Process To Install Ceramic Tile Shower

Prepare the room for installing ceramic bathroom floor tiles.

Process to install ceramic tile shower.

Use long sweeping motions to apply mortar to the wall and start placing your tiles in the marked locations. In our project we installed the board on the shower wall at 72 1 2 from the top. Measure your panels of cement backer board to fit the shower walls on each side. Install a 4 mil plastic vapor barrier according to manufacturer instructions just above the shower pan before installing the cement backer board.

Stuff a rag in the hole to block sewer gases. Use a starter board as a straight edge whenever you do a vertical tile installation to ensure panels go in straight and level image 1. Use bullnose for exposed edges or you can use trim pieces. Your aim is to collapse any ridges in the mortar and fill in gaps.

Be sure to put spacers between each tile as you go. Bathroom costs approximately 1 000 1 500 to demo and install new floor tile and tub surround. A stand up shower needs twice as much tile which will add on another 2 000 3 000. Smooth the cut edge.

Sanded grout is difficult to get into small joints so adding non sanded grout helps thin it out so it can be applied more easily and aids application on walls. Screw the starter board directly into the cement board and remove it after completing a series of panels. Put on mask and ear protection and as needed mark and cut a panel to fit using an angle grinder. Attaching an underlayment of cement board to sub flooring provides a level and sturdy surface to which bathroom tile can be easily attached.

Finish each grid before moving to the next. Using a circular saw cut panels to fit measured bathroom and use a jigsaw to cut holes as needed to accommodate the toilet and other bathroom fixtures. Use spacers between the tile to make sure the gaps are consistent. The average 5 ft.

Occasionally lift a tile and check the back to ensure full coverage. To install ceramic wall tile use a level and measuring tape to mark the tile locations on the wall with chalk. When the tile has set mix the grout for the shower walls. Use tile nippers or a hole saw designed for tile to cut curves.

Set tiles one at a time using a slight twisting motion. Keep a supply of wax rings on hand if you plan to reinstall the toilet at the end of each day. Use a tile cutter to just score the length of the tile and press firmly to cut. If your home only has one toilet you can leave it in place until you install the backer board.

Use a mix of 75 percent sanded grout and 25 percent non sanded grout. Push your tile firmly into place. Begin installing tiles in the center of the room one grid at a time.