When it comes to refreshing your bathroom, re-tiling the shower can dramatically affect its appearance and feel. It’s a relatively simple update that can make a big impact without requiring a significant investment.
Often, bathroom tiles lose their aesthetic appeal long before they start to show wear and tear. As such, many people look to update their tiles to give their bathroom a fresh, modern look.
If you’re considering tiling your shower, one question you’ll need to answer early in the process is whether to tile the walls or the floor first. This decision can significantly affect the outcome of your tiling project.
To help you make the best choice, this blog will explore the pros and cons of both methods and offer useful tips for your bathroom renovation.
Let’s get straight to the point
When tiling a shower, deciding whether to start with the walls or the floor first can impact the final result. Tiling the floor first provides better waterproofing and easier wall measurements but risks damaging the floor during wall work.
Tiling the walls first prevents damage to the floor but makes aligning the last row with the floor more complex. A hybrid approach, where you start with the second row of wall tiles, tile the floor, then finish the bottom row, offers a balanced solution but requires careful planning.
Why Does It Matter Whether You Tile The Shower Walls Or Floor First?
The decision to tile the walls or the floor first can impact various aspects of the project, including the amount of time it takes, the level of precision required, and the overall finish. Both approaches have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right method often depends on the specifics of your bathroom setup and your level of tiling experience.
Here, we will discuss the pros and cons of each approach so that you can make an informed decision.
Tiling The Shower Floor First: Pros And Cons
Advantages Of Tiling The Floor First
1. Overlap And Waterproofing
One key reason people choose to tile the shower floor first is to achieve a clean overlap between the floor and wall tiles. When the wall tiles overlap the floor tiles, it helps create a more seamless and visually appealing finish.
This overlap also enhances the shower’s waterproofing, as water is more likely to flow downwards and off the tiles without seeping into any gaps between them.
2. Simplifies Wall Tile Measurement
When the floor is already in place, it provides a clear reference point for measuring and cutting the wall tiles. This can simplify the installation process, as you won’t need to worry about accounting for the floor tiles during wall installation.
You can simply lay the wall tiles so they sit neatly on top of the floor tiles.
Disadvantages Of Tiling The Floor First
1. Risk Of Damage To New Tiles
One of the main downsides of tiling the floor first is the risk of damaging the newly installed tiles while working on the walls. It’s easy to accidentally drop tools, tiles, or mortar onto the floor, potentially causing chips or cracks.
Additionally, spilled mortar can be difficult to remove from the floor without causing harm.
2. Extended Project Time
If you tile the floor first, you will need to wait for the mortar to completely set before standing on the tiles to work on the walls. This can delay your project, especially if you’re working with larger tiles that require more time to dry.
Any premature movement on the floor tiles could lead to misalignment or damage.
3. More Complex Cleanup
Tiling the walls after the floor is completed can result in extra cleanup. Even with careful installation, mortar and tile shards are likely to fall onto the floor.
Cleaning around freshly laid tiles is much more difficult than working on a clean surface, potentially leading to a messier job overall.
Tiling The Shower Walls First: Pros And Cons
Advantages Of Tiling The Walls First
1. Reduces Risk Of Damage To Floor
Many professionals recommend tiling the walls first, as this reduces the risk of damaging your work. When the walls are completed before the floor, you don’t have to worry about dropping tools or materials onto freshly laid floor tiles, which can make the process smoother and less stressful.
2. Faster Workflow
Since you’re not waiting for floor tiles to set, tiling the walls first can save time. Once the walls are tiled, you can move on to the floor without having to worry about damaging any existing tiles.
This method allows for a more continuous workflow, which is especially helpful for projects on a tight schedule.
3. No Need For Floor Protection
Tiling the walls first means no need to cover or protect the floor while you work. Protective covers, such as cloth or paper, can get in the way, and shifting them around can result in complications.
By tiling the walls first, you avoid these issues altogether.
Disadvantages Of Tiling The Walls First
1. Grout And Tile Gaps
One of the most significant challenges of tiling the walls is ensuring that the final row of wall tiles aligns properly with the floor tiles. Without careful measurement, uneven grout lines or gaps between the wall and floor may occur.
Not only is this visually unappealing, but it can also compromise the shower’s waterproofing.
2. Complex Measurements
When tiling the walls first, it can be more difficult to ensure a perfect fit where the wall tiles meet the floor. You’ll need to carefully measure the floor tile cuts, especially around corners and edges, to ensure they fit snugly against the wall tiles.
Any miscalculations can result in unattractive gaps and poor overall finish.
3. Requires A Spacer Or Ledger
If you choose to tile the walls first, many professionals recommend leaving a gap at the bottom of the wall tiles using a ledger or spacer. This space allows for the installation of floor tiles later on.
However, this adds an extra step to the process, and some tilers find it cumbersome.
Combining Both Approaches: A Hybrid Method
For many tiling professionals and DIYers, the best approach is to combine both methods. This hybrid approach allows you to enjoy the benefits of both techniques while avoiding some of the drawbacks.
Here’s how you can combine the two methods effectively:
Start With The Second Row Of Wall Tiles
Begin by tiling the walls, but start with the second row of tiles. Use a ledger or spacer to leave room for the first row, which will be installed later.
This method allows you to complete most of the wall work while leaving space for the floor tiles to be laid afterwards.
Tile The Floor Next
Once you’ve completed the upper portion of the walls, you can tile the floor. Before proceeding, make sure the floor is level and properly aligned with the walls.
Finish With The First Row Of Wall Tiles
After the floor tiles have been laid and the mortar has been set, you can return to the walls and complete the first row of tiles. This will give you the clean overlap you’re aiming for while also minimising the risk of damaging the floor tiles.
Pros And Cons Of The Hybrid Method
Advantages Of The Hybrid Method
1. Minimised Risk Of Damage
By working on the walls first and leaving the floor for later, you reduce the risk of damaging freshly laid floor tiles. This hybrid method balances completing the walls without needing to protect the floor.
2. Achieves A Clean Overlap
The hybrid method ensures the seamless overlap between wall and floor tiles that many homeowners and professionals prefer. This overlap enhances the shower’s visual appeal and waterproofing.
3. Flexibility In Workflow
This method allows for flexibility in your workflow. You can work on the walls while waiting for the floor tiles to set, ensuring you’re always making progress.
Disadvantages Of The Hybrid Method
1. Requires Careful Planning
While the hybrid method offers many advantages, it does require precise planning and measurement. You’ll need to ensure that the second row of wall tiles is installed at the correct height and that the floor tiles fit perfectly underneath the final row. Any mistakes could lead to uneven lines or gaps.
2. Extra Steps
The hybrid method involves additional steps, such as installing a ledger or spacer and returning to the walls to finish the first row of tiles. This can extend the project timeline and may be cumbersome for less experienced tilers.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to tile the shower floor or walls first ultimately depends on your personal preferences, experience, and the specifics of your bathroom renovation project. Each method has its pros and cons, and the best approach often comes down to which factors are most important to you—be it reducing the risk of damage, achieving a perfect overlap, or speeding up the installation process.
For many people, a hybrid method—where you tile the walls starting with the second row and complete the floor before finishing the first row of wall tiles—provides the best of both worlds. This approach allows for a seamless finish without damaging freshly laid floor tiles.
By carefully weighing the advantages and challenges of each method, you can choose the tiling approach that best suits your needs and ensures a professional, long-lasting result for your shower renovation.
FAQs
Should I Tile Shower Walls Or Floors First?
It’s generally recommended to tile the walls first. This prevents damage to the floor tiles from falling debris and ensures a cleaner transition between walls and floors.
Why Is Tiling The Walls First Preferred?
Tiling walls first avoids accidental chipping or scratching of floor tiles. It also ensures excess mortar or grout from wall tiling doesn’t stain or damage the floor.
Are There Exceptions To Tiling The Walls Before The Floor?
In some cases, such as when using a prefabricated shower pan or specific design requirements, tiling the floor first might be preferred. Consult your project needs.
How Do I Ensure A Seamless Connection Between Shower Wall And Floor Tiles?
Leave a small gap where the wall and floor tiles meet. Fill this gap with waterproof silicone caulk instead of grout to allow for movement and prevent leaks.
Does The Tile Type Affect Whether I Start With Walls Or Floors?
Not typically, but large-format or heavy tiles may require starting with walls to ensure proper alignment and prevent pressure on smaller floor tiles.
