Learn the Ins and Outs of Shower Tiling so You Can Do It Yourself

The goal of this article on “how to tile a shower” is to give you a simple, 10-step strategy to follow if you decide to tackle this project. Doing things yourself at home may be highly satisfying, but also very irritating if things don’t go as planned. It’s not only annoying to bring in a professional to fix the problem, but it can also cost you money. Ten primary stages should be considered when learning how to tile a shower. This is them.

You must remove the old tiles, glue, and backer board when installing a new shower. Remove the old shower pan if you plan on installing a new one, and strip the walls down to the studs.

After you’ve taken everything apart, the first step is to put up a vapor barrier. Vapor barriers prevent moisture from permeating through walls and are commonly formed from plastic or foil sheets. Vapor barriers range in permeability from very low (less than perm) to very high (more than perm).

Installing the cement backer board is the next step. You can then screw it to the studs after cutting it to size, allowing a gap of 1/8 in. between the panels. Be sure to provide openings for the shower head and grab bars. Put a bead of waterproof silicone where the cement board meets the shower base.

The height of one tile should be measured from the floor up on the backer board. Remember that the tile row you’re on must extend past the lip of the shower pan. In this shower, the backer board is located above the uppermost tile. To keep things even, mark the end of the first row of tiles.

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When learning how to tile a shower, the next step is mixing a little thin set for the bottom row of tiles.

The backboard now requires moisture. This prevents the board from sucking too much water out of the thinset. The thinset might break if that happened. Moisten it with a sponge.

Thinset, the backer board with a notched trowel, then set your tile. Instead of sliding the tile into the thinset, please twist it as you push it down. Verify the thinset has penetrated the back of the tile by lifting it out of place. Tile spacers should be used to ensure that each tile in the bottom row is evenly spaced once it has been reapplied. The bottom row needs at least 24 hours to set for the finest effects.

Once those are dry, move on to the next row in the shower until you reach the ceiling. When learning how to tile a shower, remember to use tile spacers at the corners of each tile and to only apply thinset to the row you are working on.

Wait 48 hours after you’ve finished tiling for the adhesive to cure fully.

Grouting the tiles is the last step. Use a sponge float to spread the grout after mixing it as directed on the packet. Be sure to use grout in all of the spaces. After waiting around 40 minutes, use a damp sponge to wash away the excess grout in circular motions. It will take more attempts before the tile is clean. You should wait at least 24 hours after grouting to seal it.

Tiling a shower is one of the many do-it-yourself projects where success is possible with the right attitude, equipment, and preparation. Following instructions is critical to a successful outcome, and tiling is no exception.

Watch these videos if you want to learn how to tile a shower from start to finish. Tips on Tiling a Shower (available at http://www.learn-to-tile.info) Learn everything there is to know about tiling with the help of this comprehensive video series. Invest in yourself by hiring a professional tiler for in-depth guidance to achieve professional results with your tiling project.

Don’t let a botched tiling project mar the look of your home for good; arm yourself with the most excellent tiling tutorial now. Tips on Tiling a Shower (available at http://www.learn-to-tile.info)

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