We've finished the prep for our shower walls and now we're ready to tile.
Don't skip the prep if you want your shower tile to look good and last a long time.
If you haven't already, check out the previous video, How to Prep for Shower Wall Tile at
Lowes.com/HowTo.
This is part of a total bath remodel, so we also replaced our tub with a fiberglass shower
base.
We installed that first because we want our tile to overlap the base.
We'll cover our floor so it's protected while we work on the walls.
Now we're installing our tile in a running bond pattern.
We actually start the installation at the second row up.
That's because the shower base might be uneven, and we might have to cut the tile to fit.
We'll fill in that bottom row last.
So, I'm going to attach a straight board along my starting line.
This will help keep the tile level and in place as I'm working.
Now for the thinset.
Mix it according to the directions, typically a paste-like or peanut butter consistency.
Spread it along the guidelines in a small work area.
Don't cover too much.
Then with the notched side of the trowel, comb over the thinset in one direction, and
put the excess back in the bucket.
Take a tile and gently press it onto the mortar, lined up with your guides.
Then add the next piece using spacers.
When you get to a corner you'll probably need to cut the tile to fit.
Just mark and cut.
Finish the row and move up to the next one.
It's a good idea to periodically check that the tiles are level and straight.
And take one off to see if the thinset is sticking.
If not, use a larger notched trowel.
If you need to cut the tile to fit around plumbing, use nippers or a hole-saw designed
for tile.
Continue setting the tile.
For exposed edges, use bull-nosed edge tiles if available, or finish off with trim pieces.
When you've installed all the tile, you can remove the support board.
Then install the bottom row.
Remember, you'll most likely have to cut the pieces to fit, and leave room for expansion.
Keep placing the tile until you're done.
After the thinset has dried for 24 hours you'll want to remove the spacers and get ready to
grout.
You'll want to use a grout recommended by your tile manufacturer.
Just mix enough—following the directions—to work in a small area.
Apply the grout with a rubber float.
Work it into the joints dragging the float in a diagonal motion.
After about ten minutes, wipe away the excess with a wet sponge.
And try not to wipe the grout out of the joints.
Continue grouting in small sections until you've got the whole thing done.
When the grout has dried there might be a slight haze on the surface.
A haze remover will take that off.
Then, after a few days apply a grout sealer, and silicone sealant to the corners, edges,
tub, and floor joints.
Wow, talk about a transformation — check out how different this looks.
But we have lots more to do, so check out the rest Find other videos in in this bathroom
series at Lowes.com/HowTo.