The Ultimate Guide to Tiling Around a Shower Curb
Hey there! Lillie here, your friendly bath remodeling advisor. If you‘re looking to upgrade your shower with some sleek new tile, you‘ve likely wondered about the best way to tile around the shower curb. It may seem complicated, but tiling a curb doesn‘t have to be difficult. In fact, with the right materials and techniques, you can achieve stunning results!
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you step-by-step through the entire process of tiling around a shower curb. I‘ve been renovating bathrooms for over 10 years, so I‘m excited to share all my pro tips and tricks. We‘ll cover:
Let‘s get started!
Why a Tiled Shower Curb Matters
You may be wondering – what exactly is a shower curb, and why tile it in the first place?
A shower curb is a raised border that separates the shower pan from the rest of the bathroom floor. The key purposes of a curb are:
Tiling the top of the curb serves both aesthetic and functional goals:
Fact: Over 35% of homeowners report issues with shower leaks. A properly tiled curb prevents this!
If you‘re renovating or building a new shower, take the time to tile the curb right. You want it to be watertight and durable for years to come. A leaky shower can lead to flooding, water damage, mold and mildew growth – not good!
Choosing Your Shower Curb Materials
The first step in any tiling project is gathering the right materials. For a shower curb, you‘ll need:
Tile
Choose a tile designed for wet areas. Good options include:
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- Mosaic tiles
- Small format tiles like pennies or hexagons
Avoid natural stone, which can stain and degrade over time.
Pro Tip: Use a tile with a rectified edge for super-straight grout lines.
Thinset Mortar
Thinset adheres the tile to the curb. Look for a polymer-modified thinset made for wet environments. Flexible formulations are better for curbs.
I recommend Mapei‘s Ultraflex LFT Mortar or Laticrete 255 MultiMax.
Grout
Grout fills gaps between tiles. Use an unsanded grout for small grout lines 1/8" or less.
Sealant
A silicone sealant finishes tile edges and seals corners. I like GE Silicone II Caulk.
Backerboard
Use cement backerboard like HardieBacker rather than drywall behind the tile.
Waterproof Membrane
RedGard or Laticrete Hydro Ban seal the curb prior to tiling.
Tools
You‘ll need basic tiling tools – notched trowel, spacers, grout float, sponges, mixing buckets, and safety gear like gloves and goggles.
A snap tile cutter is great for straight cuts. For L-cuts and U-cuts, use a wet saw with a diamond tile blade.
Constructing the Shower Curb
Before setting those beautiful tiles, the shower curb itself needs to be built. This provides a solid, waterproof foundation for tiling.
Here are the key steps:
1. Frame the Curb
- Cut 2×4 lumber to the desired height and width of the curb.
- Connect the boards securely with deck screws to form a box frame.
Tip: Standard height is 4-6", but adjust based on your needs. For a zero-entry shower, omit the curb framing.
2. Add the Backerboard
- Cut cement backerboard to size and screw it to the top of the framed curb.
- The backerboard provides support and a waterproof surface for tiling.
3. Waterproof the Surface
- Apply a waterproofing membrane like RedGard to the entire curb surface area.
- Use thinset mortar to "pre-slope" the wet bed, angling it back toward the shower area.
- Seal all seams and corners with waterproofing tape.
This seals the curb from any water intrusion or leaks.
4. Allow Materials to Cure
- Let thinset mortar, RedGard, and other products fully cure per manufacturer instructions before tiling.
- Test moisture levels with a meter – less than 4% moisture content is ideal.
- Now your curb is ready for tile!
How to Tile Around the Shower Curb
Alright, let‘s move on to the fun part – setting those beautiful tiles! Follow these steps for flawless results:
1. Prepare the Surface
- Make sure the curb surface is clean, dry, and free of debris and dust.
- Mix a batch of thinset mortar, following package directions. Let it slake for 10 minutes.
2. Apply Thinset to the Curb
- Use a 1/4” notched trowel at a 45° angle to evenly spread the thinset.
- Apply only as much thinset as you can tile over within 30 minutes.
Pro Tip: Thinset open time is 30-60 minutes – work in sections!
3. Dry Fit the Tiles
- Do a test layout with the tiles first – this is called a dry fit.
- Ensure your tile sizes, patterns, and grout line spacing are correct.
- Make any necessary cuts using a tile saw or snap cutter.
4. Install the Tile
- Working in sections, firmly press tiles into the thinset starting at the top corner.
- Use plastic tile spacers between each tile for even grout line width.
- Check for level and flatness as you tile. Remove any thinset squeeze out immediately with a damp sponge.
5. Apply Grout
- Once thinset has cured (24-48 hrs), mix and apply grout using a rubber grout float.
- Work it deeply into all tile joints and angles, removing excess as you go.
- Clean any haze off the tiles with a damp sponge once grout has begun to cure.
6. Seal With Silicone Caulk
- Once grouted, seal all tile edges with silicone sealant for water protection.
- Run a smoothed bead along the bottom and vertical edges, and in bottom corners.
That covers the key steps from start to finish. Now let‘s get into the fun extras that will take your tile job to the next level!
Pro Tiling Tips and Techniques
Want your shower curb to have that professional touch? Here are my best tips:
Stagger tiles: Offset tile rows for a pleasing bricklaid pattern.
Maintain level: Check for level often to ensure an even surface.
Grout float matters: Use a quality rubber grout float and apply even pressure for smooth filled joints.
Wipe diagonally: Wipe diagonally across grout joints to prevent dragging grout out of the lines.
Tool caulk neatly: Wet your finger and "tool" the silicone for a smooth finish.
Curing counts: Allow 72+ hours for thinset, grout, caulk to fully cure before exposing to moisture.
Following these pro tips will help you avoid beginner mistakes and take your tiling skills to the next level. With practice makes perfect, so don‘t worry if it takes a try or two to get it right!
Specialty Tools, Grouts and Finishing Touches
Let‘s quickly cover a few special tools and materials that can give your shower curb a high-end look:
- Bullnose tiles: Rounded-edge border tiles provide a finished edge.
- Chair rail trim: Metal or ceramic strips create a framed edge.
- Decorative inserts: Glass, metal or stone tile inserts add interest.
- Sanded caulk: For filling wider grout lines vs unsanded.
- Grout release: Prevents grout from bonding to tile surface.
- Grout sealer: Protects grout from stains and water damage after installation.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with patterns, textures, colors and trim pieces. The options are endless!
Mistakes to Avoid
It‘s easy for shower tiling projects to go wrong. Steer clear of these common mistakes:
No waterproofing – Leaks will happen without proper membranes!
Sloped outward – Water flows out without an inward slope. Maintain a 2% slope.
No control joints – Control joints prevent cracks at corners and openings.
Uneven thinset – Tile won‘t adhere right without full contact with thinset.
Grout gaps – If grout isn‘t smoothed into joints, gaps allow water intrusion.
No perimeter caulk – Water will find its way through untiled edges without sealant.
See why taking the time to do it right matters? A little extra care goes a long way for great results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about tiling shower curbs:
What slope should the shower curb have?
Aim for a 2% slope, or 1/4 inch per foot. This keeps water draining back into the shower.
What size tile spacers should I use?
1/16 to 1/8 inch spacers are typical, depending on your desired grout line width.
How soon can I use the shower after tiling the curb?
Wait a full 72 hours for thinset, grout and caulk to cure before exposure to water.
What‘s the easiest way to cut the tiles?
A snap tile cutter is great for straight cuts. Use a wet saw with a diamond blade for L-shaped and U-shaped cuts.
Should I use sanded or unsanded grout?
For narrow grout lines under 1/8", use unsanded. Sanded grout is better for wider grout lines.
Still have questions? Reach out – I‘m happy to help!
You Got This!
Well there you have it – everything you need to know to tile a shower curb with confidence. I know it seems like a lot, but take it step-by-step and you‘ll do great.
The most important things to remember are:
- Proper prep and waterproofing
- Correct slope
- Even thinset coverage under tiles
- Smoothly applied grout
- Sealing edges with caulk
Follow those steps closely and you‘ll have a beautifully tiled, leak-free shower in no time! If you run into any trouble, don‘t hesitate to ask.
Happy remodeling!
Lillie