QA

Question: When Should I Tile My Shower Wall

The classic design feature is usually between 34 and 54″ high, with 36″ being the average height. A classic offset or straight set pattern in a standard field size tile works best for this wall height. For a truly classic look, finish the top with a decorative trim or a bullnosed edge.

When tiling a shower should you do walls or floor first?

Because the wall tile should hang over the floor tile, it can be more complicated to install tile on the wall first. However, starting your project with tile installation on the walls first can help you to avoid unfortunate messes and damage related to mishaps with the mortar and tile.

How long should you wait before installing tile on a shower pan?

Once the mortar is set you can continue the process of placing either the shower pan or tile. (Note for tiling: Tiling should begin within approximately 16 hours of the mortar bed installation. After 24 hours, the mortar bed enters a green state and should not have tile adhered to it for 28 days.)

What is the best backer board for a shower?

Cement board is a good, reliable backer board that works well on both floors and walls. Keep in mind that most tile setters err on the side of caution and brush a waterproofing membrane on top of cement board when it is in wet areas like showers or tub surrounds.

What size tile is best for shower walls?

Shower Wall Tile Sizes For moderate- to large-shower walls, generally it is best to use larger tiles, from 4-inch by 4-inch tiles on upward to large format tiles in the 15-inch by 30-inch range. From a visual standpoint, tile smaller than 4 inches square creates a busy appearance.

Do you start in the middle when tiling?

It’s always advisable to start tiling your grid in the centre of the wall, as it’s easier to make sure your pattern is symmetrical. It also means any half-tiles you may need can go at the end of each row and will be of matching size.

How long does tile need to set before walking on it?

You should wait at least 24 hours after laying the tile to walk on it to avoid damage to the floors.

Can I tile straight onto plasterboard in a shower?

Yes, it is possible to tile directly to our Gyproc moisture resistant (MR) grade boards without any pre-treatment.

Can you use floor tile on shower walls?

As long as a tile, no matter the size, meets a set criteria it will be suitable for your floor. It will also be suitable for your wall. This is also why you do not want to do it the other way around. You can use ‘floor’ tile on a wall but you cannot use ‘wall’ tile on a floor – it won’t last.

What tiles are best for shower walls?

Choose ceramic tile, porcelain tile, or quarry tile, which are all part of the ceramic tile family and are ideal for areas exposed to water. This sounds obvious — of course, you want your shower and bathroom to be waterproof.

How far up the wall should a shower pan liner go?

The pan liner should finish a minimum of 6 inches above the framed or (roughed-in) curb height. This height allows for the application of concrete base and finishes to be applied.

Do I need to waterproof shower walls before tiling?

Contrary to popular belief, ceramic tile and grout, by themselves are not waterproof. Water can penetrate through cement-based grout and work its way through the substrate. To prevent water damage, you must install a waterproof membrane just below the tile bonding mortar as close to the tile as possible.

How do you prepare a bathroom wall for tile?

How to prepare for tiling a wall:

  1. Remove old fittings, such as pins, screws, rivets etc.
  2. Repair or remove unfit plaster.
  3. Get rid of or pre-treat wallpaper (if present)
  4. Repair any cracks or signs of damage.
  5. Level the surface.
  6. Sand, so that the adhesive can bond.
  7. Make sure the surface is dust, dirt and grease-free.

What shower tile is easiest to clean?

The four bathroom tiles that are the easiest to clean are natural stone tile, glass tile, polished porcelain tile, and vinyl tile. Choosing one of these four tiles will help you save on cleaning products and cleaning time.

Do I need a vapor barrier behind cement board in shower?

You still need a vapor barrier with cement board, although in this case the barrier can go behind the board. Cement board is heavy enough and breathable enough to take the moisture without a problem. By having the vapor barrier behind the cement board you stop the moisture going further into the wall.

When tiling a shower where do you start?

Start out level

  1. Start tile on a level board. Screw a straight board to the level line and stack tile on the board.
  2. Close-up of improper spacing.
  3. Don’t start on the edge of the tub or shower. Don’t start the first row of tile by resting it against the tub or shower.

How high should tile go in shower?

The general rule is that tiling should extend to at least six feet, two inches. If you have a glass enclosure, then you should try to extend it to the top of the glass encasing. If you choose to play it safe, tiling your shower area up to the ceiling will always be your best bet.

What do you put behind tile in a shower?

Whenever installing tile in any area of your house, you need a special substrate, or base layer. In showers, the standard substrate is tile backer, also called cement board or cement backer board. Ceramic and porcelain tile, more than almost any other surface material, needs a stable, flat, flex-free substrate.

Do bathroom walls need to be waterproofed?

Prim and Polished Bathroom Bathrooms are, by nature, wet spaces. But you want to be sure that water doesn’t leak through walls and cause mold or other damage. To avoid leaks and excess moisture build-up, take care to waterproof your bathroom wall, floor and ceiling.

Do you start tiling from the top or bottom?

Don’t start it at the floor. Instead, bring it up to about 3/4 of the height of your tiles. So, if you’re dealing with four-inch tiles, your batten board would start three inches off the floor. So, you’ve got that bottom row of tile.