How to Install Ceramic Tile Around a Tub

Bullnose tile

Bathtub enclosures made of plastic or fiberglass can be purchased and installed in one single unit, and some are even designed to look like ceramic tile. But there's nothing like the genuine article. If you decide to hang ceramic tile around your tub enclosure, the biggest challenge might be laying it out to fit the enclosure area. If there are no natural borders (i.e., adjacent walls, trim or other architectural features), you'll have to incorporate bullnose tile into your layout to create your own border.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil Tape measure Level Enough 1/2-inch cement board to cover the area to be tiled Enough ceramic tile to cover the area. (NOTE: If you're creating your own border around the area, instead of having it end at adjacent walls, then include enough bullnose tile to border the area) Tile adhesive Adhesive trowel Screwgun Box of 1-inch drywall screws Tile spacers Powdered grout Bucket Grout trowel Sponge Putty knife Flathead screwdriver

Instructions

1. With your level and pencil, mark out the borders of the area you want to tile. If the tile line is going to end partway up the wall or partway to either side (as opposed to butting up against a corner), then adjust your lines so that there will be only full tiles with no partial pieces, and incorporate the measurement of your bullnose tiles into the dimensions. When making that measurement, don't forget to include 1/4 inch extra per tile for the spaces between.

2. Measure and cut your first piece of cement board for the area around the tub. Cut it by scoring it with your razor knife held along your t-square and then bending the piece along the line until it snaps. Spread carpenter's glue all over the back and press the piece to the wall, lined up with your pencil lines. With your screwgun, sink drywall screws every 6 inches throughout the surface. Repeat until the whole area is covered.

3. With your tape measure and level, find the center of each wall around the tub and divide each wall into four even squares. Working one square at a time, spread tile adhesive on the wall with your adhesive trowel and press the tiles into place. Use the plastic spacers between them. Continue until you've laid as many full tiles as will fit on the wall. (If your tiled area is ending in mid-wall, then use bullnose tiles for the final course, with the curved edge facing out.)

4. If your tiled area ends at walls or the ceiling, measure and cut the tiles for the edges, using your manual tile cutter according to its instructions. Glue the cut tiles to the wall in the same way as the full tiles.

5. Let the tiles set for a day, then pop out the tile spacers with your flathead screwdriver. Mix powdered grout and water in your bucket with your putty knife to a thick mud consistency. Let it stand for a few minutes in the bucket. With your grout trowel, wipe the grout onto the wall, pressing it into the lines. Let it sit on the wall for a few minutes, then wipe it all down with a wet sponge, clearing all grout off the tile surface and smoothing the grout in the lines. Let dry overnight.

6. If your tiled area isn't bordered by walls, the ends of your cement board will be exposed under the bullnose edges of the tile. Run a clean caulk line along the edge of the cement board to seal it, without letting the caulk cover the bullnose.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to experiment with different tile colors and designs as you're laying out your tile--but make sure you're happy with it before you glue it the wall.

• When using your screwgun, wear eye protection.

References

• Installing ceramic tile around a bathtub enclosure