By reeves A new tile shower can make your bathroom look better. Learn about the steps, tools and materials required to tile a shower.
What is Tiling?
Tiling involves using mortar to cover a surface and grouting the spaces between tiles with grout. A necessary step in waterproofing a bathing area is to cover shower walls with tiles, or use a prefabricated shower unit. There are many options for shower wall tiles. You can choose from a variety of textures, colors and patterns. You can choose from mosaic tiles, porcelain tiles or large format tiles.
Tiling is a meticulous job that requires attention and precision, especially in damp areas where mold or mildew can cause serious problems. If you are new to DIY home improvements, it is possible to tile your shower yourself. However, you should consider hiring a professional to help.
20 Tools and Materials to Tie a Shower
Before you start a shower tile project, make sure that you have the right tools and materials.
1. Hammer: To remove old tiles from your shower, you’ll need a hammer or a chisel.
2. Measurement tape: This will help you measure the area you’ll need for your tile project. This will help you plan your tile layout.
3. Tile cutter – Whether you are using ceramic, stone, porcelain or large format tiles, a saw can be used to cut them. Snap cutters are great for cutting thin tiles. However, some tiles will require a wetsaw to trim precisely. If you have many tiles to cut, it is worth renting a wetsaw. A wet saw allows you to cut precisely to match your tile layout.
4. Cement backing board: Cement backing board replaces drywall for tile installation in wet areas. It is similar to drywall and comes in different sizes and widths.
5. Cement board fasteners – You will need the appropriate screws or cement board fasteners and a screwdriver for attaching the cement backerboard to the wall studs.
6. Cementboard backer drywall tap: Cover the seams where your boards meet with cementboard backer tape.
7. Thinset mortar – To adhere your tiles to your backingboard, you’ll need thinset mortar that is peanut butter-like in consistency.
8. Tile – All shower-friendly materials include mosaic tiles, subway tiles and porcelain tiles. Any other type of tile is also possible and recommended for bathrooms. You may also need another type of tile if you want to tile your shower floor and shower walls.
9. Waterproofing membrane – Waterproofing membranes are available in either sheet or liquid forms and can be applied to walls before cement backer boards. You will need to use paint brushes to apply a liquid waterproof membrane.
10. Notched trowel – To spread the adhesive on your wall, you’ll need a serrated tool such as a notched trowel.
11. Level – Use a level to ensure that your tiles are placed on a flat surface.
12. Shims – You will need a level surface to install your cement backer board. Shims are used to level out-of-plumb walls.
13. Unsanded grout : To seal the gaps between your tiles, you’ll need grout. Pre-mixed grout can be purchased or you can mix your own grout. To avoid scratching your tiles, make sure that the grout you use is not sanded.
14. Rubber flotation: This is a tool that you use to grout between tiles.
15. Caulk – To waterproof your tile, apply silicone caulk to the edges and corners of your tile.
16. Sealant – Grout sealant, silicone sealant, protect grout joints and caulk.
17. Safety gear: Use safety glasses and gloves while cutting tiles for your project.
18. Hole saw – To cut the cement backer board into spaces for your showerhead and fixtures, you’ll need to use a hole saw.
19. Tile spacers – Use spacers to ensure tiles are laid evenly during tiling in auckland.
20. Guide board Depending on which tile you are using, you might need to attach a guideboard to the shower wall’s bottom to ensure that the tiles remain level and secure. This board will be removed and your final row of tiles will be applied.
How to tile a shower in 14 steps
You may have seen bathroom tile installed on drywall before. Installing a tile shower takes a little more work and requires some minor variations in order to make sure the shower area is waterproof.
1. Select and buy your tile. There are many tile options. After you have chosen your tile and layout, measure every wall of the shower. To determine the area of your shower, multiply the height and width of each wall by 2. In case tiles fall during transit, or during the construction of your project, it is a good rule of thumb to order 10 percent more tile.
2. Take out the old tile. To remove the old tile, use a hammer with a chisel. Start at the top and work your way down. You don’t need to worry about damaging walls because you will be replacing them with a backer board.
3. Inspect the surface to make any necessary repairs. After you have removed the tile, inspect the surface to make sure it is in good condition. Inspect the surface for any mold or rotten studs. If you find mold or rotten studs, you may need to make repairs in order to move on. Stop working if you find mold.
4. Take out the old drywall. To make room for a new cement backing board, remove all drywall from below the showerhead. The cement backing board is a water-resistant surface that your tile can use. This is especially important in high-moisture locations. You should make sure that you have a backer board to match the thickness of any drywall left in your shower area.
5. Install the backerboard. Take measurements of the area to be used for your shower and use a handsaw or a carbide-bladed jigsaw to cut the boards. Use cement board screws to attach the backer board the studs. You can leave a quarter inch gap at the base of your shower using shims. This is known as an expansion gap. Apply thinset mortar to the cement board backing drywall tape over all seams.
6. Use waterproofing membrane. Cement board does not have the ability to be waterproof by itself. To make cement board waterproof, you need to cover it with a waterproof membrane. Use a brush to apply a liquid waterproofing membrane around the seams and corners. Next, roll the membrane onto the remainder of the surface with a large brush or paint roller. To ensure that the area is adequately waterproofed, apply two coats and let each one dry completely before you move on.
7. Plan your tile layout. Once you’ve chosen your tile, determine your tile layout. Before installing the tiles, measure your wall with a tape measure. You will need to make adjustments in order for the pattern to be consistent and minimal cutting. You can apply tile in rows, as you would with subway tiles. Start with the second row at the bottom. Use a level to mark the location of your second row. Attach your guide board to your wall to provide a straight edge for you to work from. This will ensure that the tiles rows are level as you move up the wall.
8. Mix mortar. Mix the mortar according to the instructions on the packaging. Thinset mortar should have the consistency of peanut butter. Use the trowel’s notched side to apply the mortar to the tiles. The manufacturer of the tile should indicate which size trowel to use. Do not apply all of the thinset mortar at once. To prevent the thinset mortar drying out, you should work in small areas and one row at a stretch before placing your tile.
9. Place the tiles. You may have to cut the tiles depending on their size before you apply the thinset. You can score the tile using a tile cutter. Then, apply pressure to snap it to the right size. Bullnose tiles are tiles with rounded edges. To ensure even grout lines after you have set the tile, tile spacers are used to make sure that they don’t get lost.
10. Use the bottom row. After all the rows have dried and are secured, take out the guide board. Measure and cut the tiles according to your measurements. Make sure there is a quarter inch expansion space between the tile and the bathtub or floor.
11. Grout the tile. Let the thinset mortar dry for at most twenty-four hours. Next, take out the tile spacers. You should ensure that you purchase unsanded grout. Otherwise, grout can scratch tile. Mix the grout in small pieces and then apply it to tile using a rubber grout floating. Make sure you fill every gap with grout
12. Clean your tile. After grout has dried for about ten minutes, you can use a sponge to clean off any excess grout. Do not remove grout from grout joints. The grout can make tiles appear hazy. After the grout has dried completely, you can clean the tiles with a haze removal agent.
13. Use sealants. After grout and caulk has dried for several days apply sealant to the entire surface.
14. Add finishing touches. You are almost done with your new tile shower. You can replace the shower door and any plumbing or lighting fixtures you have removed to make way for tile.
Here are 4 tips to help you manage a shower.
These are some tips to consider before you tile a shower.
1. You have two options: hire a professional or do it yourself. It is essential to waterproof your shower area properly in order to ensure safety and success. The project should be completed by homeowners who have experience with complex home improvements. If you are new to tile installation, it is worth hiring a licensed, insured contractor.
2. Look at the back of your tile to ensure that it has good thinset coverage. After placing your first tile, remove it quickly from the wall and check that thinset mortar has been evenly distributed across the entire tile. You might consider using a longer notched trowel such as a 1/2-inch trowel.
3. Select a tile that has a good grip. Shower floors can be slippery and dangerous. Consider using tile with enough texture for grip when installing tiles on your shower floor.
4. You might consider installing a pre-built shower pan. A custom-made shower pan gives you more flexibility but also increases the risk of leaks. Pre-fabricated shower pans, which are usually made of fiberglass or acrylic, are simple to install and can be used to prevent a leaky pan.