Building Tile Shower Walls Tips

Tile shower walls are tiled after the ceiling and the shower pan are completed. Install an appropriate backer. Cement board is best if this is a new installation.

Plan for location of any accessories like tile soap dishes or racks.

Lay out horizontal lines as guide lines on the back and side walls. Also lay out some vertical lines to keep you on track, hopefully your back corners are plumb. Plan for whether you will have cut tiles top and bottom or just at either the top or bottom.

Do the back tile shower wall first, then the sides, then the front.

Spread adhesive over a small area at at time. Lay the first tile at the intersection of a horizontal and vertical line. Then set a tile to each side then one above the first tile. proceed on from there checking with your square and level to keep aligned. Use spacers between tiles to help you stay straight. Leave adhesive off area for accessories until you install the accessories.

Trim around the shower opening using bull nose or double bull nose tile if available. Your dealer will probably make miter cuts for you.

Grout after the tile are set. Then apply silicone caulk between the walls and the shower pan and around fixtures and accessories.