Tiling a Shower Stall

Tiling around a shower can add a touch of class to any bathroom.

Contractors create costly renovations through the materials they require and the workers' time. By doing your own small renovations, such as tiling a shower stall, you save money designated towards contractor's labor and you can find materials at discoun. The feelings of accomplishment and ownership over the project you do yourself is an added bonus.Tiling a shower is simple and just requires time, tools and an eye for detail.

Things You'll Need

• Mortar mix
• Dust mask
• Small bucket
• Mortar trowel
• Mortar comb
• Tiles
• Small flat board
• Rubber mallet
• Tile spacers
• Grout mixture
• Trowel
• Sponge
• Small bucket of water

Instructions

1. Remove any previous tiling if your are redoing a shower. If not, ensure that the vapor barrier and cement board backer are in place.

2. Ensure there is no damage in the previously tiled area. If there is, make the necessary repairs before proceeding with the tiling.

3. Pour the mortar mix into the small bucket. Add water slowly and begin to mix it with the trowel until it achieves a wet, thick consistency without becoming watery. Only make enough to last about half an hour, and then mix more as needed. Measurements vary for each manufacturer's mortar,

4. Spread a thin layer of mortar over a section of the wall where you can set the tiles in 15 minutes, starting from the bottom. If you apply too much, the mortar sets too fast and becomes too dry to hold the tiles.

5. Comb the wet surface after about five minutes with a mortar comb.

6. Place one layer of tiles on the combed area.

7. Hit the tiles gently into the mortar by setting a flat board over top and hitting it with the rubber mallet.

8. Place spacers next to the tiles to ensure that the next set is evenly spaced from the first group of tiles.

9. Continue placing and hitting tiles in until they cover the entire area. Then repeat the entire process by placing more mortar on the wall to be tiled. Allow the tiled area to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually about 48 hours.

10. Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the grout over the tile using a trowel, ensuring it is also filling the spaces between the tile. Scrape off large amounts of excess grout with the trowel. Wet a sponge and wipe off all excess grout so the tile faces are clean.

11. Allow the shower to dry for three days before use.

Tips & Warnings

• Continue to check how level the tiles are by using a leveler.

References

• The Tile Doctor: Tile How-To
• HGTV: How to Install Tile in a Bathroom Shower
• Lowe's: Install a Tile Backsplash
• John Bridge; Making Deck Mud (Dry Pack) for Tiled Shower Floors; John Bridge; May, 2006