Overview
Most new shower installations utilize prefabricated fiberglass enclosures that are glued to the walls with construction adhesive. This method of shower construction is quick and effectively protects the walls from water. But fiberglass shower enclosures have a smooth, machined look. For a more traditional look, install tile walls in your shower. A solid wall covered with a concrete substrate that is properly sealed is required for tile walls. Tiles must be surrounded by at least a 1/16 inch grout line that can be sealed to prevent water from invading your wall.
Things You’ll Need
Tile adhesive
Toothed tile trowel
Tiles
Cardboard spacers (1 inch by 3 inches by 1/16 inch)
30-year silicone caulk
Caulk gun
Damp rags
Clean, dry rags
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Step 1
Spread tile adhesive with a toothed tile trowel. Apply the adhesive in a 1/4-inch layer with the smooth blade of the trowel. Turn the trowel around and hold it at a 30-degree angle to the wall. Push the teeth of the trowel through the adhesive and drag the tool in small arcs to add texture to the adhesive that will allow the tile to stick to the wall.
Step 2
Push tiles into the adhesive on the wall. Place a row of tiles along the bottom of the wall. Slide a small piece of cardboard between each tile to maintain even spacing. Continue laying tile in rows up the wall using the cardboard to maintain spacing both vertically and horizontally.
Step 3
Leave the tiles and cardboard in place until the adhesive has completely cured. Each adhesive manufacturer gives specific instructions on the use and drying time of its product on the packaging. Leaving the tile and spacing cardboard in place for 24 hours will insure complete curing regardless of brand.
Step 4
Pull the cardboard free of the tiles. Wipe the surface of the tiles clean with a damp rag. Dry the tiles with a clean rag.
Step 5
Snip the tip off a tube of caulk at the 1/8-inch mark with the snipping tool on your caulk gun. Lay the tube into the gun and push the plunger forward to lock the tube in place.
Step 6
Place the tip of the caulk tube against one end of the empty grout line between the bottom row of tiles and the top of the tub or shower pan. Squeeze the trigger of the gun and drag it along the line to fill the gap with caulk.
Step 7
Wipe away the excess caulk with a damp rag leaving only a thin line filling the thin grout line. Fill every grout line with caulk, smoothing each one with a damp rag as soon as it is placed.
Step 8
Leave the caulk to cure overnight. Inspect the wall for gaps in the caulk. Fill any gaps with fresh caulk. Wipe the wall clean with a damp rag. Allow 24 hours for the wall to cure completely.
Warnings
Work gloves and safety glasses are required when using hand tools.
Reference
Ask the Builder; Ceramic Wall Tile Tips; Tim Carter; 2011