Tiling is a highly satisfying DIY project that rewards patience and attention to detail.
Read on to see step-by-stepinstructions for how to tile a shower.
For the floor, the tile should provide enough grip to stand on when showering.
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Wall Tile
Porcelain tilecan be used for shower walls.
Porcelain tile has a water absorption rate of 0.5 percent or loweressentially, it is waterproof.
Most glazed ceramic tile can be used on shower walls.
Glass tile is an excellent shower tile for its brilliant color register and near-zero water absorption rate.
It is also easy to clean.
Floor Tile
Shower floor tiles can become slippery and dangerous, so maximum grip is important.
Shower floor tile should have a DCOF value equal to or greater than 0.42.
This is the standard for interior-level tiles that are expected to be walked upon when wet.
Higher numbers mean greater slip resistance.
Safety Considerations
Turn off all electrical circuits that serviceelectrical wiresadjacent to the shower.
Use eye, hearing, and breathing protection whencutting tileor when demolishing the existing shower.
For removing debris, also protect the floors outside of the bathroom.
Build these accessories from scratch or with pre-built items.
Pre-Built Shelves
Pre-built shelves are made of polystyrene and are pre-sloped.
Ready for tiling, there is no need for cement board, taping, or liquid waterproof membrane.
A story pole is a temporary layout tool.
Based on project measurements, it identifies and standardizes locations on the work area.
Look at the back of the tile and the cement board to assess coverage.
If you’re not seeing a sufficient amount of thinset, switch to a 1/2-inch notched trowel.
Cost to Tile a Shower
The cost of tiling the shower consists mainly ofpurchasing tiles.
Estimate on spending about $5 to $10 per square foot for tile.
Setting materials will cost another $4 to $6 per square foot.
When tiling a shower, start installing the tile in the second row up from the bottom.
Tiling a shower is fairly easy, butwaterproofing a showeris more difficult.
A moisture vapor barrier must be installed behindcement backer boards, which are then coated with waterproofing membrane paint.
The substrate is typically a cement board or cement backer board.
You cantile either the walls or floorsfirst.
Some tile installers prefer tiling the floor first so the tiled walls overlap the floor.
Wait 48 to 72 hours to shower after you’ve installed new tiles.
This provides enough time for the grout and any sealant to dry.
Tiling under a shower tray could lead to an uneven surface and is not recommended.
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