QA

Question: How To Install Tile Around Bathtub

How do you tile around a bathtub?

Should there be a gap between tub and tile?

Leaving a 1/16″ gap between the tub and tile will prevent the tile from cracking when the tub expands. Plus, a 1/16″ gap allows the caulk to properly fill the space and waterproof the transition between the tile and tub or shower.

Do you tile over tub lip?

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. Apply it to the wall with the bottom edge about 1/4 in. above the lip of the tub. Then apply a generous amount of thin-set to the bottom bathtub tile and position it 1/8 in.

How far should tile go past tub?

Plan to extend the tile 2 or 3 in. beyond the tub and to leave at least a half tile along the wall if possible. Don’t stop tile even with the end of the tub. This leaves the walls along the front of the tub vulnerable to water damage, and doesn’t look as finished as tile extending to the floor.

Can you put tile directly on a bathtub?

Tiling the entirety of a plastic tub is a do-it-yourself-only project. A plastic tub is not a solid enough surface to adhere tile to, as there is too much flexibility, which means it is not rated for adhesion with the mastics and thinset mortars available with tile, with the exception of epoxy.

Do you start tiling from the top or bottom?

Here’s how you do it: Install the first four tiles in a pyramid: three on the bottom and one on top. Every subsequent row is a process of draping over the pyramid, back and forth. Begin your first drape on either the right or left side, and bring it up, over, and down the other side.

Do you put grout between tub and tile?

Grout or Caulk Between Floor Tile and Tub: Which Is Better? Since you are joining two different materials together, you should use caulk in the space where the floor tile and tub meet. Grout is not flexible, so it’s not the best material for the job, while caulk allows for movement and also provides a better sealant.

What order do I tile my shower?

Why You Should Tile the Wall First On the flip side, tiling the walls first will help you dodge the mishaps and messes associated with tile and mortar. In order to have a better outcome with the walls first, you will need to consider how your tiled wall will hang over the floor.

Do you need cement board behind tub surround?

ANSWER – No there should not be a gap between the top of the bathtub flange and the backer board on the wall. There should be a moisture barrier behind the backer board that is installed in a weather lapping manner starting at the tub flange working up the wall.

Where do you start when tiling a bathroom?

It’s best to start from the middle of the wall and work outwards. When marking the wall with your tape measure and pencil, make sure you use your spirit level to ensure all of the markings are level. At the end of this, you should have the position of all your tiles marked out on your bathroom wall.

What is a Schluter edge?

Schluter®-DECO-DE is a stainless steel finishing and edge-protection profile for 135° outside corners of tiled surfaces. Schluter®-SCHIENE provides effective and attractive edge protection for tile coverings that are typically bordered by carpet, at expansion joints, or as decorative edging for stairs.

Can you tile over a shower curb?

Tiling a shower pan floor means more than just the pan itself, as the tile also needs to wrap up and over the curb so that you have a complete surface that is grouted and caulked. Once a shower curb has been tiled, it can either serve as-is, or mounting strips for glass panels and doors can be placed on top.

Do you tile first before installing a bath?

The bathroom fitters are unanimous—if you’re looking for a high quality finish, with a better seal against water damage, then always tile the floor first. The floor will be sealed a lot better with the tiles being laid under the toilet. 2. It is also easier to do this rather than trying to cut tiles around the toilet.

Why do you start tiling in the middle?

It’s always advisable to start tiling your grid in the centre of the wall, as it’s easier to make sure your pattern is symmetrical. It also means any half-tiles you may need can go at the end of each row and will be of matching size.

What goes first shower pan or walls?

Whether you choose to install tile or the panel walls, drywall always goes on top of the shower pan, after the pan is set into the floor. Both tile and shower walls perform the same function, they just do so with different types of materials.