Tile Installation

To update a small bathroom with a new tile shower and floor. We first, turn off the water and demo the existing shower surround and flooring, making any necessary plumbing adjustments as you go.

Next acmetile, ensures the walls are solid, level surface by installing cement board or another suitable backer board,

followed by waterproofing, before tiling the walls and floor.

Finally, acmetile installs a frameless glass door and any fixtures to complete the new tile shower, then grout and seal everything.

1. Demo and plumbing adjustments

• Turn off the water: Shut off the main water supply to the house before starting any work.

• Remove old fixtures: Disconnect and remove the old showerhead, faucet handles, and any other hardware.

• Demolish the shower: Carefully remove the old surround and flooring. For tile, you may need to break it or cut around it. Remove the existing drywall down to the studs in the shower area to access the plumbing.

• Adjust plumbing: Reroute or replace the shower valve and pipes to the new location as needed.

• Clean up debris: Use a wet/dry vacuum to clean up dust and debris from the demolition.

2. Prepare and waterproof

• Check the studs:

  Ensure the wall framing is sound and reinforced, adding bracing if necessary.

• Install backer board:

  Install new cement board or other appropriate backer board over the studs, making sure it is flat and level. This provides a solid surface for your new tile.

• Waterproof the area:

  Apply a waterproofing membrane over the backer board, following the product's instructions for application and curing time. A roll-on membrane or fabric sheet is recommended over a paint-on one, which may be inconsistent if not applied with a thickness gauge.

3. Tile installation

• Tile the floor:

  Begin tiling the shower floor. A small-format tile or a large-format tile with a good slip-resistant rating is best for a shower floor.

• Tile the walls:

  Install the wall tiles, using a tile saw to cut pieces as needed.

• Use proper layout:

  For larger tiles, consider a staggered or 1/3 offset layout to reduce the appearance of lippage (uneven edges).

• Tile to the ceiling:

  Extending the tile to the ceiling can make the shower feel larger and provides a more seamless look.

4. Final touches

• Install glass doors: Install your new frameless glass shower doors or panels.

• Install fixtures: Re-install the showerhead and other hardware, ensuring all connections are secure.

• Grout the tile: Apply grout to fill the gaps between the tiles. Choose a grout color that complements your tile selection.

• Seal the grout: Once the grout is fully cured, seal it to protect it from water damage and stains.

• Clean and finish: Clean the entire area to remove any remaining dust or residue.