How to Tile a Shower

Installing ceramic tile to a shower is not as difficult as most people think. It's actually a pretty simple do-it-yourself project that you can tackle in a weekend. With so many colors and patterns available, you can transform the look of your entire bathroom simply by adding tile to your shower. Just like any home improvement project, the key to success is taking your time and making sure you have the right tools.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Level
• Trowel
• Ceramic tile mortar
• Tile spacers
• Micro cutter
• Pencil
• Grout floater
• Damp cloth
• Silicone caulk
• Grout sealer

1. Use a carpenter's level draw a horizontal line to use as a guide for the lowest row of your tile. Then draw a vertical line marking the center of the shower wall.

2. Apply ceramic tile mortar to the wall with a trowel. Leave a small gap between the area where the tile starts and the tub or floor. This gap will be filled in later with caulk. Only apply mortar to an area large enough to tile in 10 minutes or it will dry out and have to be reapplied.

3. Set the first piece of tile at what will become the bottom row starting on the center line. Add the next piece of tile in the row and begin to work out and up towards the corners. Use tile spacers to ensure adequate space and uniformity between tiles.

4. Use a micro cutter or nipper to cut tiles to size once you reach the corners or plumbing fixtures. It's best to mark the cut with a pencil first to use as a guide.

5. Allow the tile to dry for 24 hours and then remove all the tile spacers.

6. Apply grout to the joints using a grout float. Complete a small area at a time making sure to wipe the excess off the face of the tile with a damp cloth. Allow the grout to set for 30 minutes and buff the shower wall with a dry soft cloth.

7. Caulk around the shower fixtures, base of the shower and in the corners to prevent water leakage.

8. Allow the grout to set for 2 to 3 days and then apply a grout sealer to prevent the grout from becoming porous.

Tips & Warnings

• If the mortar oozes out between tiles, simply wipe it off with a damp cloth.

[Tileguy]

on 1/7/2009 I hope you are not advising tile be set over drywall. It will fail in short order. Cement backer board must be installed first. Tear out the drywall, and fasten backer board to the studs (it's also wise to apply a moisture barrier to the studs first).

You have made this sound simple. It isn't.