Watch an Overview Video

Tools & Materials

Wood or concrete subfloor
Level
Pencil
PVC pipe cutters
Power drill
Wood screws
Pre-sloped float sticks for sub-base
Pan liner
Dry pack concrete
Water
Trowel
Bucket or small wheelbarrow
Pre-sloped float sticks for base
Drain
Interlocking, continuous stringer
Tile
Mastic
Caulk
Shower-head(s)
Faucets

Getting Started

Tip: Installing a tile shower can be easier than you think and there are lots of luxurious options for design, tile, and hardware.

Choose location with wood or concrete subfloor.

Tip: Most common shower size is 3x5; minimum is 3x3.

To drain water into weep holes, install sub-base with pre-sloped float sticks under pan liner.

Tip: Weep holes are small holes connected to the drain. They allow water which has seeped though tile or grout to flow away into the drain.

Use pre-sloped float sticks above liner for ¼ inch fall per foot of base around drain.

Tiling

Consider tile options: pebbled tile, tiles with lights, metal tiles.

Use interlocking, continuous stringer to level first row of tiles.

Tip: So underlayment will resist moisture, set tiles in thin set mortar.

Shower Heads

Consider shower-head options: minimalist or industrial design, rain or waterfall water patterns.

Tip: If you have space, install several shower-heads.

Finishing Up

Use back of plastic spoon to smooth caulk.

Tip: Seal caulk with waterproof sealer to minimize cleaning.

Offset plumbing towards door so hands won’t get wet when turning on faucet.