DIY Network

Tiling Shower Lay tile like a pro. From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-505

Fear of tile? No worries. Amy Matthews shows how to tile shower walls like a pro.

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Materials:

tile mesh tape tape measure marker 4-foot level painter's tape dropcloth thinset tile adhesive 2 mixing buckets drill with paddle mixer

safety glasses mesh tape square-notched trowel tile spacers sponge wet saw grout mix grout float grout sealer

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Tiling Shower

• Find and mark the center point on the wall and draw a plumb line as a reference mark (figure A).

• Measure up 13 inches – the height of one row of tiles plus the grout line – and draw a level line. These two lines will guide the initial tile installation.

• Apply mesh tape to the cement board seams (figure B).

• Spread a drop cloth over the shower pan and mask off the edge of the shower pan with painter's tape.

• Use a drill with a paddle bit to mix thinset tile adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions. The adhesive should be about the consistency of cake frosting.

  Safety Alert: Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when mixing tile adhesive or grout, and always use caution when working with a power drill.

• Use a 1/4" x 1/4" notched trowel to spread thinset over the first area to be tiled (figure C). Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle to spread the adhesive, then use the notched edge to leave grooves in the adhesive. These air pockets help the tile adhere better.

  Note: Be careful not to spread too much thinset at one time; if it dries out, the tiles won't stick. To test the thinset, press it gently with a finger. If the thinset isn't sticky enough to come off on your finger, it's not sticky enough to hold a tile.

• Measure and mark the center of the first tile. Line this tile up with the reference lines on the cement board so that it's flush with the horizontal line and centered on the vertical line. Press the tile into place, giving it a wiggle to help it seat properly in the adhesive.

• Continue setting tiles, working out from the center. Use tile spacers to create even grout joints. Sponge any excess thinset from the tiles during the installation.

• Cut tiles as needed using a wet saw (figure D). The water in the saw helps keep the saw cool and lubricated, as well as capturing the dust from the cuts.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use extreme caution when working with a wet saw.

• Allow the adhesive to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions. Mix and apply grout once the adhesive is cured, then apply grout sealer after the grout is cured.

RESOURCES :
Tile
Rubble Tile
Website: www.rubbletile.com