What's new
Forums
Members
Resources
Whopper Club
Politics
Pics
Videos
Fishing Reports
Classifieds
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Members
Resources
Whopper Club
Politics
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Forums
General
General Discussion
Tile Showers
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Traxion" data-source="post: 131906" data-attributes="member: 983"><p>This is all good information. I have done many, many tile showers. </p><p></p><p>First on the base- yes, a tile floor can be a PITA to clean. But, tile certainly looks better. A fiberglass base will definitely save you time and money compared to a Schluter base. But if you choose to tile it the Schluter base and especially the drain are the way to go for sure. If you use their base the slope is set and as long as you choose a good small pattern mosaic drainage is perfect. </p><p></p><p>The Schluter Kerdi is the best waterproofing membrane out there. First time use can be a challenge to say the least. First, use the trowel they recommend. Second, mix your thinset a touch wet. Dry thinset will not allow the Kerdi to bond and is very frustrating. For seams I recommend butting the joints and use Kerdi band to seal the joint rather than overlap because you create less of a hump in the wall. Just make sure you do this part right, it is the most important part of the shower base and walls.</p><p></p><p>Regarding the framing and sheetrock you are going over, make sure everything is flat and straight. If you pick large format tiles it doesn't take much of a hump or dip in the wall to cause you serious trouble. Even the sheetrock tapered joint can be a challenge. If possible, have everything flat and square in all corners. It will save you a ton of headaches. </p><p></p><p>Think through your tile layout and draw it on the wall if needed. Remember cutting holes for shower valves, heads, and mounting niches can be a challenge depending on location. Try to get everything planned before you begin. Niches need to be waterproofed with Kerdi or you can buy the pre-built ones. </p><p></p><p>I too like to set one row of tile and let it set overnight so I have a solid base to build on. Then, go up the next day. Get good tile spacers that stay in place, the ones that can be used multiple ways are best. Stay away from the cheap X style ones. </p><p></p><p>Remember to mix your thinset a bit on the tight side for less mess. You will get it everywhere anyway your first time. I pretty much exclusively back-butter the tiles rather than place thinset on the walls. Much cleaner. </p><p></p><p>You will learn tiles are far from square and constant adjustment. Get a pack of tile shims to help. And, keeping the tiles flat is a challenge. Keep your thinset amount on the tiles and wall consistent. Add/remove small amounts of thinset if needed to maintain a flat tile surface. </p><p></p><p>A good tile saw is a must. A grinder with diamond blade and a drill with tile bit helps too. </p><p></p><p>I only use premixed grout anymore. It is much, much better than dry mix grout. Color consistency with dry mix grout is completely dependent on how much water you put in and batch to batch consistency can be difficult. With the premixed that isn't an issue and it is completely waterproof. Just do not do too much at a time, a couple sq. ft. then clean up that area. </p><p></p><p>I always but from the tile store but don't know where else you can get the materials. A home center allows returns so that is nice, most flooring/tile stores don't.</p><p></p><p>I hope this helps, let me know if you have questions. BTW for a 42" x 60" shower I would plan on spending a solid week on it from start to finish.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Traxion, post: 131906, member: 983"] This is all good information. I have done many, many tile showers. First on the base- yes, a tile floor can be a PITA to clean. But, tile certainly looks better. A fiberglass base will definitely save you time and money compared to a Schluter base. But if you choose to tile it the Schluter base and especially the drain are the way to go for sure. If you use their base the slope is set and as long as you choose a good small pattern mosaic drainage is perfect. The Schluter Kerdi is the best waterproofing membrane out there. First time use can be a challenge to say the least. First, use the trowel they recommend. Second, mix your thinset a touch wet. Dry thinset will not allow the Kerdi to bond and is very frustrating. For seams I recommend butting the joints and use Kerdi band to seal the joint rather than overlap because you create less of a hump in the wall. Just make sure you do this part right, it is the most important part of the shower base and walls. Regarding the framing and sheetrock you are going over, make sure everything is flat and straight. If you pick large format tiles it doesn't take much of a hump or dip in the wall to cause you serious trouble. Even the sheetrock tapered joint can be a challenge. If possible, have everything flat and square in all corners. It will save you a ton of headaches. Think through your tile layout and draw it on the wall if needed. Remember cutting holes for shower valves, heads, and mounting niches can be a challenge depending on location. Try to get everything planned before you begin. Niches need to be waterproofed with Kerdi or you can buy the pre-built ones. I too like to set one row of tile and let it set overnight so I have a solid base to build on. Then, go up the next day. Get good tile spacers that stay in place, the ones that can be used multiple ways are best. Stay away from the cheap X style ones. Remember to mix your thinset a bit on the tight side for less mess. You will get it everywhere anyway your first time. I pretty much exclusively back-butter the tiles rather than place thinset on the walls. Much cleaner. You will learn tiles are far from square and constant adjustment. Get a pack of tile shims to help. And, keeping the tiles flat is a challenge. Keep your thinset amount on the tiles and wall consistent. Add/remove small amounts of thinset if needed to maintain a flat tile surface. A good tile saw is a must. A grinder with diamond blade and a drill with tile bit helps too. I only use premixed grout anymore. It is much, much better than dry mix grout. Color consistency with dry mix grout is completely dependent on how much water you put in and batch to batch consistency can be difficult. With the premixed that isn't an issue and it is completely waterproof. Just do not do too much at a time, a couple sq. ft. then clean up that area. I always but from the tile store but don't know where else you can get the materials. A home center allows returns so that is nice, most flooring/tile stores don't. I hope this helps, let me know if you have questions. BTW for a 42" x 60" shower I would plan on spending a solid week on it from start to finish. [/QUOTE]
Verification
What is the most common fish caught on this site?
Post reply
Recent Posts
BEST Music Vid...
Latest: svnmag
Yesterday at 10:29 PM
Preserving Spool Depth
Latest: svnmag
Yesterday at 10:10 PM
Oahe report Mobridge
Latest: Rowdie
Yesterday at 9:49 PM
Morel mushrooms
Latest: svnmag
Yesterday at 9:48 PM
Ruger Mark III
Latest: Zogman
Yesterday at 5:27 PM
S
Costa Rica Bill fishing
Latest: SLE
Yesterday at 2:44 PM
M
RR
Red River 5-22-24
Latest: measure-it
Yesterday at 12:30 PM
Buying gold and silver.
Latest: Maddog
Yesterday at 12:11 PM
Ticks
Latest: Lycanthrope
Yesterday at 12:02 PM
Texas Aoudad
Latest: luvcatchingbass
Yesterday at 10:24 AM
This is what its all about
Latest: Achucker
Yesterday at 7:14 AM
F
"Conspiracy Theory" or not?
Latest: Fester
Tuesday at 9:42 PM
Garden!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Latest: tikkalover
Tuesday at 4:37 PM
.357 VS 10mm
Latest: grumster
Tuesday at 3:28 PM
Howdy from Grand Forks, ND
Latest: espringers
Tuesday at 12:02 PM
Queens Ann and Nancy Wilson
Latest: svnmag
Monday at 9:46 PM
Craftsman 5000-Watt Generator
Latest: Mr.Mike
Monday at 7:58 PM
Project ideas for a 13yo
Latest: Wirehair
Monday at 8:41 AM
What are you listening to these days?
Latest: svnmag
Sunday at 10:32 PM
Weather forecast & predictions
Latest: CatDaddy
Sunday at 10:20 PM
Friends of NDA
Forums
General
General Discussion
Tile Showers
Top
Bottom