How to Tile a Shower Floor

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By burlykim
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Tile a Shower Floor

You can increase the value of your home and the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom if you tile your shower floor. Tiling your shower floor is not all that difficult, and is far classier than a shower tray. This article shows you, step by step, how to use ceramic tiles to tile your shower floor.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

finish trowel
thin-set or adhesive mortar
fiberglass mesh tape
shower pan membrane liner
staple gun with staples (nails can be substituted)
tiles
grout

Step 1

First, you must slope the floor using mortar and a finish trowel. This will allow the water to drain, minimizing your chances with leaks. Apply a coat of mortar to the shower floor, making it slope from the walls toward the drain. The slope will direct the water to the drain. Make sure the edges of the shower are at least 3" higher than the center to ensure proper drainage.
Step 2

If ceramic tile is desired on the floor of the shower as well, then a shower pan membrane liner should be installed prior to the installation of the WonderBoard or Durock cement board.
Step 3

Next, install a shower pan membrane liner. This is supple plastic, and allows water that gets through the tiles and mortar to still find its way down the drain. Lay the liner at the base of the shower area, folding and forming it to the shape of the shower floor. Use the staple gun (or nails) to attach it to the shower wall frame. Cut a slit where you will want the drain assembly.
Step 4

Install a ceramic tile backerboard.
Step 5

Cover any joints around the edges with fiberglass mesh tape. It is recommended that you cover every little hole that water could even conceivably get through. You don't want to do this twice, right?
Step 6

Install a final coat of mortar on top of the liner to protect it and give you a solid surface for laying the ceramic floor tile.
Step 7

Once the mortar has set, apply a coating of latex thin-set or adhesive mortar so that the tiles have something to stick to.
Step 8

It's time to tile. Start at the drain and work outward to the edges. Use full floor pieces as much as possible.
Step 9

After the mortar has set, grout the tiles and clean away any excess with a damp cloth.
Step 10

After you have successfully installed the tile and grout, readjust the shower drain assembly so that the drain sits flush with the surface of your tile floor.
Step 11

Allow at least 48 hours for the grout to dry before using your newly tiled shower. Enjoy!