I am remodeling my 1958 bathroom. How to do it budget friendly?

Sarah Gibson
by Sarah Gibson

My bathroom is the original 1958 from when my house was built. I plan to take out the tiles and install wainscoting panels. Do I need an underlayment? I believe it's lath and plaster walls under the times but not 100% sure. Any money saving tips appreciated as I have a rather small budget.

  3 answers
  • OceeB OceeB on Jul 11, 2018

    Hi Sarah,

    I have never tried this but might be worth consideration and will require much less effort. https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/bathrooms/how-to-cover-dated-bathroom-tile-with-wainscoting.


    I have helped take down the old tile (tile had cement and metal grid mesh as backing) and required a sledge hammer with a lotta lotta swings of the hammer. I know that he used cement board (backer board) when he got it down to the studs.


    The wainscoting will be in non-wet areas right? Post pics and post your project when you get it going!

  • Karen Hyde Karen Hyde on Jul 17, 2018

    ??? What color are the tiles??? There are MANY people who like the 50's bathrooms and pay very good money for tiles and bathroom accessories. Look on ebay under vintage tiles. $2+ per tile. Depending on what you're looking for and where you live, there may be a Habitat for Humanity Restore near you. Some have not many things and some have masses from construction sites, people renovating, things returned to stores and closeouts that don't sell. Have fun!