How to Install Shower Tile

As part of renovating my Mother’s house, we tiled her shower.

Click HERE to see how we installed the shower base.

Materials Needed:

• • Backer board (we used USG Durock)
  • Joint tape and screws for the backer board (we used Durock screws)
  • Measuring tape
  • Putty knife
  • RedGard Speed Coat from Home Depot
  • Roller and roller handle
  • Tile
  • Tile saw
  • Spacers (depending on the width of the grout line)
  • Thin-set
  • Bucket
  • Large sponge
  • Drill and mixing paddle
  • Non-sanded grout (We used Cape Gray.)
  • Notched trowel (size of notches depends on the size of tile – see manufacturer’s directions)

Step 1: Demo

We removed the existing tile and backer board.

Step 2: Installing Durock and tape and mud joints with thin-set.

Cut the backer board to fit the shower walls and screw in place. Be sure to screw into existing studs. Use joint tape on all the backer board joints. Using a putty knife, cover the joints (joint tape) with thin-set.

Paint on RedGard using a roller. This creates a waterproofing membrane.

Step 3: Sticking Tile with Thin-set

Start tiling on the back wall. Apply thin-set using a notched trowel. Only apply thin-set for a few rows of tile at a time. We did not use spacers because the tile we used left a small grout line which is what we wanted. Work from bottom to top, carefully cutting each tile using a tile saw. (A tabletop tile saw is adequate for this project.)Once you finish one wall, move to the other smaller walls. Add the bullnose tile around the edges to give the shower a finished look.

Step 4: Filling in with Grout

Allow time for the tile (thin-set) to dry. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding drying time.

If not premixed, mix the grout using an electric drill and a mixing paddle. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Starting on the bottom of the shower wall, use a rubber grout float to spread the grout over the tiles. Be sure to fill in all the cracks between the tiles and next to the wall. Carefully wipe down each tile with a large wet sponge. Do not over wipe because you don’t want to remove the grout between the tiles.

Once the grout begins to dry – maybe 30 minutes to an hour, wipe down the tiles again.

Clean up and allow time to dry, typically 24 to 48 hours (follow the product recommendations).

Step 5: Installing Shower Frame and Door

We cleaned and reinstalled the existing shower frame and glass doors. Step 6: Install Fixtures

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the fixtures.

Rub-a-dub-dub! Enjoy your new shower!

To learn how we installed tile on the bathroom floor, click HERE.

Let us know what you think and if you have any questions by posting below.