How to Tile a Shower for a Professional Finish
Make a splash with clean lines and a smooth finish
- Drill
- Level
- Buckets
- Sponges
- Utility knife
- Caulk
- Epoxy grout
- Shower tiles
- Painter's tape
- Cement board
When it comes to home improvement projects, tiling a shower can be both a rewarding and challenging endeavor. Learning how to tile a shower will help you enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom and add value to your home. Let’s walk through each step, ensuring you have the confidence and knowledge to tackle your bathroom renovation and save big on the cost of tiling your shower.
Preparing to Tile Your Shower
All successful tiling projects start with detailed prep work. Begin by removing any existing tile or shower materials and protect the surrounding area with painter's tape and plastic sheeting to prevent damage and stop debris from flying everywhere.
Then, ensure the surface where you'll be tiling is clean, dry, and free of any debris. This will help the tiles adhere properly. If your shower doesn't already have a liner, install one to prevent water damage. Then, grab your tiling tools and get ready to transform your shower.
How to Tile a Shower
Tiling a shower involves many detailed steps. Follow this guide to ensure a professional, smooth, and waterproof shower finish.
Measure for Cement Board Placement
Begin by measuring the area where the cement board will be installed. Accurate measurements are essential to ensure a precise fit. If you’re not sure how to read a tape measure, you should probably hire a professional for this project.
Cut and Install Cement Board
Using your measurements and a utility knife, cut the cement board to size. Secure it to the shower studs using cement board screws, ensuring it is flush and level.
Caulk Cement Board Gaps
Apply a bead of silicone caulk to any gaps between the cement boards. This step is crucial to prevent water from seeping through.
Apply a Waterproofing Membrane
Brush or roll a waterproofing membrane over the cement board. This additional layer of protection will prevent moisture from penetrating the walls and causing mold growth or other water damage.
Mortar and Tile Your Shower Pan
Mix the thin-set mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply it to the shower pan with a notched trowel, then lay the tiles in place, pressing firmly to ensure a good bond.
Measure and Mark Center Points
Photo: triocean / istock / Getty ImagesMark the center points on each shower wall to guide your tile placement. This will help you evenly distribute and align the tiles.
Apply Mortar to Walls
Photo: Lari Bat / iStock / Getty ImagesSpread a layer of mortar on the wall using a notched trowel, starting at the center point and working outwards.
Install the First Row of Tiles
Photo: Ruslan Sidorov / iStock / Getty ImagesBegin by installing the first row of tiles along the bottom of the wall, starting at the center and working your way out to each corner. Use tile spacers to maintain even spacing, and wipe away any excess mortar with a damp sponge.
Finish Tiling
Continue tiling above the first row, ensuring each tile is level and evenly spaced.
Cut Tiles for Odd Places
Photo: actual_size / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesUse a tile cutter or wet saw to cut tiles to fit around the edges of the shower as well as the shower fixtures. Be mindful of any shower features you plan to add, such as a shower seat or a tile shower niche. Measure carefully to ensure a precise fit.
Remove Spacers and Clean Up Mortar
After the mortar has cured for 24 hours, remove the tile spacers and clean any remaining mortar from the tile surfaces with a damp sponge.
Add Grout and Let It Cure
Photo: photovs / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesMix the epoxy grout according to the manufacturer's instructions and apply it to the gaps between the tiles using a rubber grout float. Wipe away as much excess grout as possible with a damp sponge when you’re done, and allow it to cure for 24 hours.
Remove Grout Haze
Photo: Алина Битта / Adobe StockOnce the grout has cured, use a clean, dry cloth and a grout haze remover product to get rid of any grout haze on the surface of your new tile shower.
Apply a Tile and Grout Sealer
To protect your shower, apply a tile and grout sealer going from left to right. Wipe any excess sealer with a dry cloth, and then let the sealer settle. Sealing will help prevent stains and moisture damage.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Tile Your Shower
Tiling a shower is a labor-intensive project that requires precision and patience. You can save money and gain a sense of accomplishment by DIYing, but this job demands a certain level of skill and attention to detail for magazine-worthy results. If you're not confident in your abilities or lack the necessary tools, hiring a local tile contractor is the best option. Professionals have the expertise to ensure the job is done correctly and efficiently, saving you time and potential frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tiling a shower takes several days to complete, depending on the size of the shower and the complexity of the design. The process involves preparing the area, installing cement boards, applying waterproofing, and then laying the tiles. Each step requires precision and time for the materials to set and cure properly. Allow at least three to four days for the entire project, with additional time for grouting and sealing.
Yes, you can tile over existing shower tiles, but it's better to remove the old tiles first for the best results. Tiling over existing tiles requires a clean, level surface and proper adhesion. If the old tiles are in good condition, you can roughen the surface to improve adhesion. However, removing the old tiles ensures a smoother, longer-lasting finish and prevents potential issues down the line.
The best types of tiles for a shower are ceramic and porcelain tiles. These materials are durable, water-resistant, and easy to maintain, making them ideal for wet environments. Porcelain tiles are slightly more durable than ceramic. Both options come in a wide variety of styles, so you can achieve the perfect look for your bathroom.
To maintain your tiled shower, clean it regularly with a non-abrasive cleaner. This will also prevent mold and mildew buildup. Use a squeegee after each shower to reduce water spots and soap scum. Reapply grout sealer annually to protect against moisture and stains. Finally, address any cracks or damage promptly to prevent water from seeping behind the tiles and causing further issues.
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