How To Tile A Shower

When remodeling a bathroom you may want to learn how to tile a shower. Tiling a shower can add elegance to a bathroom as well as being a cost affective option on your bathroom remodeling budget. Tiling a shower can be part of a whole bathroom remodel or just a quick facelift to update the style. Tiling a shower can be done by yourself but can often go much faster and easier when having a friend help out.

To tile a shower, you will need:

• mortar
• tile saw nippers
• backer board
• spacers
• grout
• tile
• level
• trowel
• float
• bucket
• sponge
• chalk line
• moisture barrier

1. Getting started. The first step is laying the backer board to attach the tile to. To lay the backer board you will want to cut it, if needed, and screw it down to the existing subfloor or wall. This creates a better surface for the tile to bond to as well as another moisture barrier between the water and the structure of your home.  The next is to mix up your mortar according to the directions on the back of the bag. The mortar is used to attach the tile to the backer board.

2. Make it level. Snap a level chalk line to begin laying your shower tile. The chalk line serves as your line to follow to lay the first row of tile.  Using the trowel spread the mortar along the chalk line in a wide enough space to fit one or two tiles. Push tile into the mortar along the chalk line, wiggle back and forth to ensure a tight stick. Use the level to ensure the tiles are running in a straight line. Place a spacer in between each tile to make sure they are evenly spaced apart.

3. The grout. After all the tile has been laid, you need to let the mortar dry, usually over night. Mix the grout according to the directions on the back of the bag. Place a small amount of grout on the tile and with the float work the grout into the lines between the tile. Once you have completed grouting the shower tile, you will want clean the excess grout from the tile. Using a sponge and warm water continue wiping the tile down until there is no longer a cloudy residue.

Sit back and enjoy all your hard work. Once a tile job is completed, it is time to relax.   

Tips:

• Choose your products. Before you begin to tile a shower make sure you have all of the products needed. It is better to have too much than not enough products Any unopened products can be returned.