How to Install Shower Wall Tile
Tools needed:
- 5 gallon bucket
- Mixing paddle (attached to drill)
- Notched trowel
- Rubber gloves
- 1/8" spacers
- Level
- Chalk line
- Tile saw
- Carbide hole saw (attaches to drill)
- Drill
- Bull nose caps
- Mastic or Thin set
Before beginning project, make sure the walls are straight and the bath tub is level. Adjust your first row slightly, to compensate if necessary.
Step 1
Using a level, draw a vertical line from the front of the bath tub as high up the tile should go. Lay the bottom row of tile from the line back along the bath tub to the wall to figure out size of cut needed against the back wall. The cut should be 1/2 the size of the tile or larger. If not, adjust layout to accommodate the size.Step 2
Spread thin set or mastic with a notched trowel from the back wall to the line and up a couple of feet. Start in the back corner of the bath tub and work your way to the line. Use 1/8" spacers under the tile to keep them off the bath tub.Step 3
Continue up the wall in a stair step pattern until you reach the height you need.Step 4
Use bull nose cap pieces along the front edge of bath tub and double bull nose cap pieces on both top corners.Step 5
Clean up any thin set or mastic that comes through the tile, and let dry overnight. Now the tile is ready to grout (see grout tutorial).« Return To Our Tutorial Listing
