DIY Network

Tile Tub Surround Marble subway tile sets off this tub beautifully. From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-509

Michelle is looking forward to a jetted tub that will be her oasis in the middle of this busy household. Amy Matthews shows her how to install a sophisticated tub surround of marble subway tile to set it off perfectly.

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Materials:

cement board galvanized nails hammer subway tile spacers tile mastic drill with mixer bit

3/16" V-notched trowel wet saw safety glasses tape measure grout grout float grout sealer

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Tile Tub Surround

• Amy framed in the deck for the whirlpool tub before the tiling work began. She also covered the top of the framed-in deck with cement board, which will be covered with marble when the tub is installed. Attaching the cement board now helps ensure that there will be the right amount of space between the tile surround and the base of the deck.

• To attach small pieces of cement board, like Amy did in this project, pre-drill holes through the cement board and the wood below, then tack the board down with galvanized roofing nails (figure A). Drilling pilot holes and using nails will help prevent splitting; the large heads on the roofing nails prevent the cement board from pulling free.

• Dry-fit the first row of tile to determine the best layout (figure B). Shift the tiles to avoid having a small piece of tile at either end, even if that means more tile cuts. Use small shims below the tiles and at each end of each row to allow for the proper grout line.

• Amy and Michelle used a pre-mixed tile mastic to install the marble subway tile. Make sure to use the correct adhesive for your tile.

• Use a 3/16" V-notched trowel to spread tile adhesive onto the wall to be tiled. Hold the trowel at a 45-degree angle to get the proper depth of adhesive; use the notches to create grooves in the thinset for better adhesion. Don't spread too much thinset at one time or it will dry out before the tiles are in place. To check the thinset, press it lightly with a finger; if it doesn't stick to a finger, it won't stick to a tile. Scrape off dried thinset and reapply fresh.

• Set the tiles into place, pressing each gently into the thinset and wiggling it slightly to make sure it's seated. Use spacers between tiles to keep even grout lines (figure C).

• Cut tiles as needed using a wet saw. If you need to cut several tiles to the same
  size, measure for the first tile and clamp a guide to the saw to speed up the process (figure D).

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses and use extreme caution when working with a wet saw. Even cutting tile with hand tools, such as nippers, requires safety glasses to protect eyes from the many sharp shards of tile that can fly in all directions.

• Let the adhesive cure completely according to the manufacturer's instructions, then mix and apply grout. Spread grout over the tiles at a 45-degree angle using a grout float, making sure to work it into the spaces between the tiles. Let the grout dry for a few minutes, then wipe away the excess with a damp sponge. Allow the grout to cure completely before applying grout sealer.

RESOURCES :
Tile
Stonelocator.com
Website: www.stonelocator.com