Shower tiles are a necessary part of any bathroom renovation. Not only do they add style and personality to the room, but they also protect the walls from water damage. In this article, we will teach you how to install shower tile in your home.

Materials

Before you can install shower tiles, you will need to gather a few materials: 

  • Shower tile

  • Thinset mortar

  • Tile adhesive

  • Grout

  • Tile spacers

  • Paintable caulk

  • Trowel

  • Level

  • Bucket

  • Sponge

  • Cordless drill

  • Circular saw

  • Masonry bit

  • Hammer

  • Screwdriver

  • Utility knife

Depending on the kinds of shower tiles you are using, you may need to purchase special tools. For example, if your shower tiles require a wet saw, then you may want to buy one for this project. If not, then any circular saw will do just fine. A cordless drill is also much easier to work with than a manual screwdriver.

Materials You Will Need for the Shower Tile Subfloor

After you have gathered all of your materials, you will then need to prepare the subfloor of your shower area. This is done by laying down 3/4" cement board on top of the subfloor before installing your shower tiles. Your cement board should be cut to fit the space, and it will most likely require full-sized sheets. These boards are available at your local hardware store; they are usually in stock.

Set Up the Tiles 

Before you can begin laying down the tiles on the drywall, you need to do some prep work that takes time to do but pays off in the end. Once you have your mortar mixed up, apply a bead of caulk around the seams where the walls meet each other, and then lay down your tiles into that sealant. You can cover any tiles that overlap with another tile by using another sheet of the same tile you are using. By laying two tiles on top of each other, it will create a more even and consistent look.

The next step is to mix your thin-set mortar. 

This can be done by adding water to the bag until it reaches a toothpaste-like consistency. Apply the mortar to the back of the tiles using a trowel, and then press each tile firmly into place. You will want to use a level to make sure each tile is even before you move on to the next one.

Use Tile Spacers 

Once the tiles have been set in place, it is time to add the spacers between them. These little plastic or metal devices come in a variety of sizes, and they help to create even spaces between each tile. This is an important step, because it will make sure that your grout lines are straight and even.

Set the Tiles in the Mortar 

Once the spacers have been added, it is time to mix up some more mortar and begin setting the tiles into it. Apply a thin layer of mortar to the back of each tile using your trowel, and then press it firmly into place. You will want to use a level to make sure each tile is even before you move on to the next one.

Finishing Touches 

Now that all of your tiles are in place, it is time for the finishing touches. Remove the spacers and then use a mild solution of soap and water to clean off your tiles. Once they are clean, it is time to apply grout between each tile using a grout spreader. Make sure you only put enough in to fill the spaces; if you add too much, it will spill over onto the top of the tile.

Conclusion

Once you have finished grouting, allow it to dry for a day and then use a sponge and some water to clean away any excess and bring back the tiles' natural color. You can then paint over the tiles with your favorite paintable caulking so that they blend in better with your walls. Using this method, you can have a new, updated shower in just a day or two!

Now that you know how to install shower tiles, you can update the look of your entire bathroom in no time! By following these simple steps, you can have a beautiful, brand-new shower in just a day or two. So get started and enjoy your new bathroom!