Tiling a shower is a clever way to upgrade your bathroom. It will create a durable and luxurious space that’s easy to care for. Before you start, consider the layout you're after, as well as the tiles and colours that will complement the surrounding decor. With your bathroom design ideas firmly in place, the next step is the practical considerations.
Showers need to be waterproof, so getting your preparation right is crucial to preventing water from seeping into spaces and causing hard-to-identify damage. Then it's a matter of installing the tiles to achieve that beautiful finish.
Here you’ll find everything you need to know to build the shower you’ve always wanted.
Article continues belowShop these tools for tiling a shower
A stainless steel trowel with 10mm notches that evenly spreads adhesive and creates thicker ridges. This makes it a good choice for floor tiles , ideal for tasks that require more adhesive to help cover uneven surfaces.
A durable and hard-wearing tile grouting float that features a high density foam pad covered with a rubber base and bonded to an aluminium plate. A comfortable ergonomic handle gives good grip.
A low-profile stone resin shower tray, engineered for strength, style, and everyday practicality. It is just 30mm high and has an easy-to-clean, anti-slip surface for added safety.
Stephen is an independent tiler with other 30 years in the industry. He specialises in kitchen tiling, walls and floors and general tiling repairs.
Steps to tiling a shower
A shower will be in contact with water every time it’s used so it’s critical that the area is waterproof before and after tiling. Here we show what you need to do...
1. Waterproof the area
You will need to waterproof the walls and floors before you start. If using a liquid sealant, then apply as instructed and leave to dry as per manufacturer's instructions. If using a waterproof membrane to seal the floor and walls, install as instructed. Make sure you have all the components you need such as internal corner joints and internal wall floor joints.
2. Dry lay tiles
Before you tile the floor, we assume it has a drain installed, has been waterproofed, and has the right fall, the slight slope from the wall to the drain so water drains properly.
Stephen Russell of Ashley Cross Tiling says, "The first step is to dry-lay the tiles, starting in the centre of the shower and working outwards toward all edges." He adds, "Make sure there are no small slivers of tile along the edges. Look to have even-sized cuts on all opposite edges. Adjust until happy."
3. Tile the floor
If you have a circular drain, you will need an appropriately sized diamond tile hole saw to cut the hole. Make sure it's slightly bigger than the drain. Now lay enough adhesive for around 4-6 tiles, again start in the middle, and lay working outwards, first towards the back edge of the shower floor. Use 3-5mm spacers for the floor. Repeat until you reach the edges, remembering to measure and cut tile to fit.
The alternative to tiling a shower floor is to install a shower tray. Harriet Goodacre, interiors and tiling expert for Topps Tiles, explains the benefits, "A shower tray is usually quicker and simpler to install, as it comes pre-formed with the correct slope for the built-in drainage. It’s a practical, low-maintenance option, perfect for DIY-ers and often more cost-effective too."
She adds, "The downside is that it has less design flexibility, and if it cracks, you’re often looking at replacing the whole thing.”
Harriet is a tile and interiors expert at Topps Tiles, with over a decade at the brand and more than 15 years’ experience working with home and lifestyle brands. She specialises in all things tiles and tile design, including layouts, colour pairings and interiors trends, offering practical and stylish guidance for real homes.
4. Tile the walls
Before you start, make sure the floor tiles have set and cover them with a sheet or two to keep them clean. Start on the back wall and measure and mark the centre point of the wall. Now, dry-lay the first tile with the middle on the marked centre point, and dry-lay tiles on both sides to ensure an even spread.
Russell says, "Spread enough adhesive on the wall for two or three layers of tiles." He adds, "Starting in the centre, lay the first tile, then work left and right, remembering to use spacers."
Now check that the tiles are level with a spirit level like this CRAFTSMAN Torpedo Level from Amazon. If uneven, Russell offers a quick tip to help level the tiles: "Use a piece of cardboard from the tile box to get the tiles level." You can remove them once the tile adhesive has set. Now lay the remaining tiles and repeat the process on the other walls.
5. Grout and finish
Leave the tile adhesive to set for 24 hours and finish off by grouting the floor tiles and leaving to dry. Then add grout to the wall tiles. When finished, use a grout sealer to help improve water resistance.
FAQs
What are the benefits of installing a tiled floor
Shower trays are easier and quicker to install, but a tiled floor brings with it plenty of plus points, shares Goodacre, "A tiled shower floor offers much more freedom in terms of size, layout and overall design as it can be fully integrated with the rest of the bathroom for a seamless finish."
However, it does involve more work. Goodacre continues, "Installation is more precise, though, as it requires proper waterproofing and a carefully formed slope, but the result can feel much more stylish.”
What is the correct order to tile a shower?
There is debate over whether to tile the floor or the wall first, but both options have pros and cons. The floor is typically the first choice, as Russell shares: “It is usual to tile the floor of a shower first. This is because it is better at waterproofing the shower.”
He adds another reason why, “It also allows you to tile right up to the wall to give you the starting point for wall tiles.” But tiling the floor first means you need to wait for the tiles to set before you can stand on them and continue tiling.
There is also the issue of stray mortar getting on the floor when tiling the wall, and the possibility of a dropped tile or tool cracking one of your nice new tiles. A simple solution is to lay down protective sheeting.
Do you need a waterproof membrane in a shower?
You will need some form of waterproofing under the tiles to prevent water ingress into the floor and walls, and to prevent water damage. You can use a waterproof membrane designed for installation on walls, floors, and boards. But you need to make sure corners and edges are installed properly to keep water out.
The alternative is to use a liquid-based sealant, such as the Mapei Shower waterproofing kit from B&Q, to ensure all areas are waterproofed before tiling.
What tiles should I use on shower floors?
If you do decide to tile your floor you need to check that your chosen tiles are suitable as Goodacre explains, “For shower floors, slip resistance is key. Look for tiles that are designed for use in spaces that will get wet and ensure they say they’re slip-resistant."
She adds, "For walls, ceramic or porcelain tiles both work well, but always check they’re suitable for the surface you’re using them on and don’t be tempted to use wall-only tiles on the floor, as they won’t have the correct grip.”
Can I tile straight onto plasterboard in a shower?
“No, tiling onto plasterboard in a shower is not recommended”, shares Russell, “Plasterboard needs to be treated in areas that are regularly exposed to water, such as a shower.”
Plasterboard needs to be primed with a suitable sealant to waterproof it. Alternatively, use a waterproof membrane, such as this Premium Tanking Kit from Amazon. This includes a waterproof membrane and waterproofing paste.
Alternatively, you can skim the plasterboard to help prevent water from seeping into the board, but you will still need to seal the plaster to make it waterproof. And you will also need to consider the weight of the adhesive and tile on the plasterboard. Standard skimmed plasterboard can only hold 20kg per square metre.
If a new shower is part of your latest bathroom renovation, you need to make sure it's done right and avoid common bathroom layout mistakes. Be inspired by our small shower room ideas and get a good deal on tiles with our where to buy bathroom tiles guide.
