How to Tile a Shower Yourself

Tip: Make sure you have at least 10–15% more tile than you’ve measured, so you can easily correct mistakes and errors

Grout

1. Check your tile manufacturer’s recommendations on grout. You can purchase your desired color.
2. Apply the grout in small sections and be sure to work it into each joint. You can wipe away any excess with a damp sponge. Let the grout dry and remove any excess from the tiles.
3. Once the grout has set, use a sealant to preserve its longevity, and then wrap up your tiling project by using silicone caulk on the corners and joints of the shower.

Other FAQs

What are some common mistakes to avoid when tiling a shower?

Before embarking on the first row of tile, there are a few things to keep in mind. According to Snouffer, it’s important to take the time to plan and research the process. She says, “There will always be things that happen during the process that require a pause and maybe creative thinking—as any experienced DIY’er knows. Planning and making sure the foundation of surface is level, the proper tile back is there, and waterproofing is in place will make the actual tile installation much, much easier.” Other common mistakes to avoid, according to designer Evelyn Pierce Smith, include using glass tile (since it’s the hardest to install) and not prepping the area well. Smith says, “Make sure your surface is completely level and smooth before starting to tile.” She also adds, “Make sure the basin of the shower holds water before starting to tile.”

What is the correct order to tile a shower?

With any DIY project, it’s important to start out with design selections and planning. After that, according to Snouffer, it’s best to go: plumber valves, drains and tubs, tile backer, shower pan or tub, waterproofing, installing tile and edging with mortar/thin-set, grouting, caulking, plumbing, and then installing finished fixtures like shower heads, controls, and trim plates.

What are some pro tips or hacks for tiling a shower?

Unfortunately, there’s no hack that will allow you to skip the tough or tedious parts of this tiling project. So before laying your first tile, the most critical step is getting the foundation for the tiled area ready. According to Snouffer, “Make sure the tile backer is level-pad or adjust the framing as needed to make this happen. The waterproof membrane should not have any folds or uneven surfaces. Play with the dry fit of the tiles to have a game plan of how to start. And lastly, take your time—installing tile itself is not the difficult part but it does take attention to detail.”