The Complete Guide to Installing Tile on Shower or Bathtub Walls

Ultimate guide on how to install tile around your shower or bathtub. Learn the entire process in one concise (although long) video.

---Contents of this video --------------------
00:00 - Intro
00:53 - Diagram of shower wall components
04:29 - The best way to waterproof a shower wall
07:46 - How to demo old tile
09:24 - How to prep your shower walls for tile
12:35 - How to install Kerdi-board or other tile backing board
17:08 - How to water-proof your shower walls using Kerdi-band
20:57 - Planning the tile layout
25:27 - Installing the ledger board
26:09 - Mixing and applying thin-set mortar to the shower walls
27:49 - Laying the first rows of tile
29:18 - Aligning tile on all three walls
30:13 - Installing tile around windows or niches
31:39 - Tiling around the tub
33:00 - Grouting the tile
34:00 - Caulking the tile walls

First, I'll show a diagram of a tile installation in a shower so you understand all of the components on a shower wall. Then, I'll talk about different ways to waterproof the walls before laying tile. Waterproofing the walls in your shower before laying tile is extremely important.

Once I've covered how a tile shower wall is constructed, we'll move on to the demo. I'll walk you through prepping the shower walls for tile. This includes removing the old tile and bathtub and then flattening the walls and making sure they are plumb and level.

The next thing I'll cover is installing the tile backer board and waterproofing the tile. I'll be demonstrating using Kerdi-board and Kerdi-band, but the process is the same even if you use cement board.

Next, I'll cover how to lay out the tile so it looks like a pro did it.

And finally, I'll show you how to install a ledger board, mix the thinset, and start applying your tile. I'll even cover a few ways to cut the tile.

Then, we'll go over grout and caulking to finish off the shower.

---Tools & Materials Needed -----------------------

---About my Youtube Channel ----------------------
I create high-quality tutorials and tool reviews that save you time and money and help you get better results with your home projects. No BS, just straight-to-the-point info. Basically, I create DIY videos that don't suck.

---About Handyman Startup ---------------------------
Handyman Startup is a website designed to help you turn your DIY skills into a profitable handyman business. Learn things like how to start your business from scratch, how to get customers, and how to price your services - even if you only have limited handyman skills.

---More Tile Videos to Help with Your Shower---------------------

---Related Links ---------------------------------

[jkchincham]

Just letting you know. This week I followed these step-by-step instructions to completely re-tile my shower/bathroom walls and the result came out incredible! I've never tiled before, installed kerdi membrane and 3*12 subway tiles, and it came out better than most contractors I'm sure! I only bought a few small tools: Tile cutter, angle grinder, ceramic drill bits, trowel/float etc.

I just want to say thank you. Not only did I save $, but learned a new skill!

[doccw]

Truly, the most comprehensive, attention to detail, easy to follow instructions. Awesome job! Now, if only I had not tuned into this so late into the project…😮

[rorylangguth]

Great video ... I am a general contractor, never afraid to learn from others, I really enjoyed the time you took to explain this, it helped me teach my team!

[rickysueltenfuss]

Not just a talented "handyman" but talented producer, director, editor, video host and instructor as well! Very nicely done, best instructional videos on the web!!!

[leaguefixesyourmatches]

One of the best videos on shower install with waterproofing. I've seen hundreds.

One of the most complete, organized and easy to understand.

Nice explanation of industry terms like thinset and "plumb"

[dougdstecklein]

Excellent video!!! I love that you went into greater detail in certain areas than your 1st time lapse video.

[handy-remodeler]

Dan the man! As always well done. Dan's Handyman StartUp and the advanced program has helped my Business and my personal life. Thanks Dan!

[cliffljimenez]

Excellent Training video! No BS! So Detailed! Thanks Dan!👍

[Pete-rsyz]

This video included numerous bits of useful info that some other well made videos I've watched lacked. Well done.

[ugeneous]

I watched about 8 hours of install videos and yours is by far the best

[christophergilson]

Fantastic video, length is well worth it as it is jam packed with efficient content - no BS!

[womenswellness]

Thank you, actually found a video that addressed exactly what I needed other than not wanting to use the kurdi board

[dlm]

Very informative, clear and easy to follow. I'm remodeling my bathroom now, thank you!

[benp]

I'm in debt to your most details and step by step in this tiling tutorial. It was the most awesome tutorial I ever watch. Much appreciate. Best of luck with your upcoming video as well as your career.

[meibesmurfn]

Another great video, great job all around, definitely learned some tricks and discovered products I know will make a difference. Keep it up!!

[ErikaTice]

I've been a DIYer for years, been anxious about replacing the bathtub and tiles, but it's not as bad as I was thinking. Super excited about my next project. Great video, very informational. I made lots of notes!

[neoasura]

Glad to finally see a video of a shower remodel with a window in it! That was my hardest hurdle, trying to figure out what to do around the window.

[Namdelespierre]

Looked a while at different videos explaining how to tile a bathroom, yours is by far the most clear, detailed and agreable to watch. Thanks and keep up the good job!

[jasonkittle]

Thank you very much for this information. It’s been really helpful. Great work my friend!

[shebakessourdough]

Thank you so much for this video! On the final step of caulking after a few weeks of work, came back to this video every time.