Preparing Concrete Shower Floor Tile

If the concrete subfloor is not prepared properly problems like ceramic tile cracks can occur.

Preparing concrete shower floor tile.

To prepare your concrete subfloor make sure that it can accept water penetration. It is very effective in removing dirt oil and grease on concrete surfaces. 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. Make your diy shower tile experience easier with these pro tips from the tile shop.

Follow along to learn how to fabricate a custom shower base in your bathroom. Use the level to check the entire concrete. Cut the tiles and dry fit them again to ensure a snug fit. Smooth thinset on the concrete to create a 1 8 inch thick layer.

Cut the membrane so it s 1 1 2 times the width of your tiles. 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. Test by sprinkling water on various areas of the subfloor. Pour adequate amounts of the solution on the floor then scrub using a brush and let it dry.

Right before you re ready wipe the concrete shower pan with a damp sponge to remove any remaining dust which could prevent the thinset from adhering. Then prime the concrete see photo 2 with the recommended solution consult the membrane manufacturer s literature. Since the shower is a potentially hazardous area it is recommended to use only ceramic glazed or tiles specifically designed for high moisture areas. With the cracks patched apply a latex modified crack resistant thin set.

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. Let the primer dry and then apply the membrane photos 3 and 4. Watch as homeowners learn to pour a shower base and prep the floor for tiling. First you need to prepare the tsp solution according to the package instructions.

Before tiling a shower be sure the drain and sub floor are properly seal. The following five part series gives a basic overview of building a shower floor for tile. A poor mortar job can result in loose tile that pops out. This how to video is a quick excerpt from a diy show.