How to Install Curbless Tile Showers

Install the Tiles on the Shower Floor

• 1

  Dry-lay the tile onto the shower floor. Starting at one corner of the floor, begin laying whole pieces of tile next to each other. Use a permanent marker to indicate the position of the tile on the floor. If you are not going to butt the tiles next to one another, use spacers to help you evenly place the tiles on the floor. Then use a permanent marker to draw guidelines on the tiles that you'll need to cut to size. Such tiles can include those that go around the drain or outer edges of the shower floor.

• 2

  Cut the tiles for the shower floor to size, using the guidelines you drew. You can use a wet saw or a snap cutter to cut the tiles.

• 3

  Dry-lay the cut tiles to ensure that they fit well. Remove the tiles from the shower floor.

• 4

  Spread a layer of premixed thinset mortar over a small area of the shower floor. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation regarding the thickness of mortar to spread onto the floor. Use the notched end of a trowel to spread the mortar.

• 5

  Place the tiles onto the bathroom floor, according to the guidelines you previously drew on the floor. Continue to lay mortar and tiles, working in small sections, until you finish tiling the shower floor. Allow the mortar to cure.

Install the Tiles on the Shower Wall

• 6

  Use a level and draw a straight line across the bottom of the shower walls. This line indicates the placement of the first straight, horizontal row of tiles. You will need to cut the tiles in a row closest to the shower floor, under the horizontal line, to size because floor is sloped.

• 7

  Dry-lay the bottom row of tiles along the shower wall so you can indicate where you need to cut them, as well as mark their positions on the wall.

• 8

  Cut the bottom row of tiles to size.

• 9

  Spread thinset mortar along the area where you will lay the bottom row of tiles, and place the respective tiles on the wall. Work in small sections at a time so the mortar on the wall does not become too dry before you set the tiles. Allow the mortar to cure, as the bottom row of tiles will help anchor the remaining tiles on the shower wall.

• 10

  Install the tiles to the remaining shower walls, using the technique you previously employed. Use tile spacers as needed for an even, finished look. Unless the uppermost tiles on the wall are a perfect fit, you will need to cut them to size. You will also need to cut the tiles that surround the showerhead and other plumbing fixtures to size. Allow the mortar to cure.

• 11

  Press grout that matches the color of the shower tiles into the open seams. The grout should be appropriate for use in a shower. Use a rubber float to help you spread the grout. Then use a moist sponge to help smooth the grout into the seams. You can also use the sponge to wipe the excess grout off the surface of the tiles. Allow the grout to cure.

• 12

  Remove the film the grout left on the surface of the tiles with a haze cleaner. Allow the tiles and grout to completely dry.

• 13

  Seal the grout with a waterproof sealer, per the manufacturer’s instructions. Allow the sealer to dry before using the shower.