Renovating this period bathroom was a true back-to-studs job that called for equal parts muscle and craftsmanship. The first hurdle was a full strip-out: every dated fixture, cracked tile and water-stained layer of plaster had to go. Pulling out the old cast-iron bath and smashing out the tiled boxing round the cistern wasn’t exactly a quiet Sunday job, but clearing the space properly gave us the blank canvas we needed.
Strengthening the bones
Once the room was gutted we discovered that several timber joists were undersized for modern loads. We sistered new C24 joists alongside the originals and bolted them through, then laid new tongue-and-groove floorboards to provide a rock-solid base. With the structure sound, we could re-run the plumbing and heating circuits, hiding pipework neatly between the joists.
Preparing solid walls and subfloor
Because the walls are solid brick, we didn’t touch the masonry itself. Instead, we hacked off the old plaster back to bare brick and installed new plasterboards on dot-and-dab adhesive, ready for a flawless skim. On the floor we fixed 6 mm cement backer boards throughout as a stable underlay for tiling.
Waterproofing done right
The entire wet zone was treated with a high-performance liquid waterproof membrane.
Finishes & Fittings
Floor tiling
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Wood-effect porcelain planks laid in a random-length pattern give the warmth of oak with the practicality of tile.
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A flush transition into the low-profile shower tray keeps the floor barrier-free and easy to mop.
Wall tiling
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The lower half of each wall is clad in 30 × 60 cm light-grey porcelain with a subtle concrete grain; 2 mm grout lines and polished aluminium trim deliver a crisp, modern edge.
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Above the tile line the new plasterboards are painted in a cool, soft white that bounces natural light around the room.
Shower enclosure
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A generous frameless slider in 8 mm tempered glass rides on chrome-plated rollers.
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Concealed brassware feeds a rainfall head and handset, all finished in mirror-polished chrome.
Sanitaryware & storage
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Statement freestanding bath set on a moulded plinth, paired with a floor-mounted filler and discreet pop-up waste.
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Compact back-to-wall WC with a concealed cistern and dual-flush chrome plate keeps sight lines clean.
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Wall-hung shaker-style vanity in ivory, twin soft-close drawers and a square ceramic basin; black antiqued pulls add a touch of period charm.
Hardware, lighting & accents
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A slim, tiled-in shelf runs the full width of the room, doubling as a service void cover and a handy ledge for toiletries.
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Chrome towel rail, paper holder and robe hook line up neatly along the datum of the shelf for visual continuity.
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Ceiling-mounted three-spot chrome fitting uses GU10 LEDs to flood the space without competing with the décor.
Results
What was once a draughty, outdated bathroom is now a warm, watertight retreat that balances period character with contemporary performance. From hidden joist reinforcement to the final bead of silicone, every stage was carried out with longevity in mind. The combination of timber-look flooring, oversized grey tiles and gleaming chrome fittings creates a timeless palette that will look fresh for years to come—proof that proper prep and quality finishes are the secret to a bathroom built to last.
