Installing Tile on Shower Walls
How to Finish and Grout Your Bath Enclosure: Steps and Tool List
Installing Tile on Shower Walls
Installing tile on shower walls is not a tough project but demands attention to detail and accuracy to end up with professional results. The tools and material you will need are:
- a tape measure
- a wet tile saw
- a tile hole cutting bit(s) of the dimension(s) you need (for the shower head,etc.)
- a drill for the bit
- a grouting float
- a grouting sponge
- a notched mortar trowel
- tile spacers (1/8” or 1/4”)
- cheesecloth
- tile
- tile mastic
- grout
- grout sealer
Prepare the Greenboard or Cement Board
Ensure that the greenboard or cement board on the walls is finished and that there aren't any deep indentations on the wall surface where the tiles will go. A smooth surface minimizes the chance of any unexpected cracking later on.
Ensure that all wall surfaces that will be in contact with the tile are absolutely clean and smooth. This is an important factor when you apply the tile grout.
Make your Layout
The next step is to do your layout for the tile. In either direction you go, vertically or horizontally, you probably won't get an even number of full tiles. The best way to determine your borders tile is this - measure the wall width. Find and mark your mid-point. This point will be either the center of the center tile or the joint line between two tiles. Investigate each scenario to determine which way makes for the larger borders. Take into account the width of your mortar joint. This determines the starting point. Be aware that this layout applies to left to right measurements only. As far as the bottom to top (vertical) layout goes, use a full tile at the bottom. Just make certain your tub is reasonably level.
Now that your layout is made, strike your chalk lines, one for the top of the bottom course of tiles and the second one vertically for the center tile column.Use the 3-4-5 rule to be sure you have a 90 degree angle. If you don't, adjust the vertical line.
Set the Tile
Start toweling mortar or mastic onto the wall. Start setting tile where your chalk lines intersect and work outwards. Use the spacers between tiles to ensure equal space between tiles. As soon as all the field tiles are in, start cutting and setting the borders. When thats done give it 24 hours or so to set up. Now you can begin grout the tile.
Grouting the Tiles
Now you're ready to grout your tiles. You can mix the powdered grout (color of your preference), or buy premixed grout. Now the idea is to use the sponge to force the grout into the tile joints using hand pressure. Next, use clean water to sponge the grout off the tile surface and shape a slight indentation in the joints. This must be done before the grout sets up so you might find yourself grouting in sections.
Grouting is a job that takes minimal practice. The good news it is that you can stop and add grout if you've made the indentation too deep. Just keep your sponge wet and use a smooth circular motion.
Now that you're done, just let the grout set up, buff the tiles with cheesecloth, and use a grout sealer.
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