Tiling your shower might seem daunting, but you can achieve professional results independently with the right preparation and attention to detail. Whether you’re planning to use subway tiles or a different style, this blog will guide you through the entire process step-by-step.
We’ll cover everything you need to know, from preparing the workspace and removing old tiles to framing and waterproofing your shower. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your shower into a stylish and durable space.
Let’s get straight to the point.
Tiling your shower yourself is achievable with proper planning and attention to detail. Start by removing old tiles, protecting your workspace, and preparing the layout. Frame and waterproof the shower area before installing backer boards and tiles.
Follow key steps like starting with the nook, tiling the bench and larger walls, and installing shelves. Helpful tips include ensuring stud walls are level, using high-quality mortar, and keeping grout lines small for a professional look. With patience, your DIY project can transform your shower into a durable and stylish space.
Preparing For A DIY Shower Tiling Project
Once you have tiled your shower yourself, the preparation phase becomes crucial. This is where much of the hard work lies. If you want to tile a shower with subway tiles or any other style, the first step is to remove the old tiles or the fibreglass shower wall. It’s essential to prepare the space thoroughly to ensure a smooth installation.
Here’s what you need to do to get started:
- Remove old tiles or panels: Carefully remove the old shower tiles or wall panels using a hammer and chisel. Be mindful of protecting the surrounding surfaces and wear protective gear.
- Protect your workspace: Cover your doorways with plastic sheeting to prevent dust from spreading throughout your home. Lay down drop cloths and use a respirator to protect yourself from dust and debris.
- Shield the tub and floor: Since tiles can be heavy and might accidentally fall during removal, place moving blankets or thick towels over your tub and floors to prevent damage.
Planning Your Shower Tile Layout
Before you start tiling, it’s vital to plan the layout of your shower tiles. This step will help you avoid common mistakes, reduce tile wastage, and ensure your final design looks balanced and professional.
1. Assess Your Space
One of the first steps in planning your tile layout is determining if there’s space in your shower for additional features, such as a bench, alcove, or shelf. Ideally, your shower should have at least three feet of clearance to accommodate features like a bench without crowding the space.
2. Create A Full-Scale Template
Once you’ve determined the layout of your shower, creating a full-scale template is a highly recommended step. Use rosin paper cut to the dimensions of your shower walls, and plan the positioning of your tiles on this template. This will give you a clear visual of how the tiles fit around features like benches, nooks, and shelves.
When drawing your walls on the template, account for the thickness of the backer board and any plywood needed for the bench seat. Also, mark the location of the existing studs on the paper. This will allow you to arrange the tiles more efficiently and avoid excessive tile cuts.
Framing And Waterproofing The Shower
The next step in tiling your shower is to frame and waterproof the shower area. These tasks are crucial to ensure the longevity of your shower and prevent potential water damage.
1. Framing The Shower
Framing involves preparing your shower walls, benches, and nooks for tile installation. If a gap exists between the shower base and the wall, start framing a continuous wall from the floor to the ceiling. Screw the frame into the existing drywall and secure it with construction adhesive for added support.
If installing an alcove or bench, block the top and bottom and ensure the sides are properly aligned. Reinforce any weak wall areas with foam board or plywood to provide additional stability for the tiles.
2. Installing The Tile Backer Board
Before installing the tiles, add a tile backer board to your shower walls. The backer board acts as a water-resistant base for the tiles, ensuring moisture doesn’t seep into the walls. While cement board is more commonly used, it’s heavier and more challenging to cut. Whether you choose cement board or not, be sure to install it securely using backer board screws spaced every four inches along the seams and six inches in between.
3. Apply A Waterproofing Membrane
Once the backer board is installed, a waterproofing membrane is applied. This is one of the most important steps in the process, as it prevents water from damaging the walls and causing leaks. Use a brush-on waterproofing product and apply at least two coats to any areas of the shower that will be in direct contact with water, such as the walls surrounding the showerhead, the bench, and the alcove. Allow each coat to dry fully before applying the next one.
Tiling Your Shower
Now comes the exciting part—tiling the shower. With your layout planned, your backer board installed, and your waterproofing in place, you’re ready to start setting the tiles. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and professional-looking finish.
1. Start With The Alcove
Begin by tiling the alcove wall. Use a thin-set mortar and a notched trowel to apply the adhesive to the back wall of the alcove. Press the tiles into the mortar, making sure they are firmly embedded. Use a grout float to gently tap the tiles into place and check that each row is level as you go.
2. Tile The Bench
Once the alcove is done, move on to the bench. Start by tiling the front face of the bench and work your way to the top. If you’re using mosaic tiles, cut them into strips to ensure they fit neatly without excessive trimming.
After the front is complete, move on to the bench seat. Ensure the grout lines align with the front face of the bench for a seamless look. Continue tiling the remaining walls, checking that each row is level and plumb as you go.
3. Tiling The Field (Walls)
Once the alcove and bench are tiled, you can move on to the larger wall areas or field tiles. Starting from the bottom, lay the tiles row by row. Use a ledger board to support the first row and keep it level if needed. Work carefully to ensure that each tile is placed evenly, checking the lines regularly to ensure they remain straight. Be sure to use spacers to maintain consistent grout lines between tiles.
4. Install The Shelf
If you add a shelf to your shower, frame it with a backer board and secure it before tiling. Once the shelf is framed, tile the bottom and sides first, then add the top tile. Use spacers to maintain even grout lines and align the tiles with the surrounding field tiles.
Helpful Tips For Easier Shower Tiling
Tiling a shower can be complex, but several tips can make the process more manageable and improve the final result.
1. Check The Stud Walls
Before you install any tiles or backer board, it’s important to ensure that your shower stud walls are level and plumb. This step will prevent uneven tiles and gaps, particularly in the corners of your shower. Use a four-foot level to check each stud along straight, zigzag, and diagonal directions. If you find that a stud is off-centre, attach another stud next to it using deck screws or nails to bring it back into alignment.
2. Prepare The Backer Board
After removing the old tiles, ensure the backer board is properly installed and secure before tiling. It should be tightly fastened to the studs, with no loose or wobbly areas. Any backer board not securely in place should be replaced with a new cement board to ensure a solid foundation for your tiles.
3. Plan The Tile Layout Carefully
Properly planning your tile layout is key to avoiding mistakes and achieving a professional look. Before you start tiling, draw out your layout on paper. Start tiling about two rows up from the shower base to avoid any unevenness in the floor that could throw off your tile lines.
4. Use High-Quality Thin-Set Mortar
Investing in good-quality thin-set mortar can make a significant difference in your project. Opt for premixed mortar, as it’s easier to work with and provides better adhesion.
5. Keep Grout Joints Small
Aim for grout joints no larger than 1/8 inch wide for a cleaner look. Smaller grout lines look better and make your tiles more durable and resistant to cracking over time.
Conclusion
Tiling your shower yourself may seem challenging, but it’s achievable with careful planning, preparation, and attention to detail. Each step is crucial in ensuring a durable and professional-looking shower, from removing old tiles and protecting your space to framing, waterproofing, and installing the tiles. Following the tips and methods outlined in this guide, you can create a beautiful, functional shower that adds value to your home. With patience and the right tools, your DIY tiling project will be a rewarding and satisfying experience.
FAQs About Tiles
What Are The Disadvantages Of Ceramic Tiles?
If there are any drawbacks to this durable, elegant flooring, it can be hard and cold and is somewhat tricky for DIYers to install. Ceramic tiles have a hard, solid surface that does not attract or hold onto dirt, dust, pollen, or other allergens.
Is Ceramic Tile Slippery When Wet?
Ceramic and porcelain tile floors can be notoriously slippery. The very feature that makes tile easy to clean is its smooth, non-porous nature, which means it is slippery underfoot. Add extra tile glazing, water, dress shoes, and a rush to work can mean a trip to the emergency room instead.
Is Ceramic Tiles Good For Bathroom?
Ceramic tile is one of the top choices for the bathroom floor. It’s impervious to moisture, stands up to stains, and won’t absorb bacteria or odours, making it a great choice for a bathroom with a lot of traffic. Ceramic tile comes in various colours and designs for a sleek, luxurious look.
What Is The Lifetime Of Tiles?
Since most tile floors are ceramic, they last between 75 and 100 years on average. However, they can last longer or shorter depending on how well they are maintained. Other types of tile flooring, such as those made of natural stone like marble or granite, can last even longer than 100 years.
Is Matte Or Glossy Tile Better For Shower?
Matte tiles don’t show grime the way glossy tiles do. The reflective surface of the glossy tile will show soap scum and water stains very quickly. If you don’t like cleaning the shower in between uses, matte tile is the best way.
