How to tile a shower

The first step is to place a strong cement board. I like to use Hardibacker. Once the Hardibacker is up, it’s time to get to the tile. This is the fun part.

1. Don’t use putty, use a thin coat and stay away from pre-mixed stuff.

2. You want to wet the cement board before applying the thin coat with a trowel. If you don’t, the cement board will draw moisture out of the thin layer too quickly, creating a brittle layer that is susceptible to cracking.

3. Choose the right trowel for your skid set and tile size, also pay attention to spacing recommendations and use the correct spacers. I recommend a gap of 1/8″ or less so you can use unsanded grout (easier to seal).

4. Remember you are not going to be grouting the corners, you are going to be caulking, so try to keep an even gap.

Be sure to use tiles made for walls, and follow the instructions on the thin-set bag on the type of trowel you’ll need.

You want to measure from the bottom of the backerboard one tile height minus ½”. This will give you a ½” overlap over the edge of the tile on your shower pan. Mark this with a felt pen and with a level transfer the mark across the shower.

Apply a little thin coat and spread it out with a notched trowel. Then lay the tile on it by turning it slightly while pushing the thin layer. Peel back the tile to ensure you have good coverage on the back. Re-install and continue to tile using spacers in between. Let the bottom row sit for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, you can repeat the procedure by placing each row of tiles on top of the last row of tiles. Continue until you reach the top of the shower. Here is the procedure again:

1. Measure up from the top of the last row. Mark the line with a level as a guide for the next row.

2. Spread the thin layer between the last row of tiles and the marked line with a V-notched trowel.

3. Lay the tiles in a thin layer using spacers all around.

4. Repeat for the next row up.

After allowing the tile to sit for 48 hours, you are ready to grout the tile. Mix up a batch of grout and use a sponge trowel to smooth it into the joints. After 30-40 minutes (check the instructions on the grout bag), wipe up any excess grout with a damp sponge in a circular motion. Continue cleaning with a clean sponge until the tile is clear. Allow the grout to cure for 24 to 48 hours before sealing.