FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

First time wall tile install

bigbossman | Posted in General Discussion on July 28, 2007 06:53am

This will be my first time installing wall tile and I am redoing my shower area. The bathroom is being gutted and I will start with a clean plate. The Durock I was going to use is 1/2″ in the shower area and was wondering what is the proper way to start the tiles from the top of the tub?  Do I put the durock behind the lip of the tub and start tile tiles in front of the lip or do both the durack and the tile go in front of the lip of the tub?

Also how much of a gap is necessary from the top of the tub and the first  row of tiles? I also want to use 1/8 spacers with the brick design subway tile going up 6 feet that I am putting up.  Is there a certain type of mastik or mortar that I should use to hold the tile to the wall? Is there a way to keep my rows even other than relying on the tub top being straight?  Also to keep the walls even when the 1/2 durock meets the 1/2 inch drywall is the placement at the tub (in front or behind the lip) where the even wall blend comes in?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Shep | Jul 28, 2007 09:24pm | #1

    The Durock should lap over the tub lip. I like to caulk that joint before I tile, as extra security against leaking. Usually, packing out the studs is required to get the durock over the lip. 1/4" or 3/8" strips of plywood should work. If I'm matching the durock to sheetrock, I'll shim out the entire wall. 

    1/8" gap is about right for the space between the tub and tile. This is another place I'd rather caulk than grout. It seems the caulk moves with the tub, and stays in place longer.

    If you want to do it right, use thinset to set the tile.

    I'll lay out the tile on the wall, using a Sharpie to mark the durock. Start with a center plumb line. Then see how the tiles fit running to the corner. You want the tiles at both corners to be about the same width. So you might be starting a full tile on both sides of the center line, or straddling the line.

    I like to lay out the height, too, and tack a ledger a tile course or two above the tub, set level. Run the tiles to the top, remove the ledger, and fill in below. This way, if the tub isn't set perfectly, your tiles will still be.

  2. MGMaxwell | Jul 29, 2007 01:51am | #2

    What Shep said. But there is another issue you brought up...Mastic vs. thinset. Mastic should NOT be used in wet areas. It will soften and support mold growth.

    If you don't know that then you haven't read enough to start this project. Go to johnbridge.com and read their Q & A forum or submit your question above.  The folks here won't get mad if you ask another person to the dance of your project.

    1. stevent1 | Jul 29, 2007 03:07am | #3

      BBM,

      Post your questions at:

      http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/index.php?

      This is a tile Forum. The best. Tell them Chuck S sent you.

       

      Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood

  3. User avater
    DDay | Jul 29, 2007 04:35am | #4

    I would use kerdi to get it truly waterproof.

    For tile spacers, the ones by tavy tools http://www.tavytools.com/ work very well and are about the same price as any other. Lowes carries them too.

    1. Design2Reno | Jul 29, 2007 07:08am | #5

      Might as well add my .02

      I would never tile a shower or bath without Schulter Kerdi (http://www.schluter.com/8_1_kerdi.aspx) membrane.  It will take a little more time and money but be worth it in the end.  If you decide to use Kerdi use a Marshal trowel to push the fabric into the corners.

      Depending on how securely your tub has been installed you may want to fill it with water to see how far the top edge drops down.

      I usually start by measuring the centerline of all three walls in a vertical direction and then use a laser level to get the overall horizontal line as well.  As an example if I was to install subway tile I would tile one row above the tub horizontal and then vertical from the center point to get everything square.

      I normally use Keribond thinset which works very well and then back butter the tiles to ensure full adhesion.

      You can purchase spacers from Home Depot and you may need a small diamond hole saw drill bit for the shower nozzle.

      I hope this info helps.

      1. User avater
        BillHartmann | Jul 30, 2007 09:56am | #11

        " Marshal trowel "What is that? Are you talking about Marshalltown?They are a manufactor and distributore. They have litterally hundreds of trowels for concete, drywall, plastering, and tile.http://www.marshalltown.com/catalog/default.asp
        .
        .
        A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.

  4. andybuildz | Jul 29, 2007 07:22am | #6

    I second that..using Kerdi. I used it for my own shower but it takes "more" than just a little extra time especially the firsttime you use it.
    The presloped pan does speed things up though.
    Also...I don't think there was any mention of using a vapor barrior behind your CBU (if you don't use Kerdi).
    I found these two companies the best....also Home Depot carries it in a lot of their stores now.
    http://www.tile-experts.com/products.asp?id=56
    http://www.tileprotection.com/home.php?cat=24&gclid=CPCNzfv0y40CFQILPwodDCJlZg

     

     

     

     how it sounds^-->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2shskL0AYuE

    http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM                                 

     
    1. Shep | Jul 29, 2007 03:28pm | #7

      I forgot about mentioning a vapor barrier.

      Good thing more than one person replies to these threads. LOL

      I haven't tried the Kerdi system either. I haeven't done a bathroom in several years.

      You getting anywhere with selling your house?

      1. andybuildz | Jul 29, 2007 03:51pm | #8

        You getting anywhere with selling your house?<<Goes on the market (MLS) this Wed-Thurs.
        Actually have it 99.99% finished. Katrina's cleaning it top to bottom for the virtual tour video they'll be coming to do this week for the listing.
        Really does look incredable and I don't usually ever compliment myself (low self esteem issues...lol). Someone is gonna really get great house!
        I don't have terribly high expectations being the market sucks so bad but it is a unique house so ya never know. If I don't get close to my asking price (2.150)I'll take it off the market around Thanksgiving till late in the spring of 08.

         

         

         

         how it sounds^-->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2shskL0AYuE

        http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM                                 

         

        1. Shep | Jul 30, 2007 03:07am | #9

          Good luck with selling it.

          I hope the new owner appreciates all the hard work you put into that house.

          1. andybuildz | Jul 30, 2007 05:33am | #10

            muchas gracias compadre

             

             

             

             how it sounds^-->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2shskL0AYuE

            http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM                                 

             

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Rescuing Old Hardware

Whether it’s already in your house or picked up at a flea market, vintage hardware almost always needs help.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Fight House Fires Through Design
  • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data