Adding tiles to your shower can increase the beauty and value of your bathroom. Here you’ll find a few helpful tips to start your project and head off to a non-leaky, tiled shower!
Before you begin doing any tiling, you will have to gut the shower stall all the way down to the naked studs. In some cases, you may need to remove the shower pan and ceiling as well. *Always consult a contractor when completing do-it-yourself jobs. You will have to choose a vapor barrier and install it according to the manufacturer’s instruction. If the vapor barrier is installed incorrectly, mold and mildew may grow. Wedi boards are another option that is usually preferred than cement board. If a membranous barrier like Kerdi is chosen, installing plain drywall can be used.
Install a sturdy cement board backer. Putting up a cement board is very similar to putting up drywall. It can be cut to fit and then just screwed into the studs. Leave a 1/8” gap between the panels and use a hole saw to cut the holes where the showerhead and handles would come through. Make the cement board flush with the tile lip of the shower pan by using shims behind the board to bring it out to the desired thickness. Use silicone caulk to seal the seams between each panel.
Measure the height of a tile minus ½” by measuring up from the bottom of the backer board. This gives you ½” overlap over the tile lip on your shower pan. Mark this area and use a level to transfer the mark across the shower stall. This is your guide for the top of the first row, so all of the tiles will be level. Now mix enough thin-set for the bottom row.
Use a sponge to dampen the cement board. If this step is overlooked, the cement board will take out the moisture from the thin-set too fast, and make it brittle and susceptible to cracking.
Use a notched trowel on some thin-set and spread it. Now set the tile into it by slightly twisting while simultaneously pushing into the thin-set. Remove the tile to make sure there is good coverage on the back. Now reinstall it and keep setting the tiles using tile spacers. Let the bottom row set for about 24 hours.
Keep repeating this procedure, setting each row on top of the last. Continue this until you reach the top of the shower stall.
Let the tiles set for 48 hours.
Grouting the tile. Mix the grout using the manufacturer’s instructions and use a sponge to smooth it onto the joints. After about 40 minutes (check the directions) wipe the excess grout with a damp sponge. Keep wiping with a clean sponge until the tile is clear.
Let the grout cure for 24-48 hours before you seal it.
All done! Now you have a beautifully tiled bathroom shower. Please keep in mind that this are just tips and a loose guideline. Always consult a contractor and be sure to fully research your project before beginning.
(how articles/how to tile a shower)
Tags: bathroom, grout, tile, shower, Kerdi, drywall, vapor barrier
