How to Install Shower Tile

Changing the appearance of your bathroom can be as simple as altering the tile in your shower. You don’t have to rely on a professional to get this job done, either. With the right shower tile ideas, the appropriate tile tools and Stabila measurement tools, and a bit of information under your belt, you can create a beautiful and functional design.

Choosing the Right Tile Tools

Choosing the right tile tools is an important step to installing shower tile. While some of the tools you’ll use work well with any type or size of tile, whether it’s ceramic, stone, glass or porcelain, others are designed to accommodate only certain kinds and sizes. Before you select any equipment or supplies for your bathroom project, read the description of the tool carefully to determine if it is appropriate for the job.

Tools and Supplies	Tool or Supply Purpose	How to Choose
Mixers	Mixes your thinsets or grouts	Slow and steady is best for mixing thinsets and grouts. Mixers with speeds of more than 300 RPM can whip air into mixes, making it harder to get a consistent result.
Tile Cutters	Simple straight cuts, notched cuts, circular cuts and miter cuts in tile	The type of tile you’re using and the size of the job will help determine what kind of tile tools, tile cutters, and wet saws you need. Larger shower projects and natural stone tiles require a wet saw, while quarry, porcelain, and ceramic tiles can be cut with other types of tools./td>
Trowels	Helps provide the right amount of mortar coverage	When you install shower tile, you need to consider what you want your trowel to do. Notch trowels, for instance, are best for spreading mortar or thinset. Pointing trowels are ideal for spreading thinset in small and difficult spots; you might need a few different types of trowels for the job.
Grout Floaters	Spreads grout, which fills in the spaces between tiles	Choosing a grout floater depends on the type of grout you use and type of tile. Cementitious grout can be used with any standard grout floater, while natural stone needs a special type of grout.
Mortar	Adheres tile to your shower wall	Thinset mortar is the right setting material for almost any type of tile you choose. Read the shower tile installation instructions on the bag, however, to make sure it works with your tile.
Caulk	Provides a water-tight seal around your shower	There are two traditional types of caulk: silicone and latex. Both have their advantages, but silicone is flexible, waterproof and lasts longer.
Grout	Fills the spaces between tiles	Choosing the right grout color is one of the most important decisions. Select a color that is closest to the tile color for a unified appearance or a contrasting grout color if you want the tile to stand out.

Other basic tools you need for this project include:

• A general construction level; like one from Stabila
• Buckets
• Chisel
• Tile replacement blades
• Stabila tape measure
• Tarps
• Utility knife
• Chisel
• Hammer
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves

Removing Old Tile

While you may be eager to install your new tile and put your shower tile ideas into action, you have to remove the old tile first. To do this, you need a hammer, tarps, chisel, rubber gloves and safety glasses. Safety glasses are essential, as tile can break and shards can fly up toward your face.

Begin by turning off the water and power to the bathroom, then remove the shower fixtures and any outlets in the way. Lay down a tarp or two to protect the floor as you remove the tiles. You can then begin breaking off the old tile. To do this, break the first piece with the hammer. You should then be able to place the chisel under the rest and remove them easily. Tile tools, scrapers and shavers remove old adhesive and mortar still stuck to the walls.

Choosing a Waterproofing System

Learning how to install shower tile and learning how to install tile anywhere else in your home are two different concepts because your shower is exposed to moisture and water pressure. Tile and grout are not waterproof themselves, so you need to create a barrier between the tile and your drywall and framing behind the shower to prevent water damage, mold and mildew. To do this, you can use one of two types of waterproofing methods, either topical or traditional for the walls of your shower. Most of these methods can be used as shower floor options for waterproofing as well.

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Water-proof Method	Pros	Cons
Traditional Plastic	The plastic prevents any water that gets behind your substrate from ever coming into to contact with your walls. The water gets swept into your shower drain after each use.	Although the water drains after each use, moisture could still be present behind the tile and mold could develop.
Faced Topical Membranes	The plastic comes pre-installed to the backer board so you don’t have to take any extra steps in installation.	The holes and seams need to be sealed properly to prevent water from reaching the wall.
Liquid Topical Membranes	Liquid is painted onto the backer boards for a completely waterproof result.	It’s time consuming. You need to wait on the coat of liquid to cure before installing the tile, and it will likely need two coats.
Sheet Topical Membranes	These sheets can be installed quickly over your backer board to prevent water from ruining your shower.	They can be difficult to install, and if they are installed incorrectly, the shower won’t be completely waterproof.

Applying the Tile

After you’ve prepared the wall and floor for the tile installation, you’re ready to add your new tile. As you work on the wall of your shower, always remember to lay down a tarp to protect the floor from damage. Here are some tips for making sure the rest of your installation goes smoothly:

• Always begin installing the tile on the second row. The base of the shower may not be level, and if you start here, it could throw the entire project off. Instead, use a level to install a straightboard to the wall. Use this board to install the first row so it is as level as possible.
• When applying the tile, avoid the ‘dot’ method. While this may help you avoid using a lot of thinset, it may also prevent all your tiles from adhering correctly to your backer board. Spread a layer of thinset across the backside of the tile instead.
• Cutting the tile to fit an uneven area, corner or around an electrical outlet or light switch can be done by using tile tools, tile cutters, and wet saws. Measure twice so you only have to cut once, and apply the rest of the tile first before taking care of these special areas.
• Tile spacers are important to your project, as they keep your tile completely straight as the mortar dries. They also give the finished project a more professional appearance because they keep each piece of tile the same distance apart from the next.
• Let the thinset mortar cure for at least 24 hours before applying the grout. This will need to cure for 48 to 72 hours, then will need to be sealed. Wait an additional 24 hours after the sealant has been used before applying caulk.

You can create the shower of your dreams with the proper tools at your side, the right information, and a few shower tile ideas. Find the shower wall and flooring tools you need to turn your bathroom into a sanctuary.