Bathroom & Shower Tile
Shower surrounds, tub decks, bathroom floors, and accent walls. Waterproofing done properly before the first tile goes up.
Waterproofing First
This is not a step that gets skipped. Every shower we tile gets a waterproofing membrane before any tile or adhesive is applied to the wet zone. We use systems like Schluter Kerdi, RedGard liquid membrane, or similar products depending on the substrate and the project. The membrane goes over the cement board, into the corners, and covers the shower floor pan. It is tested for leaks before tiling begins.
Georgia's humidity means that even a small failure in waterproofing will cause problems faster than in a dryer climate. Mold in wall cavities, soft drywall behind the backer board, and damaged framing are the results of improper wet-area prep. We have seen the aftermath of jobs that cut corners here, and it is not something we are willing to do.
Shower Surrounds and Wall Tile
Wall tile in a shower requires a different installation approach than floor tile. The tile is set from the center out, with temporary ledger boards supporting the lower courses while the adhesive cures. Grout joint alignment across all three walls of a shower is planned from the layout drawing, not figured out as you go. For large-format wall tile, leveling clips are used to keep adjacent tiles flush during setting.
Shower Tile Process
- 1Demo existing tile or prep new substrate. Replace any soft or damaged cement board.
- 2Apply waterproofing membrane to all wet zone surfaces including floor pan and curb.
- 3Lay out tile pattern. Set temporary ledger board. Begin wall tile from center using appropriate thinset.
- 4Install floor tile with proper slope toward drain (1/4 inch per foot minimum).
- 5Grout walls and floor after full cure. Apply silicone caulk at corners (never grout at changes of plane).
- 6Seal grout and stone surfaces where applicable. Clean grout haze completely.
Bathroom Floors and Tub Surrounds
Bathroom floor tile around a freestanding tub or alcove tub involves cutting around the fixture base cleanly and planning the tile layout so it reads as a complete pattern rather than a collection of cut pieces. We account for the toilet flange height when setting floor tile so the toilet sets correctly after the tile is in.
Tub surrounds are treated with the same waterproofing approach as showers. The area within 12 inches of the tub edge gets membrane treatment. Tile patterns on tub surrounds can range from simple subway stacked to more elaborate vertical formats or decorative accent strips.
Available Across the Area
We do bathroom and shower tile work in Smyrna, Vinings, Mableton, and Cumberland. Bathroom remodels are some of the most involved projects we take on, and we approach them with the full attention they require.
Planning a bathroom remodel? Call us at (770) 692-2703 or reach out online.