installing cermic tile in shower?

Question

never installed it before i am putting in mold free dry wall and new fixtures. want to put up tile instead of a surround wondering how hard it is to do thanks

Answer 1

this is a fairly easy job to undertake, although a little messy.Even a 1st timer can do this with a little patience,and care. 1st off you can use green board (sheetrock for wet areas) but it is not as waterproof as they say. Get some hardiboard instead. Once this is installed securely, Pop a good straight line with a bright chalk,I like red myself if using 4" tiles pop a line 4and 1/16" above the tub. (Make sure to keep starter row level ) Now your line is popped spread your glue or mastic, using a trowel with serrated edge to do so.Let the glue get tacky and then start installing your tiles (you may need spacers depending on the type tile you use. Most small tiles have a couple of slightly raised spots on each side for the space. Once all your tile is in place, let the tiles set for 24 hrs to fully cure. Now you are ready to grout ,being your 1st time I recommend premixed grout. Keep a wet sponge handy while applying grout. Make sure all joints are well filled, and sponge lightly afterward any excess so that it does not bond to tile facing. Let your grout set about 12 hrs then apply a good sealer to prevent water from penetrating grout and loosening it and your tiles, Grout is porous. Hope you understand what I am saying here, I am better at actually doing as to trying to explain

Answer 2

Smiles; I got here late. Good On ya Steve and papercut.

They've essentially said all I could say after multiple bath remodels and truck loads of tile. Take their suggestions.

LOL; OK I'll add two cents. Without knowing the style or size of tile you intend; wall tile is often easier to install; or offers a better install if you use the Mesh backed. My second penny would be used to suggest 1/8 grout lines at most; and take the tile all the way to the ceiling. I use a Poly blend Mortar and grout, as opposed to a mastic.

I also agree with paper cut in that I try to convince customers to NOT always tile the shower floor. I prefer the molded shower bases; with the wall tile down to them; but that's just a personal choice. Certainly no matter; a decent PAN is neccesary..

In any case you've been given great suggestions and I just wandered in. Good luck.

Good to see Q&A peers all meeting in the same place too.

Steven Wolf

Answer 3

I would suggest getting a good tile book at the book store or library and reading it. Despite what the first answerer says it is not "quite easy." I have probably done 75 bathrooms and while it's not terribly difficult it does take some skill and some planning. Especially around corners and other transitions. As was suggested do not use drywall behind the tile in a shower. Study up and then make a decision.
Good luck

Answer 4

It's not really a DIY project unless you have some skills as a craftsman. You don't want to use drywall behind the tile it will rot. Use a cement backerboard. The pan and bedding mortar on the floor is the hardest part. If you have a prefab vikryl pan maybe not so hard. You can use the mold free drywall above the tile if youre not going to the ceiling.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
installing cermic tile in shower?
never installed it before i am putting in mold free dry wall and new fixtures. want to put up tile instead of a surround wondering how hard it is to do thanks

Answer 6

really quite easy. start at the bottom and work up. measure sides to determine the placing and or cutting of the tile.

Answer 7

try this

http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/inftil.html