Is tiling the bottom of a shower difficult?

Question

I'm remodeling our bathroom. We are going to attempt at tiling the entire shower, pan included. It was an existing shower, and since its in the basement, there is just sloped cement for the bottom of it. Can't I just directly tile to the shower floor?

Answer 1

It is not extremely difficult but there is much more involved than just putting some tile down on a concrete floor. Steve is right. I would STRONGLY recommend putting down a some type of liner (either PVC liner or trowel on type). Also, if you are doing the walls you will need to do something about water-proofing those as well.

My wife and I are just finishing a shower installation in our house. Admittedly, I am the type who will over-engineer DIY projects just so I don't have problems later on. I'm also one of those guys who can't resist exploring houses under construction so I've seen all sorts of ways to install a shower. When it comes down to it, there are numerous ways to do it and probably most will be fine but I tend to lean towards the way I know (or at least think I know) won't have a problem.

Let me give you a few links that you may find helpful. The first one is what happens when it's done wrong and then shows what the home owner did to fix it. He does a first rate job and has some excellent pictures.

http://tileyourworld.com/articles/applegate_shower.htm

I'll also include some others using a similar design.

http://www.ontariotile.com/preslope.html
http://www.ontariotile.com/bathren1.html

You can follow these sites back to some good discussion groups if you're looking for more information.

Lastly, I would recommend getting a tile book from one of the big box hardware stores or at least take a look at one. A decent one will discuss in detail what you are trying to do. Good luck with your project.

Answer 2

Re-tiling A Shower

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is tiling the bottom of a shower difficult?
I'm remodeling our bathroom. We are going to attempt at tiling the entire shower, pan included. It was an existing shower, and since its in the basement, there is just sloped cement for the bottom of it. Can't I just directly tile to the shower floor?

Answer 4

Yes you can tile the floor as long as you are on cement. try and rough up the cement a little if you can. You may have to raise the drain which could be a problem. Make sure you keep everything straight and level or the tiles will not line up.

Answer 5

You may tile directly to the cement. Be sure to use thin set tile adhesive.You will want a thin set with a additive or bonding agent. Do not use any type of mastic adhesive in a damp environment.

Answer 6

I hate to disagree with all the previous answers, but you may want a water-proof membrane in there. Concrete & mortar are porous to some degree.

There are trowel-on membranes available. We often use a product called Ultraset.

Answer 7

as long as the slope is correct going to the drain you should be fine. maybe check by running some water to ensure correct drainage. wouldn't want to do all that work and have water sitting.

Answer 8

Take a trip to your local diy store like b and q. they normally have a tradeperson who will demostrate for you.