How To Lay Shower Tile

Laying shower tile can be a daunting task for the inexperienced DIYer. However, with the right tools, materials, and a bit of patience, you can transform your bathroom into a luxurious oasis. To help you get started, here is a comprehensive guide on how to lay shower tile.

Gather Materials

Before you can start laying your tile, you’ll need to make sure you have the right materials. The most important items you’ll need include:

• Tile
• Grout
• Tile spacers
• Tile adhesive
• Caulk
• Rubber float
• Grout sealer

Prep the Shower

Before you can start laying the tile, you need to make sure the shower is prepped. Begin by removing any existing fixtures and cleaning the shower. Use a wire brush to scrape away any rust, dirt, or debris. Once the shower is clean and dry, you’ll need to check the walls for any weak spots or damage that needs to be repaired. Use a layer of cement board to waterproof the walls before laying the tile.

Lay the Tile

Now that you have prepped the shower and gathered the materials, you are ready to start laying the tile. Begin by marking the walls to determine where the tile should start and end. You can use a level and pencil to draw the lines. Use tile spacers to ensure the tiles are evenly spaced and to make sure the walls are level. The spacers should be inserted between the tiles before the adhesive sets.

Next, use tile adhesive to adhere the tiles to the walls. Spread a thin layer of adhesive on the wall using a notched trowel. Then press the tiles into the adhesive and use tile spacers to maintain even spacing. Once the tiles have been adhered to the wall, use a rubber float to push the tiles further into the adhesive.

Grout and Seal the Tile

Once the tiles have been laid, you can move on to grouting and sealing. Begin by mixing the grout according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a rubber float to spread the grout over the tiles. Make sure to use a circular motion to ensure the grout gets into the gaps between the tiles. Once the grout has set, use a damp sponge to remove any excess grout from the surface of the tiles.

Finally, use a grout sealer to protect the grout from moisture. Apply the sealer according to the manufacturer’s instructions and allow it to dry before using the shower. Once the sealer has dried, use caulk to seal any gaps between the tiles and the shower walls to prevent water from seeping through.

Conclusion

Laying shower tile can be a daunting task, but with the right materials, tools, and a bit of patience, you can transform your bathroom into a luxurious oasis. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can lay your own shower tile with ease.