A project tackled by only the bravest of do-it-yourselfers: the shower tile installation. Relatively speaking, a shower is a small area, right? But don’t let that fool you! Installing tile in a shower requires research and planning. Get yourself organized and informed before getting started! Here are three things to consider when preparing for a shower tile installation.

Compatibility

While it may seem like we’re stating the obvious, this might be the most important thing to contemplate … are the materials you’re using compatible for a shower? When tile shopping, you’ll want to make sure the material you pick is approved for a wet location. Keep in mind: even though a tile may be safe to use in a wet area, it doesn’t mean it will be the best option for your project. For example, glass is a popular choice for showers. However, some of the larger glass tiles can show trapped moisture after only a few uses. Not a good look! If you opt for glass, smaller tiles typically work better. Also keep ease of cleaning in mind. Lots of grout joints mean lots of scrubbing to keep them sparkly and looking like new. When considering what kind of tiles to use on the shower floor, make sure you get something that offers a high rating in Slip Resistance. Smaller tiles offer more grout lines and slip resistance but if you prefer a large format tile, choose an option that has either an A or B rating. Lastly, be sure to verify your setting materials will work with your tile and waterproofing system.   

Tools

Don’t begin your project without first making sure you have all of the proper tools and materials you need to get the job done right. Check out TEC’s Shopping List for everything you’ll need to install tile in your shower. (They also offer some very useful installation tips!)

Waterproofing

Waterproofing your shower is a critical piece of the project! Do not overlook any aspect of this, or you can potentially face some serious headaches in the future. You may want to hire an experienced contractor to install your waterproofing and drainage system. If you attempt to do it on your own, be sure to educate yourself on the products you’re using and refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation. Schluter offers some great content on their website, like videos on their KERDI BOARD System for example. You can even create a custom playlist with Shower Systems videos that are relevant to your particular project!