Laying Bathtub Wall Tile
Start at the intersection of the two layout lines and spread a thick layer of tile mastic.
Laying bathtub wall tile. Trowel on the tile mastic. Plan the tile layout so a column of tile extends past the end of the tub. With a 3 16 v notched trowel spread mastic just under the laser line and down the side of the tub wall to a small area. Hang a batten board to prevent tile slippage.
Above the lip of the tub. Start installing the. Once the thinset has dried for 24 hours remove the spacers and prepare the wall for grout. Apply it to the wall with the bottom edge about 1 4 in.
A batten board helps you start your bottom most course or row of tiles. The best approach when installing cement board or other tile backer around a tub is to keep the cement board out of the lip area. Instead bring it up to about 3 4 of the height of your tiles. Work it into the spaces using a diagonal motion.
Then apply a generous amount of thin set to the bottom bathtub tile and position it 1 8 in. Use the method shown in the mock up and measure photo above to determine how wide the corner tile needs to be in order to extend the tile beyond the tub. Mix a small amount of grout at a time and apply it with a rubber float. Beyond the tub and to leave at least a half tile along the wall if possible.
How to tile a tub surround 1. Most tile have a recommended grout that works well with them so check your manufacturer s instructions. To tile around a tub or shower start by measuring the height of the back wall from the lip of. I cover some of the specifics of how to layout and set up a tub to install tile around it.
A batten board is nothing more than a 1 x4 or 1 x2 board screwed directly into the wall horizontally. Once you are ready to lay the tile start at the corner with the chair rail border image 2. Use a 360 degree laser level to mark a line for laying the tiles. Don t start it at the floor.