tomorrow it gets grouted.

Yes, we are pleased and impressed.

Day 4 10-9-15

The basement commode was the original one. Yes it worked but it had issues! So, today it was replaced with a one piece commode exactly like the bathroom. Yea!

The tile was grouted. Looks beautiful.

We are so pleased.