Taking a shower is a great time to do some thinking. Unfortunately, if the look of your shower leaves something to be desired then you might spend all of that time thinking about ways you can renovate it. Maybe add a new light fixture? Maybe re-tile the floors and walls? If only you had the cash! If money is the only thing holding you back then it might be time for you to learn how to install tile by yourself!
Hiring contractors is when a renovation project starts to financially balloon. Learning a skill like tiling can save you loads of cash and gives you the freedom to make a room look exactly how you intended. Installing tile in your shower is the perfect opportunity to flex your DIY muscle.
Like all DIY projects, the key is attention to detail by measuring everything. Don’t measure once. Measure three or four times! You want to get it all right on the first try. When setting up tiles don’t think of each individual tile, but rather think of them as sets or panels. Lay them out the way they’ll appear in the shower and see if the pattern works. Measure this length as a panel and then compare it to the measurements of your shower.
The first step is to install a concrete backboard on all the shower walls. Next you’ll get a professional to install a shower pan and a shower membrane. Then you’re off to the races! Use a straight piece of wood to create a flat, level base. Screw it directly into the concrete backboard and then begin placing the tiles above it. You’ll want to use thinset mortar and a notched trowel to make an even, non-sagging foundation for the tiles. Clean the tiles with water and a sponge to make sure no mortar is seeping through.
It’s incredibly likely that your tiles won’t perfectly fit in the space provided. You’ll have to cut the tiles down to size so that they squeeze into the remaining space. It’s crucial to have this uneven section be at the base or the edge of the wall as opposed to being smack dab in the middle. The final step is to apply grout. Use a mixture of 75% sanded grout and 25% non-sanded grout. Apply upward from the base with a rubber float and clean the surface of the tiles with a sponge and water after you’ve let it set a while. Voila! A newly-tiled shower!
This is not a project for beginners, but it’s also not so hard that it’s outside most peoples’ abilities. Be cautious and confident and you’ll end up with an amazing shower. Check out the full article below to see a comprehensive, step-by-step guide for installing tile in your shower!
Read the full article here: How To Install Tile In A Bathroom Shower