Do You Tile Shower Curb or Wall First?

Tiling your shower curb and walls may seem intimidating, but have no fear – I‘m here to walk you through the process step-by-step. With the right materials, patience, and my pro tips, you can achieve stunning results. This comprehensive guide has everything you need to know, from prepping to grouting, to create a beautifully tiled shower.

Why Tile Your Own Shower?

Taking on a tiling project yourself can save thousands compared to hiring a pro. Let‘s break down the costs:

• Basic tiling materials: $150 – $500
• Contractor tiling labor: $25-$50 per hour
• Total contractor cost for a basic 5×5 shower: $1000 – $3000

Tiling does take time and effort, but doing it yourself nets huge savings. Take precautions and the results can be just as high-quality as with a pro. Let‘s get started!

Step-by-Step Guide: Tiling Shower Walls and Curb

Follow these steps in order for success:

Prep the Walls

Here‘s how to get your shower walls tile-ready:

1. Remove existing tiles, grout, and caulk completely with a grinder or putty knife. Wear safety goggles and a mask.
2. Clean walls thoroughly – no debris or soap scum. TSP cleaner works well.
3. Check local codes for any requirements like cement board.
4. Install cement backerboard per manufacturer instructions.
5. Tape seams with mesh tape and thinset mortar.
6. Apply waterproofing membrane like RedGard or Kerdi. Super important moisture barrier!

Applying liquid waterproofing membrane to shower walls before tiling

Tile the Walls

Now onto the fun part – tiling! Follow these tips:

• Start center and work out. Lay a vertical and horizontal axis in the center of each wall to build outward symmetrically.
• Laser level is magical. Use a cross-line laser level to draw plumb lines on the walls. Ensures your tiles will be perfectly straight.
• Dry lay tiles first. Map out your tile layout on the floor to visualize spacing and placement.
• Use spacers religiously. Plastic tile spacers keep consistent grout line widths. This prevents tiles shifting while thinset mortar cures.
• Mix thinset well. Mix powdered thinset mortar thoroughly with a drill mixer. Let sit 10 minutes, then remix before using.
• Apply thinset with even coverage. Use a notched trowel at a 45 degree angle spreading thinset in straight rows. Cover the entire back of each tile.
• Push tiles into place. Set tiles firmly in the thinset and use gentle pressure to adhere them to the wall.Voila – beautifully installed shower wall tiles!

Tile the Shower Curb

Now tackle the curb:

• Measure and cut curb tiles to fit shape using tile nippers or a wet saw.
• Slope top tiles slightly downward so water flows back into the shower floor.
• Use thinset mortar and spacers just like on the walls.
• Let thinset fully cure for 24-48 hours before grouting.

Shower curb tiled to match walls

Grout and Seal

Grout finishes the job:

• Use unsanded grout for joints 1/8" or less, sanded for wider gaps.
• Apply grout by pressing firmly into joints with a rubber grout float.
• Let sit briefly and wipe away excess grout with minimal water.
• Allow 72 hours for grout to fully cure before sealing.
• Seal grout with a penetrating sealer to prevent staining and damage. Re-apply yearly.

And voila – you have a gorgeous, watertight tiled shower!

Tiling Material Considerations

Choosing the right materials ensures success:

Tile Types

• Porcelain – Low porosity, durable, stain resistant
• Ceramic – Available in tons of colors and styles
• Glass – Gorgeous shine but requires specialized cutter
• Mosaic – Small tiles perfect for accents and niches
• Stone – Marble, granite, etc. – natural beauty but higher maintenance

Tile Sizes

• Mosaics – 1 inch square or smaller
• Standard – 4 1⁄4” × 4 1⁄4” is a popular size
• Large – 12” × 24” and bigger
• Trim – Bullnose, chair rail, etc.

Other Factors

• Slip resistance – Add grip with texture for shower floors
• Thin-set requirements – Check if glass or large tiles need special thinset
• Patterns – Consider mixing sizes, textures, and designs

Shop around at tile showrooms to get a feel for styles, colors, and pricing. I always encourage clients to bring home samples to visualize in their space.

Step-by-Step: Tiling a Curbless Shower

Curbless showers are a stylish, modern choice. The install process differs:

1. Waterproof entire area thoroughly with RedGard or similar membrane.
2. Ensure adequate slope of 1/4” per foot towards drain.
3. Set shower pan liner below floor level to catch any water.
4. Build up shower floor with mortar to achieve slope.
5. Tile floor and walls as above instructions.
6. Use perimeter sealant along all edges to prevent leakage.
7. Select minimal grout lines – no more than 1/16”.

Maintenance is key for curbless showers. Check grout and caulk seals twice yearly and re-apply sealant as needed.

A beautiful curbless shower with modern style

Remodeling or Re-Tiling a Shower?

Updating an existing shower brings added considerations:

• Remove old enclosure: Cut away fiberglass or acrylic surround and dispose properly.
• Replace drywall: Cut back to studs and install cement board for best results.
• Update plumbing: Replace old shower pan, re-route pipes as needed. Consult plumber.
• Extract old thinset: Grind down high spots and adhesive residue.
• Patch holes: Use hydraulic cement to plug plumbing holes.

Take time to fully prep and waterproof the space. This helps prevent leaks or grout issues down the road.

Top Products for Shower Tiling Projects

I recommend these top-quality brands:

Product	Top Brands
Waterproofing Membrane	RedGard, AquaDefense, Schluter Kerdi
Cement Backerboard	Wedi, Schluter Kerdi-Board, Hardiebacker
Thinset Mortar	Mapei, Laticrete, Ardex 8+9
Grout	Mapei Ultracolor Plus, Bostik Hydroment, Laticrete Permacolor
Sealant	Miracle 511 Porous Plus, Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold

Ask at your local tile store for these professional product lines. Avoid big box store generics – quality makes a difference!

FAQs – Your Top Shower Tiling Questions Answered

Here are the questions I get asked most often:

What thinset should I use?

I recommend a high quality, polymer-modified thinset like Laticrete 317. Suitable for almost all tile types and provides a strong bond.

How long does thinset take to dry?

Thinset mortar fully cures in 24-48 hours. Wait at least 24 hours before grouting. Don’t rush it!

What’s the best way to cut curb tiles?

A wet saw is ideal, but you can also use handheld tile nippers for precision cuts. File edges smooth after cutting.

Can I use regular drywall in my shower?

No! Only cement backerboard or other approved waterproof material should be used.

How do I know if my grout needs sealing?

If grout looks dull or you can see dark spots when wet, it needs to be sealed. Apply every 1-2 years.

Have a question I didn‘t answer? Reach out anytime! I‘m always happy to offer my tile expertise.

Let‘s Get Tiling!

You made it to the end of my shower tiling guide – hopefully you feel equipped with the knowledge to tackle tiling your shower curb and walls. Remember, take your time and don‘t skip important preparation steps like waterproofing. Invest in quality materials and tools. Tile by tile, you‘ll have a gorgeous new shower! Let me know if any other tile questions come up. I‘m always happy to help a fellow DIYer. Get tiling!