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How To
Tile A Shower
By Clint Miller
The first step is to put up a sturdy cement board backer. I
like to use Hardibacker. Once the Hardibacker is up it is time to get to the
tiling. This is the fun part.
1. Do not use Mastic, use a thinset and stay away from the premixed stuff.
2. You want to dampen the cement board prior to troweling thinset on. If you
do not, the cement board will draw the moisture out of the thinset too quickly,
making for a brittle set that is susceptible to cracking.
3. Pick out the right trowel for your thinset and tile size, also pay
attention to spacing recommendations and use the right spacers. I recommend 1/8”
or less spacing so that you can use unsanded grout (easier to seal).
4. Remember you are not going to grout at the corners, you are going to
caulk so try to maintain an even spacing.
Make sure you use tiles made for walls and follow the directions on the bag
of thinset as to what type of trowel you will need.
You want to measure up from the bottom of the backerboard the height of a
tile minus 1/2”. This will give you a 1/2” overlap over the tile lip on your
shower pan. Mark this with a sharpie and using a level transfer the mark across
the shower stall.
Trowel on some thinset and spread it with a notched trowel. Then set the
tile into it by twisting slightly while pushing into the thinset. Remove the
tile to make sure you have good coverage on the back. Reinstall and keep setting
tiles using spacers in between. Let the bottom row set up for 24 hours.
After 24 hours you can repeat the procedure setting each row of tile on top
of the last row of tile. Continue until you reach the top of the shower stall.
Here is the procedure again:
1. Measure up from top of the last row. Mark line with a level as guide for
next row.
2. Spread thinset between last row of tile and marked line with v-notched
trowel.
3. Set tile into thinset using spacers all around.
4. Repeat for next row up.
After letting the tile set for 48 hours you are ready to grout the tile. Mix
up a batch of grout and use a sponge float to smooth it into the joints. After
30-40 minutes (check the directions on the bag of grout) you want to wipe the
excess grout with a damp sponge and a circular motion. Keep wiping with a clean
sponge until the tile is clear. Let the grout cure for 24-48 hours before
sealing.
About the Author: Clinton Miller is an avid do-it-yourselfer who has taken
on and completed dozens of projects ranging from changing a wall receptacle to
building a tile shower. He often details his projects along with articles and
news at DIY Disaster Avoidance
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