How to Tile a Shower Step-by-Step DIY Guide?

If you're looking for ways to upgrade your bathroom, tiling is one smart way to give a fresh look and a pleasing aesthetic to the bathroom. If you are a pro in tiling, opt for DIY; else, hiring a professional is advisable. Beyond giving the bathroom a good look, it also helps to keep it clean and water-resistant. It also helps protect the walls and floor from moisture damage and prevents mold and mildew.

But, depending on the size of the bathroom, the project can get quite messy if not done properly. Hence. It is important to understand the process in detail, as it requires patience and precision. So, this blog talks about all you need to know about how to tile a shower!

Types of Tiles for Showers

Wall Tiles for Showers

Porcelain tiles are considered one of the best options for shower walls. The material has a water absorption rate of less than 0.5%, which makes it essentially waterproof. This makes it more durable and less likely to chip. You can consider using glazed ceramic tiles on the shower walls.

Floor Tiles

Shower floor tiles can become slippery, so it is important to choose ones that offer a strong grip. The DCOF, or Dynamic Coefficient of Friction, measures how slippery a surface is, especially when wet. For safety purposes, shower tiles should have a DCOF rating of at least 0.42, which is the recommended standard for indoor tiles exposed to moisture. The higher the DCOF value, the more slip-resistant the tiles are.

How to Tile a Shower?

The first thing you must do when planning to revamp or upgrade the shower tile is decide what type, style, and color of the tiles you'd want. This helps you map the result and work accordingly. When choosing the tiles, it is important to choose water-resistant, non-slippery materials. This is because the bathroom is one area of the home that is wet most of the time. This increases the chance of accidents.

Here is a detailed step-by-step process of tiling a shower -

Step 1: Prep Your Bathroom

To prep your bathroom, ensure to remove all the necessary wall items, such as wall hangings, mirrors, removable racks, etc. It is important to make sure the wall and floor are free from any obstructions. Before you move ahead with tiling the shower, it is important to cover the bathtub, sinks, and toilet. This prevents the tile pieces from falling into them. Some pieces are extremely small and can get stuck in the pipes and drains, causing severe plumbing issues.

Step 2: Gather the Tools Required

Once you have your bathroom ready, get the following tools and materials handy. Learning how to tile a shower is not challenging if you have the right tools and supplies. Having all of them beforehand ensures you can put your time and effort into the process.

• Tiles of your choice

• Wire cutter

• Tile spacers

• Silicone caulk

• Cement board

• Thinset mortar

• Notched trowel

• Drill and pry bar

• Grout haze cleaner

• Cement board screws

• Wet tile saw or tile cutter

• Waterproofing membrane paint

• Hammer, level, and plastic sheeting

In addition, if you're planning to remove the old tiles, it is advisable to have the following to ensure safety -

• Drop cloth

• Eye protection

• Plastic sheeting

• Respirator mask

• Broom or vacuum

• Sponge and bucket

Step 3: Remove the Shower Tile

Remove the old shower tiles using a prybar, chisel, and hammer. It is advisable to work from top to bottom and in small sections. Along the way, unscrew all the nails. If there's any metal mesh layer behind the backer board, remove it carefully using a wire cutter. Remove the debris to prevent injury, as broken tiles have sharp edges.

Step 4: Fix the Wall Structure

The wall structure where the tiles will go should be dry and solid. It should also not have mold and mildew growing in it. If your home is older, consider replacing the wood studs, as with time, wood tends to rot in an area with excessive moisture. Some homes also have drywall behind the tile surround, which also needs to be removed, as it is impossible to tile on drywall.

Step 5: Install a Backer Board

Once the wall is prepped, measure and mark the shower using chalk. It helps determine the horizontal and vertical center. Once done, measure the area to be covered with backerboard. Next, cut it with a knife by bending it a little backward and then cutting the back. Now, cut holes in the backerboard using a hole saw, and secure it to the studs with concrete screws. It is advisable to apply cement board tape to every seam, embed it with thinset mortar, and smooth it out.

Step 6: Apply Waterproof Membrane

Now, when the cement backer is in place, apply a waterproof tile membrane to the cement backer board. Let it dry for about 1-2 hours (which may take up to 12 hours), depending on the condition. Once dried, apply a second coat. It is advisable to pay attention to the joints.

Step 7: Create a Story Pole

Story pole is a temporary layout tool that identifies and standardizes locations on the work area. Place a scrap piece of two-by-four against the tile's side to form a story pole. Then, using the plastic tile spacers, arrange the tiles for each wall in the intended wall pattern on the floor. When done, place the tiles in a symmetrical outward motion, beginning at the center strike spots.

Step 8: Align the Starting Point

Start with the second row up from the bottom. It ensures an even row and acts as a foundation for the rest of the tiles. If you have an uneven shower base, cut the tiles to fit the last row. Then, draw a leveled line where the bottom of this initial row will fall. To give a straight and sharp edge for the tile to follow, add a straight board to the backer board along the line. It also helps support the tiles when they're drying.

Step 9: Mix Thinset Mortar

To mix thinset mortar, add a bag of mortar to a good amount of clean and cool water in a mixing bucket. Mix at a low speed (300 rpm) using an electric mixing drill, for 2-3 minutes until the consistency is smooth, lump-free, and like peanut butter. Leave it for 5-10 minutes to sit and mix it again, without adding any liquid.

Step 10: Install the Tiles

Before installing the tiles, it is advisable to run a damp sponge over the backer board. It helps remove dust and grime deposits that may compromise the adhesive bond of the surface and the tile. Start low by applying the thinset on the cement board along the first row using the notched side of the trowel. To ensure the tiles adhere to the surface, apply a small amount of mixture to the back. Lastly, place the tile on the mortar and press gently as per the marked guide, and install a tile spacer.

Step 11: Complete the Tiling Process

Continue adding up the tiles as per the guide. For corners and the area near the showerhead and faucets, cut the tiles using a tile cutter to fit the size of the space. This part can be tricky, so ensure to properly measure before cutting the tiles. Complete the tiling process by following the markings. For tiling around the drain, cut the tiles to the shape closest to the drain to give the shower a finished look.

Step 12: Grout the Tiles

Wait for the thinset mortar to dry, which can take about two days, depending on the humidity and moisture in the bathroom. Once it dries, remove the tile spacer and apply grout. You can prepare grout of any color as per the manufacturer's instructions. Now, apply the grout to fill in the gap diagonally using a runner float and cover small areas at a time. Once it dries, seal it with grout sealer.

Conclusion

It is advisable to call a professional for tiling the shower, as there are several steps involved. It'll take a lot of time if you don't have prior experience in the field. Professionals work with precision, leaving no room for error, and ensure the tiling and waterproofing are up to the mark.