Hold trowels at a 45-degree angle in relation to the substrate. If you’re new to tile setting here are a few more tips. Meaning, that you can confidently use Ardex modified thin-set over Schluter KERDI or KERDI-BOARD. Seasoned tile setters will notice that I said Ardex X5 is modified and that Schluter doesn’t recommend modified thin-set over their substrates.Īrdex will warranty the bonding of tile to Schluter fleece. It never hurts to check the walls with a level to ensure all the tiles are even and plumb.įor this project, I used Ardex X5 modified thin-set along with a 1/4″ x 1/4″ square-notched trowel. Once the first row is set, the subway tile can be thin-setted in place up to the bottom of the niche. I like using 1/16″ horseshoe shims or Barwalt tile wedges between the first row of tile and shower tray tile. The reason for the spacers is to provide an expansion joint. In addition, use spacers between the first row of tile and your shower tile floor. So it’s critical to make the first row as level as possible.Īnd I recommend using a laser level to accomplish this. This will make or break any subway tile shower niche because there’s not a lot of wiggle room with small tiles. Setting the first row of tiles up to the niche is fairly easy.
Subway Tile Shower TipsĪfter the shower has been waterproofed – and by the way, you should waterproof shower walls – it’s time to set tile. So I highly recommend reading this shower niche framing tutorial when you have the time. Use this story pole to frame the wall for the niche and follow shower niche manufacturer recommendations for proper 2×4 spacing.įor example, Schluter prefab niches require studs at 16″ on-center spacing, and that goes for vertical or horizontal studs. If your subway tiles don’t have lugs, I recommend using 1/16″ horseshoe shims to accurately depict the story pole. This makes stacking the tiles on the story pole and drawing reference lines very straightforward. Same for the drywall ceiling.Īny change of plane for tile requires this expansion joint per the Tile Council of North America.Īlso, most subway tiles have lugs or integrated spacers. Story poles are super simple and show how the tile will look at the floor, the bottom of the niche, top of niche, and ceiling.ĭrywall, scrap pieces of backer board, plywood, or even cardboard make great story poles.įactor in a 1/16″ to 1/8″ expansion joint (not grout joint) between the shower floor tile (for walk-in showers) or tub. I recommend having your tile before the planning process.įor example, this shower was built with 3×6 subway tile and I used a story pole to get an accurate tile layout. The first step to any beautiful shower niche is planning…and lots of it. Let’s dive in! Subway Tile Shower Niche Planning This tutorial shares several tips that’ll make your project easier and look spectacular. More importantly, how do you get that tiled niche to look terrific? How do you build a subway tile shower niche?
0 kommentar(er)
