How to Tile a Shower

Gutted Shower StallGut the shower stall down to the studs. You may need to remove the shower pan and ceiling, as well.

Installed HardibackerPut up a sturdy cement board backer. Putting up cement board is just like putting up drywall. You cut it to fit, and then screw it to the studs. Leave a 1/8" gap between panels. Use a hole saw to cut the holes where the shower head and handles would come through. Make the cement board flush with the tile lip of your shower pan by using shims behind the board to bring it out to the desired thickness. Use 100% silicone caulk to seal the seams between the panels.
Measure up from the bottom of the backerboard the height of a tile minus 1/2". This will give you a 1/2" overlap over the tile lip on your shower pan. Mark this with a sharpie and using a level, transfer the mark across the shower stall. This will be a guide for the top of the first row so that all tiles will be level.
Mix enough thinset for the bottom row.
Dampen the cement board with a sponge. If you do not, the cement board will draw the moisture out of the thinset too quickly, making for a brittle set that is susceptible to cracking.
Laying the First RowTrowel on some thinset and spread it with a notched trowel. Then set the tile into it by twisting slightly while pushing into the thinset. Remove the tile to make sure you have good coverage on the back. Reinstall and keep setting tiles using spacers in between. Let the bottom row set up for 24 hours.
Repeat the procedure, setting each row of tile on top of the last row of tile. Continue until you reach the top of the shower stall.
Measure up from top of the last row. Mark line with a level as guide for next row.
Spread thinset between last row of tile and marked line with v-notched trowel.
Set tile into thinset using spacers all around.
Repeat for next row up.
Let the tile set for 48 hours

Floating Grout into SpacesGrout the tile. Mix up a batch of grout and use a sponge float to smooth it into the joints. After 30-40 minutes (check the directions on the bag of grout) you want to wipe the excess grout with a damp sponge and a circular motion. Keep wiping with a clean sponge until the tile is clear.

Let the grout cure for 24-48 hours before sealing.

Tips Make sure you use tiles made for walls and follow the directions on the bag of thinset as to what type of trowel you will need.
Do not use Mastic, use a thinset and stay away from the premixed stuff.
Pick out the right trowel for your thinset and tile size, also pay attention to spacing recommendations and use the right spacers. Use 1/8” or less spacing so that you can use unsanded grout (easier to seal).
Remember you are not going to grout at the corners, you are going to caulk, so try to maintain an even spacing.
Place card board cut to the shape of your shower pan and taped in place to avoid damaging the fixture.