Holes in tile from Shower Curtain - What to do?

[Gary Dyrkacz]

Hi, We are redoing a bathroom and one of the changes is to replace a shower curtain with a shower door for the tub. The problem is that the shower curtain rod is drilled into the ceramic tiles such that four 4" tiles are damaged on each wall. The shower door end pieces will be about four inches below that height. The holes are pretty obvious from the doorway of the bathroom. The house is 27 yrs old, so there is little chance of finding the same ceramic tile to match. Moreover, I really hate to take out all three tile walls, and redo the bath area. The existing wall is in good shape and the tile solidly on the wall. The ideas we have had so far are:

To just fill the holes as best we can. Since the holes can be seen from the doorway it will look a bit tacky. However, this is the cheapest route.

We considered a tub surround to go over the tile to match the new vanity, but were floored by the $1200 bill for Swanstone.

I can retile the entire area, but again I hate to take out a good wall and start all over. Cetainly new tile would be much cheaper than the surround (monetarily, not work-wise).

We also thought of taking out the four tiles that the screwholes impinge on, and replacing with some kind of decorative tile of a different style.

So what am interested in is, what others have done in a similar situation.

Thanks,

Gary Dyrkacz [e-mail] Radio Control Aircraft/Paintball Physics/Paintball for 40+

[Joe Bobst]

Seems to be a reasonable and cost effective solution. Some months ago there was an article in This Old House magazine on decorative tile. Might be worth the time to check out that and also ads in some of the magazines at your library for companies that specialize in such items. That is, if you don't find what you like at a local tile outlet. You've already done a Google search, right? HTH

Joe

[Brian V]

what about taking the tiles out that have the holes in them, take out a tile where the new shower door support will be and swap them? That way the one with the holes in it will be covered by the new door support.

[mikey55]

Its easy. just chisel out the old tiles and glue in some new ones. I do it all the time no problem. be careful when chiseling. the tiles will break into pieces and could cut your eye. wear goggles.