How to Apply Tile to a Shower Bench
Homes that have a tile shower may also have a shower bench that was installed. You can add a shower bench to an existing tile shower or have it built in during a bathroom remodel. Tiling the shower bench is the same as the enclosure except that you need to lay vertical and horizontal tiles. The shower bench can have the same design as your shower enclosure of you can create your own tile pattern. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Table saw
- Tile saw
- Backer board
- Drywall screws
- Pencil
- Caulk
- Caulk gun
- Tile spacers
- Power drill
- Mortar
- Grout
- Trowel
- Masonry stone
Instructions
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1
Measure the shower bench to determine the amount of backer board that you will need. Transfer the measurements to the backer board and mark it with a pencil where it will need to be cut.
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2
Cut the backer board to the proper size using a table saw.
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3
Attach the backer board to the shower bench using drywall screws and a power drill.
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4
Run a bead of caulk along all of the seams with caulk using a caulk gun. Smooth out the caulk with your finger.
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5
Mix the mortar that will be used to adhere the tile. Follow the instructions on the mortar mix for the correct amount.
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6
Spread the mortar over the shower bench with a trowel. Use enough mortar for one to two tiles at a time. You can start with the sides first or the top.
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7
Lay the tile on the mortar. Place spacers between the tiles for the grout. Let the mortar dry overnight before applying the grout. Use a tile saw to cut the tile to fit properly.
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8
Apply the grout to the tile using the trowel. Pull the trowel at an angle to the grout line to make sure all of the grout is being used.
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9
Round the corners of the tile edges with masonry stone to remove sharp edges.
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10
Seal the grout lines once the grout has had time to properly dry or cure.
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Tips & Warnings
The shower bench is typically lined with tile after you have finished tiling the shower enclosure.
Dip your finger in a cup of water to smooth out the caulk.
Wear eye protection when using a table saw or tile saw.
