Tiling a tub surround with subway tiles is a relatively straightforward process when compared with larger, more complicated projects such as backsplashes or flooring. The basic steps include:
1. Preparing the surface – Before starting, be sure the surface is clean, dry, and free of any old tile or adhesive. If necessary, use tile adhesive or drywall compound to fill in any gaps and smooth out rough spots.
2. Layout – Once the surface is prepared, determine the layout of your subway tile. It’s important to maintain a consistent grout line width, so use a measuring tape and a level as needed.
3. Cutting – If your Subway tiles don’t exactly fit the space, some cutting will be necessary. Use a wet saw, a manual tile cutter, or a manual nipper to cut the tiles down to size.
4. Laying the Tile – Spread thinset tile adhesive on the back of each tile and position it on the wall. If you need to make any adjustments to the placement of the tile, do so before the adhesive sets.
5. Grouting – When all of your tile is in place and the adhesive has completely dried, it’s time to grout. Choose a grout color that complements the tile and spread it in between each tile with a grout float.
Be sure to remove any excess grout from the surface of the tile and allow the grout to dry.
6. Finishing Touches – After the grout has been given time to dry, you may wish to seal it to keep it looking new. Finally, install decorative accents, such as corner shelf brackets, and enjoy your finished tub surround.
How do you subway tile a shower surround?
To subway tile a shower surround, you’ll need to prepare the surface of the walls first. Start by applying a cement backerboard to the walls using drywall screws, using a water-resistant adhesive as needed.
Once the backerboard is in place, you’ll need to waterproof the entire area thoroughly. This is done with a waterproof membrane, and may require multiple layers. Once the walls are waterproofed, you’ll be ready to begin tiling.
For the best tiling results, use an acrylic or latex modified thinset and a 1/4-inch trowel. Begin in the middle of one wall and work your way outward. Place the tile in lines, with the joints of each line offset from the one beneath it.
Make sure to measure before you cut the tiles to fit the edges. You may need to trim the pieces as you go. Once all the pieces are in place, use grout to fill the joints. Use a float to smooth the top and press the grout in, then scrape off the excess.
Allow it to dry fully before you apply grout sealer, which will help to protect it from future damage.
How do you install subway tile in a bathtub?
Installing subway tile in a bathtub takes some careful planning and preparation to ensure a successful outcome. The first step is to determine the size and layout of tiles that you want to use. Measure the area where you want to install the tiles and create a plan for how you want to lay out the tiles.
Once you have decided on the size and layout, you will need to prep the wall. It is important to ensure that the surface is smooth, dry, and clean before tiling. You may need to use a grout saw to remove any existing grout lines or an electric sander to smooth out any rough bumps or scratches.
Once the area is prepped, you can begin laying the tiles. Starting in one corner, use a level and a grout trowel to spread a thin layer of mortar. Place the tiles in the pattern specified in your plan.
Make sure each tile is flush with the others. For a professional finish, use spacers in between each tile to help maintain even spacing.
Next, use a grout float to press grout into the gaps between the tiles. Once the entire wall is grouted, allow the surface to dry. When the grout has hardened, use a grout sponge to smooth the surface and remove any excess grout.
Once the grout has dried and been cleaned, apply a sealer to help protect the grout and make it more resistant to staining. Finally, enjoy your newly installed subway tiled tub and take pride in knowing you installed it yourself!.
What do you put behind tile for tub surround?
Behind tile for a tub surround, you should use cement board. Cement board provides a relatively waterproof foundation and good backing for the tile. This makes it easier to keep the tile and grout lines in place and even cut down on maintenance as compared to traditional drywall.
When choosing cement board, look for a cement board that meets the standards set by industry organizations. When installing the cement board, use screws so it is secure and level. Also, use a vapor barrier like polyethylene or asphalt-saturated paper that covers the studs, as this will help keep moisture out of the wall.
Finally, use a sealant for the cement board seams that are watertight and flexible to ensure an effective seal.
Does tile go over the tub flange?
Generally speaking, tiles should not go over the tub flange. Firstly, the flange is often made of wood and tile is generally not suitable for wood surfaces, meaning there is no suitable surface for the adhesive to bond with properly.
Additionally, the flange is not designed to take the weight of the tiles. By placing tiles over the flange you could damage the structure of the bathtub which could cause water damage.
As an alternative, some people may choose to tile the wall up to the flange if it’s made of suitable materials despite this still not being the best practice due to the structural issues mentioned above.
To ensure a watertight seal, caulk should be applied to the wall and around the flange before tiling begins. The issue with this solution is that caulk is not as durable as tile adhesive and may require more frequent maintenance and renewals.
Bottom line – while it is possible to tile over a tub flange it is not recommended due to the structural integrity, moisture issues and likely lack of durability.
Where do you stop tile around a bathtub?
When tiling around a bathtub, it is important to make sure that the tile is positioned correctly so as to reduce the risk of water damage. Generally, when tiling around a bathtub, you should stop the tile a few inches (4-6) above the top edge of the rim of the tub for a regular installation.
This allows for a joint between the tub and the tile to be achieved with the use of a grout or caulk. Additionally, it is important to note that the tub’s edge should be flush with the finished tile that was used around it; if the tub is not flush, it should be adjusted with a shim prior to setting the tile.
Additionally, when placing tile around a bathtub, it is important to ensure that there are no gaps between the tile and the tub, as this can allow water to seep through and cause damage. Finally, it is important to ensure that the tub and the surrounding tile are properly sealed with a waterproof sealant or grout to prevent water damage.
Can you put tile directly on a bathtub?
No, you cannot put tile directly on a bathtub. The bathtub must be properly sealed and prepped before putting any tile on it. This includes cleaning any and all residue off the surface, sanding it to give it a rough surface, and properly sealing the bathtub with a waterproof sealer.
Once that is done, a layer of mortar or tile adhesive must be applied. The tile can then be placed on top of the mortar/tile adhesive and grouted in order to help seal the tile and protect it from water damage.
Finally, it is important to use a sealant or caulk around the edges of the bathtub to protect it and make it fully waterproof. Although it is possible to put tile directly on a bathtub, it is not recommended as it could cause water damage and tile to come loose.
What do you put between tub and tile?
The best product to put between tub and tile is a waterproof sealant or caulk. When choosing a sealant or caulk, it is important to consider whether it is suitable for the material of the tub and tile.
For example, if the tile is ceramic, you may need a silicone sealant that is designed to bond to ceramic tiles. Also, check the sealant or caulk packaging to make sure it is designed to be used in wet or damp areas, as the area between the tub and tile will most likely be exposed to water.
It is important to apply the sealant or caulk correctly; the directions for its use should be followed closely. For best results, it may be beneficial to use a caulk gun when applying sealant or caulk.
Also, any dust or debris should be removed from the gap between the tub and tile before applying any sealant or caulk.
Do I need to waterproof tub walls before tiling?
Yes, waterproofing tub walls is a necessary step before tiling in order to protect them from water. Waterproofing a tub wall is accomplished by applying a waterproof membrane or sealant to the walls and covering them with a thin layer of waterproof cement or plaster.
If you are using a cement or plaster product, usually you will need to coat the walls a few times in order to get the right amount of protection. Additionally, using a high-quality tub liner can also help waterproof tub walls.
A good quality tub liner should cover the walls of the tub in order to provide extra protection from water and make it easier to clean. Once the tub is adequately waterproofed, you will be ready to install your tile.
What material goes behind shower tile?
The material that should go behind shower tile depends on the type of tile that is being used. For natural stone, like marble or granite, a cement backer board should be used. This will give extra strength and provide a waterproof barrier.
For ceramic or porcelain tile, a mortar bed should be used. This can be either pre-mixed or conventional sanded grout. It should be troweled evenly to a depth of 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch, and it is important to use a plastic portland cement or a dried portland cement.
It is necessary to waterproof the cement with a sealer, such as latex modified thinset mortar. Additionally, for ceramic or porcelain tiles, a membrane should be used to cover the cement backer board or mortar bed.
This membrane should be waterproof and slip-resistant. It should also be abrasion and puncture resistant, and provide a barrier to moisture. Some other items to consider would include a vapor barrier and crack isolation membrane.
Like the waterproof membrane, this should be slip-resistant, abrasion and puncture resistant and provide a barrier to moisture. Some examples of waterproof membranes include Schluter Kerdi or Schluter Kebud.
It is also important to follow all manufacturer’s directions and local building codes to ensure proper installation.
Should I put drywall behind tub surround?
It generally is not necessary to put drywall behind a tub surround, as these materials are typically waterproof and durable enough to stand up to wet and humid conditions without the need for extra protection.
However, there are some situations in which adding drywall may still be beneficial. For example, drywall can provide a buffer between the surface of the tub surround and the wall framing, reducing the chances of water damage impacting the structural integrity of the home.
It can also help with adding insulation to keep the interior of the bathroom warm, which may be particularly helpful in colder climates. In addition, drywall may provide some extra soundproofing when placed behind the tub surround, which can be particularly beneficial if you live in a multi-family home or other noisy environment.
Ultimately, whether or not you should put drywall behind the tub surround will depend on your own particular needs, so it may be best to consult with a professional to get the best advice for your specific situation.
What kind of adhesive do I use for a tub surround?
When selecting an adhesive to use for a tub surround, it is important to choose an option that is strong, durable, and waterproof. A product like Liquid Nails Tub Surround and Shower Walls Adhesive is a great option for this type of job, as it provides superior adhesion and high initial tack.
It is designed for adhering tub surrounds, shower wall panels, wall board, and similar materials, and cures to a tough and flexible elastic state that resists wear, vibration, and thermal shock. It can also be used on a wide variety of substrates, including drywall, masonry, wood, or existing tile.
It is important to select the right applicator to use with the adhesive, taking into consideration the size of the tub surround, to ensure evenly spread adhesive and get an optimal bond. Additionally, it is important to prepare the work surface prior to applying adhesive and to use the product according to manufacturer directions to ensure a successful installation.
What is the substrate for a tiled tub surround?
When installing a tiled tub surround, the substrate (which is a term for the base material that tiles are adhered to) is typically either drywall, cement backer board (which is a type of sheet material), or a waterproof membrane.
When deciding which substrate is best for your project, you should consider the existing conditions in your bathroom and the type of material best suited for those needs.
For example, if you have a necessary problem with moisture, a waterproof membrane may be your best choice. This type of membrane is typically made from two separate layers of material with a waterproofing compound in the middle.
It is highly resistant to any type of moisture, so it is perfect for a bathroom. However, it does require extra work as it needs to be cut to fit the area.
Alternatively, drywall is a popular choice for tiling a tub surround. Drywall is a very common material and it is easy to work with. It is also relatively inexpensive and it provides good rigidity and strength.
However, drywall is not waterproof, so it should not be used in an area that has a lot of moisture.
Finally, cement backer board is a great choice for a tiled tub surround. It is a durable material and it won’t absorb moisture, making it perfect for a bathroom environment. It can be easily cut to the shape of the area and it holds tile firmly in place.
Cement backer board is generally a bit more expensive than drywall, but it provides a great sturdy base that will last a long time.
Choosing the right substrate for a tiled tub surround is important in order to get a great looking, long lasting finish. Depending upon the specific needs of your project, any one of these three popular substrates can work well.
How far off the tub do you start tile?
When you are tiling around a tub, it is important to leave a small gap between the tiles and the tub. This gap will help prevent any water or moisture from getting into the actual tub or behind the tiles.
Typically, the gap should be about 1/8th of an inch wide or about the width of a grout joint. This will allow for a small bit of movement and expansion in the shower area. Start by measuring the gap from the edge of the tub and then use a utility knife and metal straight edge to score a line in the mortar or thinset for guidance.
Where do you start first row of shower tile?
When it comes to tiling a shower, the most important factor is to start on a level surface. Before beginning, make sure that your shower walls or floor are completely flat and that you have checked for any dips or bulges.
It is very important to ensure that the tiles are even from the start, otherwise, it can make the installation of the tiles more difficult and they may not lay flat.
Once you have checked the area, you can begin the installation of the shower tile. The most common suggestion is to start with the bottom row of tiles. This helps to keep the entire row even, as you will be able to mortar and grout the tiles to the wall or floor.
When installing the bottom row, make sure that you are following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Depending on the tiles, you may be required to install a specific size tile as the starter row. Even if this is not a requirement, it is still recommended to ensure that the tiles are sized correctly.
Once the bottom row is complete, you can continue to install the rows from the bottom up. It is important to make sure that each row is even and that all of the tiles have been grouted correctly. Once all of the rows have been installed, you can complete the shower tile installation.