How to Build a Shower Stall With Tiles

Building your own tiled shower stall is a great way to add value to your home.

Choosing to build and tile your own shower enclosure in your home not only saves space in your bathroom, but it also saves you money on hiring a contractor for a task even a beginner can complete. Installing the tiles in your shower stall is the most important step, as the tiles will make the enclosure waterproof. Without this barrier, the substrate underneath would have to be replaced continually because of the moisture and mold buildup.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Chalk line
• Level
• T-square
• Thinset mortar
• Notched trowel
• Plastic tile spacers
• Wax crayon
• Wet tile saw
• Tile scriber
• Tile nippers
• Grout
• Rubber float
• Damp cloth
• Caulk
• Caulking gun

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of one wall you will be tiling with a measuring tape. Multiply these two numbers and you will have the area of this panel. Repeat this with each wall, as well as the floor and ceiling. Add all of the areas and you will have the total area that you must cover.

2. Snap a chalk line across the width of a wall, using the level to ensure it is level with the floor. Snap an intersecting chalk line, across the length of the wall, using a T-square to make sure it is perpendicular to both the floor and the other chalk line. Repeat on each panel of the shower stall. These intersecting chalk lines will serve as a guide for the first tile you lay.

3. Mix the thinset mortar according to the instructions on the package. Only mix as much thinset mortar as you can use in a half hour, as it will become brittle if it dries out.

4. Spread an even layer of thinset mortar, using the smooth edge of the notched trowel and using the intersecting chalk lines as a guide. Go over the spread mortar once more with the notched edge of the trowel. This will create grooves in the mortar that will help the tile adhere to the wall with suction.

5. Lay the first tile at the intersection of the chalk lines. Apply even pressure with both hands, using a slight wiggle to help ease out any air bubbles in the mortar.

6. Add plastic tile spacers on each side of the tile. Continue spreading mortar and laying tiles until you reach the edge of the wall or a fixture. In both cases, cut the tile to fit.

7. Make straight cuts to fit the tile against the edges, using a wet tile saw. Mark the tile, using a straight edge and wax crayon. Line up the mark on the tile with the mark on the carriage of the wet tile saw. Slowly and carefully feed the tile into the rotating blade, being sure not to apply too much pressure, as this could lead to a break in the tile.

8. Make curved cuts to fit around fixtures, using a tile scriber and tile nippers. Mark the curve on the tile surface with a wax crayon. Use the tile scriber to etch a groove into the tile face where you have marked it. This groove will serve as a guide for the tile nippers. Use the tile nippers to carefully nip bits of the tile away, until all that is left is the curve you drew.

9. Spread mortar in the remaining spaces and set the cut tiles. Allow the mortar to dry according to the instructions on the package. Remove plastic tile spacers from between the tiles.

10. Mix the grout according to the instructions on the package. Use a rubber float to spread the grout into the spaces between the tiles. Wipe away any excess grout, using a damp cloth. Allow the grout to cure according to the instructions on the package. A typical drying time is anywhere between 12 and 36 hours.

11. Remove any haze that may have been left on the tile face, using a damp cloth in a circular motion.

12. Load the caulking gun with caulk and line each seam of the shower stall, as well as around each fixture. It is important to make a perfect seal as this will keep the substrate underneath from growing mold. Allow the caulk to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use your newly tiled shower for at least a week to prevent any shifting or sagging tiles.

• Always wear protective gloves and goggles when cutting tiles.

References

• The Tile Doctor: Tile Showers

Resources

• North American Tile: Ceramic Tile Showers and Bathroom Remodeling