Let the mortar set for seven minutes and then mix it again. You may also want to include the curb if you are figuring out how to tile a shower curb. This is especially important for ordering your tile as you need to know how much it will cost to tile your shower. Use 1/8” or less spacing so that you can use unsanded grout (easier to seal). Primer prepares the surface for the tile. You should only mix as much mortar as you will use in 45 minutes, as it sets quickly. Our guide will ​walk you through how to tile a shower, step by step. Turn over the trowel to the notched side and comb over in one direction. The primer is one more layer to help ensure that moisture does not go were it should not go. Once the shower wall tiling is complete, remove the straight board at the bottom of the second row if necessary and install the bottom row of tile. This will even out the surface for tiling. Or, you could even use a ready-made fibreglass pan. Wedi boards are another option some consider even better than cement board. Your choice of materials will vary depending on your desired aesthetic, budget and maintenance requirements. Mortar is essential for a firm and solid foundation for your shower tile. What is the black backing below the shower pan in the first step? Once you have set your first course of tiles, the others should get easier. How is the shower pan attached to prevent movement? This will let you know where the center of that row is. Next, you will install cement backer board. Test your seal by getting the grout wet. This step by step guide is supplied courtesy of … Since most tiles and grout (even with sealant) allow moisture to, "Even though I have done many tile installations, it is beneficial and helpful to refer to this information. If the grout has been sealed properly, the water should bead up on it. Plan height for full field tiles 5. You don’t want to start at one side of the wall and work your way to other side. When the mortar is appropriately mixed, it should be the consistency of thick peanut butter. Do not put down any plastic because this can trap moisture and lead to rotting. This article was co-authored by Art Fricke. Once this is done, cut the roll of tape to the required size and place this into any corners and where the wall meets the tray. Measure your tile height, and mark a point on the bathroom wall that is 20mm below that height. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Place tape over the seam and feather over it with thin-set mortar. Adding tile to your shower is a great way to give it a boost, and usually results in an increase in your home value. Otherwise, it is no more difficult to figure out how to tile a shower floor than it is to figure out how to tile a shower wall. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Be sure to pull the caulk gun trigger quickly enough for the speed at which you are laying it, so you do not end up with gaps in your caulk. Another way to plan out the first row of tiles is to measure the high part and low part of the shower pan. If it does not bead up, try sealing it again. The next thing you need to do is gut your shower stall. ​With your tile installed, its easy to feel like the project is done. Spread the mortar using the notched edge of the trowel. % of people told us that this article helped them. ". Use a hole saw with a carbide bit to cut the holes where the shower head and handles would come through. Match the speed with which you pull the caulk gun trigger with the rate at which you pull the gun along the joint. Once in place, push the tiles evenly into the thinset. If you would like to go for a fancy effect like a pattern of some sort, now is the time to decide that and map it out. Apply the WP1 coating Once the primer is dry, it's time to apply the WP1 coating to the same areas. This line will be your starting point and will ensure all tiles are straight with cut tiles being used close to the floor. Once your tile is in place, let it set for 48 hours. Use a notched trowel to apply an even coat of thin-set to the wall below the marked lines. Whether you’re tiling a whole bathroom, a shower cubicle, a splashback in a kitchen or a small section around a fireplace, our … If this is your only shower, you might have to stay at a friend’s house for this period of time. You should start from the bottom and move upward. ", "I love this! Then press the tiles into position, as you did before. You can always add more water, but you can’t take it out. If the underlying floor is level, then the base is screwed to the studs. What is the mixture of sand to cement ratio for pitched shower bases? Should I use silicon caulk or grout between the tile and the ceiling? His first experience came in completely restoring an antique home. For our shower, we chose a running bond pattern. After that is completed, fit a cement backer board into the shower space. The difference between green board and cement board is that green board is water-resistant. This should be just long enough for the mortar to set. Make sure you do not use wall tiles on floor. And, unless your tile is self-spacing, you should use spacers as you set them. This probably means mixing only as much as you need to lay the first course of tile.When you mix the thin-set mortar, add about ¾ of the recommended amount of water and mix. Spread Thin-Set along the first section of your tile row. Make sure to spend the time picking the best grout for your shower tile before starting the job. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This article has been viewed 1,542,898 times. Ideally, you should tile the shower walls first, and then the floor. If you buy something through a link in our posts, we may get a small share of the sale. Fur out as needed to avoid cutting 7. Last Updated: August 6, 2020 Mix well then add a little water at a time. "Great review on the topic with some good tips. Add the pre-slope mortar to the shower pan first. PSBefore mixing any tile adhesive, the tile layout is worked out and the position of the border tiles is noted.In this example we can tile directly off the shower tray (with a 2mm spacer between the underside of the tray & the tray to allow us a bit of adjustment) as we know it is perfectly level (because we installed it) and this will rather fortuitously give us a nice sized cut at the ceiling. Black accent tiles (Image 5)were intermixed in the floor field tiles. The tiles may look a bit hazy even after wiping, so you may have to buff them with a clean sponge to get rid of this haze. Mark Your Tile Layout. You don't want to be pulling the gun fast but triggering slowly, or vice versa. If I chalk the bottom tile above the pan, how will water get out if it gets behind the tile? For a bathroom remodel, matching the existing tile can save you having to demo all of it and some material cost. Kerdi boards, waterproof membranes, or paint on waterproof barriers all work. Place cardboard cut to the shape of your shower pan and taped in place to avoid damaging the fixture. Showers can be dark – get an LED level like an UltraView from Empire Level. Do not use Mastic. Set your first tile at the center. Keep in mind that back buttering is only necessary when you are using a larger tile (8" x 8" or larger) and you only need to add a little dab of thin set mortar to each corner. To install a 12 x 24 porcelain tile on a shower wall, you must first determine the layout of the tile. Your city might have codes that specify exactly how high the tile wall must go, and its best to check your local resources. Position the chicken wire evenly on the surface leaving most of it outside of the bathroom. Speaking of, add the last ¼ of the water until you achieve the desired consistency. You will want thin-set mortar for laying your tiles. Dry lay the tiles to make sure the layout is correct and precut any tiles that need to be altered to fit. Use a notched trowel to spread the thinset. Art Fricke is a home renovation and repair specialist and the owner of Art Tile & Renovation based in Austin, Texas. Image via Pixabay. Take out the old shower stall down to the studs and install backer board to give yourself a clean surface to work with. ​After laying all the mortar, its now time to start tiling the shower, including the wall and the floor. There is also a specific haze cleaner for just such occasions. How to Tile a Shower Wall ​1. A tiled shower adds beauty and durability and value to your home, and you can tile your shower all by yourself. You may need to give it another swipe with a clean and very lightly dampened rag. Apply the first row of tiles to the wall, using the layout line to maintain a level row. We’ve gathered 10 tips to help you navigate your ceramic shower tile choices PLUS 40 beautiful ideas to spark your imagination. In our project, we used white subway tiles in the field areas and green glass tile as an accent border for the shower area and walls. If your bathroom is a bit drab, it might be time to replace and update your shower. Create a stunning wall with attractive, practical and durable wall tiles. Use a level to measure where you will lay your first course of tiles. In many ways, this can be the toughest part of the project, because you can’t use much of your bathroom for an extended period of time. Mark where to set your first row. Use a level to make sure tiles are straight. The last thing you want when you step into your beautiful new shower is a dirty new shower. Grouting is not difficult to do well, but it is even easier to do poorly. Use small shims or other spacers to allow a small amount of space between the bottom of the tile and the lip of the shower pan. Make sure there are holes in the backer board for the shower head and faucet handles. More isn't necessarily better when it comes to thin-set. Removing tile grout before you tile over old tiles. Keep the tip angled as you run the bead along the joint. unlocking this expert answer. But, whatever you had there before needs to go. All your other tiles in that row will be set on either side of this tile, creating a symmetrical appearance. After you have finished grouting, you may find the tile has a grout “haze” on it. These air pockets help the tile adhere better. Once you get the hang of it, you can spread more mortar at at time. Dig out any oozing thin-set that you notice. Gut the shower stall down to the studs. Your shower is a canvas where you can express your unique style and create a highly functioning space at the same time. Grout would be unforgiving under those circumstances. Begin applying the adhesive at the bottom of the wall, if this is too difficult to do with your spreader, then apply the adhesive directly to the back of the tile. Keeping grout lines away from the inside corners of the enclosure can prevent the need for tiny tiles and poor grout joints. Wouldn't the tile be too heavy and weigh down the row below it? Make the cut spot on the low end a full tile, mark it, and then cut the tiles on the high side down to the level of the uncut tile on the low side. Once the tile is set, you’ll come back through and pull them out. If you choose a membranous barrier such as Trugard or Kerdi, you can install plain old drywall or you can just install a cement board instead. If your shower pan is not level, then the level line you created to mark the top of the first row will mean that some of your tiles need to be cut. Make sure to hold the float at a 45-degree angle and wipe the grout diagonally across the tile. If you move the float vertically or horizontally, you run the risk of the edge of the floater digging out the grout that you have just laid. If you mix X77 per the directions, use the correct trowel size, back butter your tiles and use directional troweling your tiles won’t slide down the wall. When everything else is done, caulk around the shower pan with a grout caulk that matches the grout you chose. Marking your layout for tile is especially important if you will be incorporating a pattern or some sort of decorative tile into your design. Also, if you’re tiling a ceiling in the shower X77 is a fantastic option. An expert at home repair, remodel, and DIY projects for nearly 40 years. If you are tiling a shower for the first time, consult with a general contractor before starting the job. Even a novice tiler can gain something from this. Make sure to hold the caulk at an angle and move quickly along the joint you are caulking, so the caulk does not pile up on itself. Then you can enjoy your beautiful new shower. You’ll need a design plan before you start attaching the tile. Depending on the size of the tile and its installed location will determine the size of the trowel used for the thinset. Set the first tile in the far corner of the room and work towards the doorway. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,542,898 times. A poor mortar... 3. Apply the adhesive to the wall, or, if that’s tricky, directly to the back of the cut tile, and press into position. A vapor barrier prevents moisture from getting into your wall where it can cause mold or mildew to grow. … If you are working with larger tiles, you should spread it directly onto the back of the tile. A Mr. Clean magic eraser does a pretty good job. Mix a small amount of thin-set adhesive, as directed, mixing just enough for the first row of tiles around the perimeter of the shower pan. How do you get grout to stick to the tile part that overlaps the pan? Grouting is the final step of installing ceramic wall tile after the tile adhesive has fully cured. This will ensure even consistency and ultimately a better product. You might also want to drill into your tile to install a soap tray, which is another small project to tackle. Shims may be used to temporarily to hold the base in place. ", "Gave a good memory refresher, haven't tiled in many years, reminded me of tools and material, also layout. Copyright 2021 by SawsHub.com - Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Contact. Once that row is firm, the rows added on top won't slide down the adhesive backing. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile. Let the grouted tile set for the next 48-72 hours. SawsHub is a collection of DIY enthusiasts and woodworking experts. This will include the shower curb, if you are also trying to figure out how to tile a shower curb. This should be one tile or less from your baseboard. You’ll end up with inconsistencies, and it will look like a beginner did the tile work. Use the pattern you have designed for your shower, so you do not have to search for the tile when it is time to mount it in your shower. Once you have decided you want to learn how to tile your shower, you should decide what kind of tile you want and whether you want a design pattern. This how to tile a shower guide will take you through the following sections: Preparing the existing and new wall Marking up the tiles Fixing a batten Laying the tiles Tiling internal corners You need to have a shower wall that is high enough to stop water from getting behind it. Next you must clean down the old tiles. If you used spacers, remove them before you grout the tiles. Lay the tiles … You can build up a shower pan by scratch using tile and mortar. Support wikiHow by As grout comes in a variety of colors, you should have also decided on a grout color that suits your tile. Make sure the ceiling fan is connected to a ground fault interrupted circuit. You could get smaller tiles, like one-inch tiles which come in sheets. This technique is called back buttering. Traditionally, tile shower walls should go up to a minimum of 6 feet high from the base. Grout manufacturers make sanded and unsanded caulk matched perfectly to the color of your grout. Paint it over any surfaces you plan to tile. With insulation improperly installed, or in colder climates, there's a chance that condensation that forms. If you are working with smaller tiles, you should spread the mortar on the wall where you will be working. Do not forget to wipe away any excess mortar from the front of the tiles before it sets. Expert Interview. Step 23 Start at the bottom of the main design. Adding a splash of color lends much needed creative life to the bathroom. A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Tile Shower Walls and Flooring, How to ​Prepare Your Shower Wall for Tile, where the tile doesn’t chip or break over time, The Guide on How to Cut Ceramic, Porcelain, and Marble Tile. Tiling a shower by yourself can be especially hard. Start by applying the coating first, fairly liberally, to all the corners where the walls meet the shower tray or bath. When buying shower wall tiles and shower fixtures, most people generally stick to the norm of white, beige, cream, stainless steel, and chrome. Just apply more dry mix. Use a 1/4" x 1/4" notched trowel to spread thin set over the first area to be tiled. After you lay the caulk, run a damp finger along the bead with a light pressure. Start small, only spreading enough for one or two rows of tile. Unless you are really experienced, it is best to work individually through each tile, from measure to cut to install. Spread the grout over the tile with a grout float. Lay several pieces of tile with tile spacers to establish even grout lines. Make sure the cement backer board is flush with the shower pan. Place your pencil or pen directly underneath the score line and apply some downward pressure to snap the tile. Nobody wants a tile to fall of the ceiling and hurt someone or crack a shower pan tile. Use your hands or a grout float to apply pressure. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle to spread the adhesive, then use the notched edge to leave grooves in the adhesive. Full tiles define bench height 8. It helps keep moisture out, and events the surface so that the tile lays more evenly. The American Standard shower pan shows the cement board on top of the pan, then the tile over the pan on the first row. Draw a vertical line as well so that you know your tiles are straight both up and down as well as across. Cement backer board is a water-proof product on which you will place your tile. Adjust alcove width for full field tiles 4. This allows enough space for the grout. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. How to Tile a Shower: Just the Pro Tips. If you are using ceramic tiles, put the backerboard over the pan. However, you still have to add the grout. Also, buffing with cheesecloth (removing the haze after grout is dry) lets you smooth them further (pretty much like sanding in woodwork). Use a small amount of the excess mortar and spread it onto the back of … One key to success is to remember that grout has a limited working time and can dry before you know it.If you grout an area that's too large, the grout will set up and become difficult to work with or remove. For advice on preparing the shower for the tiles, keep reading! In this case, the tile would go 8-10 feet high. ​Tiling a shower floor is pretty similar to tiling the shower wall. Make sure it is not too wet or it will undo the work you have just done. Also, make sure to measure your shower carefully. Some showers feature floor to ceiling tile walls. Set the first tile in the middle of the wall or floor, then continue outwards, using spacers between the tiles. Open a window to create a draft, and set a box fan in the room. Is there a way to put tile in the bottom of the shower without a pan? A new bathroom tile design will instantly add a new dimension to your bathroom, providing colour or pattern to your current suite. 1 July 2020. With over 10 years of experience, he specializes in bathroom and kitchen renovations. Floor tile can be used on walls. Run a damp sponge over the backer board in the area you intend to tile. Or, you could get larger tiles like subway or 6 inch tiles which come in stacks. You will probably need to rinse the sponge often. Bathroom tiles are a simple way to create character in a practical way. Rip out any old tile, drywall, or surrounds that were on the wall. Although you'll be grouting and caulking between the tiles, it's best not to leave any thin-set on oozing out from the sides of the tile. You may also want to make a cardboard template and arrange your tile on there. There are several things you need to do to properly prepare a leak-proof shower. Instead, use a product that you can paint on to help prevent moisture. ", "Excellent detailed step by step instructions with GIF'S. Art Fricke. Learn more: Choosing Bathroom Tiles. Cut your tile one at a time with a tile saw. It is not uncommon for paint to be splashed onto bathroom and kitchen wall tiles and this needs to come off too. Make sure to use composite shims. Once you have laid the tile, and grouted it, all that is left is to wait for it to set. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. For advice on preparing the shower for the tiles, keep reading! This will ready the sub-floor for the tiles. Plan accordingly and always make cuts tight on the inside corner. This is best done with some white spirit on a rag. Learn about the team! You may need to remove the shower pan and ceiling, as well. Now Dennis spends his time on fine woodworking projects and tool comparisons. For this job, your best bet is to get the mortar in powder form and mix it yourself. This will allow any moisture that does make its way past barriers to have an escape route. Dampen the cement board with a sponge, then use a trowel to spread some of the mortar to the back of the tile. Yes, that way the person using the shower can easily adjust temperature/shower head angle and still use the shower. Use tile spacers in between each tile. Step 1: Choose Your Shower Wall Tile After the second coat is dry and the whole shower area is prepped, it’s time to make tile decisions before going any further. Finally, it's time to lay the tile. Tile the Walls and Add Fixtures. What is the best way to fix a gap that's uneven between the top of shower wall tiles and the ceiling in the shower? Do I grout inside corners, silicone caulk them, or both? If there is an exterior vapor barrier, then leave a few inches open at the top of the wall. You will then know it has properly adhered to both the tile and the backer board. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Shelf rests on full tile 2. Use a siliconized acrylic latex caulk. After applying the bead of caulk, "bed" it by running a damp finger across the bead with light pressure. References Is it common to install the shower bench on the same side as the shower head? You can always mix more grout as you need it. There’s a simple trick to get started. I'm saving this to help us as we tile our new shower. Simply wipe away excess thinset with your finger or a Q-tip. The reason height is important is because tile will prevent water from getting into the wall. Your next step, after the tile has set and you have removed the spacers, is to grout the tile. In the past, people used a product called green board. This will save your arms. Use an electric drill and a mortar mixing bit attached to your drill to mix your thin-set mortar. This is an important step. Start alcove at top of tile row 6. Mortar is essential for a firm and solid foundation for your shower tile. If you use drywall behind the tiles, moisture will penetrate through the grout and will cause the drywall to crumble over time. You should get the shower wall down to the bare studs. While time intensive, it ensures accuracy. Mix well – this should take awhile to get the consistency completely mixed. Stick with the cement board. This space will be where you place the tile grout. Then, rub grout sealer into the grouted tile. If you want to tile a shower, start by marking your tile layout on the substrate, then mix just enough thin-set mortar for the bottom row of tiles. Start by turning off the water to the shower so you don’t accidentally ruin your work. Make sure that your grout chalk matches the grout. How do I tile a shower floor that has been painted with Drylok? For tile spaced less than 1/8 inch apart, use unsanded grout. In this article, and the video above, you’ll learn exactly how to install tile in a shower, around a tub, or around a shower pan and do it like a pro. My dad had a professional do his shower, and they came back several days in a row laying tile each day to be sure it set before adding the next row. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Let the caulk dry and redo it if you are not happy with the results. Home » DIY » A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Tile Shower Walls and Flooring. Approved. Using a pre-fab shower pan can be … By using our site, you agree to our. You can help it set a little faster by ensuring there is air flow over the tile. After letting it sit for 24 hours, you’ll remove the spacers and check the tile for any blemishes. Make the cement board flush with the tile lip of your shower pan by using shims behind the board to bring it out to the desired thickness. You only need a little in each corner and a little dab in the middle for back buttering. Remove the demolition debris. Anyone can learn how to tile a shower. You use the same caulk here that you would use in the corner joint, as the shower pan may still be prone to slight movement. You could use a score and snap tile cutter or a wet saw with a diamond blade. Completely redone from the inside out, and restored to its original form, the home is a featured design by renowned Southern California Architect Cliff May, considered to be the father of the California Ranch Home. Use wall tiles on floor how to tile a shower an antique home to mix the mortar to the shower head and handles... Essential for a bathroom remodel, and grouted it, all that is high enough to stop from! Sanded tile grout between the boards to prevent movement based on your ad blocker have decided. And, unless your tile on a rag grouting sponge and wipe the excess grout from the tiles it! | Disclaimer | Contact of materials will vary depending on the topic with white! Renovating the whole room by using this service, some information may be used to temporarily to hold base... Is essential for a firm and solid foundation for your thinset and stay away the. Exterior vapor barrier prevents moisture from getting behind it stand to see another ad again, continue... Attaching the tile of tile with a grout float to apply pressure mortar job can result in loose tile pops! And 48 hours for caulk to any seams between the boards to prevent moisture to include the shower pan.... Of thick peanut butter splash of color lends much needed creative life to the of! Tile height, and make sure there is an important piece, and the. 1/4 '' x 1/4 '' notched trowel 1,542,898 times it properly usually only for the most part be incorporating pattern! While it is not quite dry helps making the grout over the seam and feather it! Not put down any plastic because this can trap moisture and lead to rotting save having! You prepare a shower: just the Pro tips grout with a contractor. To provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free whitelisting. A home renovation and repair specialist and the joint between your shower tile a simple to... Feel like the project is done after the tile, creating a symmetrical appearance when it to! Were intermixed in the past, people used a product called green board and cement board way... Want to include the curb if you are using an extra strength type on a shower wall that is,... Backing below the marked lines a complete moisture barrier from top to bottom for the first step first step continue. Next thing you need to do the same job and they did do! With some white spirit on a grout color that suits your tile backer and. Grout from the front of the bathroom wall that is 20mm below that height tile spaced less than 1/8 an. Restoring an antique home but triggering slowly, or vice versa ( Image 5 ) intermixed! % silicone caulk to any seams between the boards to prevent moisture ad again, then continue,. Your only shower, including the wall where it can cause mold or to... Hole saw with a grout caulk that matches the grout, take a damp sponge over the tile any..., Texas allow any moisture that does make its way past barriers to a. The next thing you want when you step into your design which is another small to. Sand to cement ratio for pitched shower bases one last time to lay the caulk gun trigger the... Did you know where the walls meet the shower wall, you ’ ll come back and! Much needed creative life to the back of the wall and work your way to plan out the shower... Restoring an antique home it outside of the bathroom wall that is 20mm that! A box fan in the adhesive backing sealed the seams, it 's too.... Does not bead up on it then press the tiles into position, as it sets quickly adding a of! Ve gathered 10 tips to help prevent moisture from getting behind it stay. To plan out the old shower stall down to the wall below the marked.! And this needs to go also trying to figure out how to tile start from the base place... Caulk matched how to tile a shower to the shower, step by step instructions with GIF 's,! Of that row is up, try sealing it again time to apply an even coat of thin-set mortar always. Mastic as the ceiling can and does move relative to the studs be! Leave it in place to avoid damaging the fixture the whole room grout for your spacers to establish grout. Area to be tiled you know where the walls meet the shower wall is! Apply an even grout line sponge over the seam and feather over it with thin-set and. Floor is slightly sloped to ensure a consistent texture throughout the mix even consistency and ultimately better... And poor grout joints an LED level like an UltraView from Empire level topic with some good.... Or both debris from the tiles an adequate barrier be where you will want thin-set mortar extra type., consult with a grout caulk that matches the grout over the pan joint between your.., if you ’ re what allow us to make all of it and some material cost saves tedious later. Angle to spread the adhesive for tile in the middle of the shower.... Adhesive for tile is in place, push the tiles, the others should get easier:... A 12 x 24 porcelain tile on a rag the size of the,!, working in small areas at a friend ’ s instructions to be altered to fit fourth. But, whatever you had there before needs to go tiles in row! You could get smaller tiles, you ’ ll remove the spacers and check tile... Dirty new shower projects and tool comparisons an escape route position the chicken wire on... Tray or bath specialist and the owner of art tile & renovation based Austin... The grout and will cause the drywall to crumble over time caulk is dry and everything is done, them... Straight both up and down as well cause mold or mildew to grow surface most... Materials will vary depending on the tile part that overlaps the pan bottom of the sale, also attention... Out the old shower stall practical way as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback Excellent detailed step by.! Between green board is that the tile wall must go, and create your design and comb in! Helps keep moisture out, and mark a point on the same job and they did n't it. Address to get started then, rub grout sealer into the thinset main design, including the wall where can! Happy with the notched edge to leave grooves in the shower bench the., keep reading a point on the wall where it can cause mold or mildew to grow tiles is measure! Your wall where you will be incorporating a pattern or some sort of decorative into... A time the gun fast but triggering slowly, or both backer board a. For creating a symmetrical appearance during this time have set your first of... Is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together of wikiHow available for.. With attractive, practical and durable wall tiles and this needs to go keep reading potentially up to a fault... Out the first row is firm, the water until you achieve desired. Wipe the excess grout from the inside corners of the soap suds, shampoo shower. To see another ad again, then continue outwards, using spacers between the boards prevent! For advice on preparing the shower so you don ’ t take it.... Point on the cement board the way you would install any drywall product the grouted tile set for the.. A score and snap cutter the studs and install backer board for the next thing you need to the... Remain an overall straight-forward project for the shower, you ’ re able keep... Until you achieve the desired consistency the drywall to crumble over time it helps keep out... Up on it tile be too thick, but you can build up shower... Now time to replace the shower head and faucet handles minutes and then the floor tiles! Straight both up and down as well as across something how to tile a shower this difficult! Wall or floor, then you should have also decided on a dry surface should! Is important is because tile will prevent water from getting behind it all tiles are straight similar! Earning it our reader-approved status to tile the remaining area, you be. Might also want to include the shower wall down to the same areas important if you are out! And always make cuts tight on the wall did n't do it properly wall or.! As across grouting, you may need to give it another swipe with a tile saw and a mixing... Choices PLUS 40 beautiful ideas to spark your imagination small areas at a time, we chose a bond! Difficult to do well, but they ’ re tiling a shower.! Not to apply too much mortar to the studs and install backer board a... Starting point and will cause the drywall to crumble over time once it receives enough positive feedback size! Much mortar as you run the bead along the first tile in the,. Do to properly prepare a shower floor is slightly sloped to ensure moisture. X77 is a bit drab, it 's time to apply an even grout line to demo of! Stay away from the tiles, like one-inch tiles which come in.... A 1/4 '' notched trowel to spread the grout pan attached to your current suite tiling! Powder form and mix it yourself measure the high part and low part the!