Preparing Concrete Shower Floor Tile

As with a wooden subfloor a concrete subfloor must be level for successful tile installation.

Preparing concrete shower floor tile.

Make your diy shower tile experience easier with these pro tips from the tile shop. Watch as homeowners learn to pour a shower base and prep the floor for tiling. It is very effective in removing dirt oil and grease on concrete surfaces. Cut the membrane so it s 1 1 2 times the width of your tiles.

With the cracks patched apply a latex modified crack resistant thin set. Before tiling a shower be sure the drain and sub floor are properly seal. Test by sprinkling water on various areas of the subfloor. If the concrete subfloor is not prepared properly problems like ceramic tile cracks can occur.

First you need to prepare the tsp solution according to the package instructions. Let the primer dry and then apply the membrane photos 3 and 4. If you would like a complete step by step of the entire process with all the little idiosyncrasies and details i now have manuals describing the complete process for you from bare wall studs all the way up to a completely waterproof shower substrate for your tile. This how to video is a quick excerpt from a diy show.

Cut the tiles and dry fit them again to ensure a snug fit. Prepare the tile for mortar mortar is essential for a firm and solid foundation for your shower tile. Before you lay any sort of tile whether it is stone ceramic or peel and stick vinyl you must prepare your concrete floor to ensure that the tiles will go down properly and stay where they re. The following five part series gives a basic overview of building a shower floor for tile.

Additionally a steps must be taken to ensure that a concrete floor will create a solid bond. A poor mortar job can result in loose tile that pops out. Make sure to spend the necessary amount of time on properly mortaring so you have a long lasting shower where the tile doesn t chip or break over time. Smooth thinset on the concrete to create a 1 8 inch thick layer.

Use the level to check the entire concrete. To prepare your concrete subfloor make sure that it can accept water penetration. Follow along to learn how to fabricate a custom shower base in your bathroom. Then prime the concrete see photo 2 with the recommended solution consult the membrane manufacturer s literature.