Tiling a shower is difficult.
You will need to have a plan and execute it properly. If not, the tiles will begin to slip and/or break due to the natural moisture found in this part of the property.
To make sure this does not happen, you will need to start with the basics. This includes learning how to start the first row of tiles in the shower.
To start the first row of tiles in a shower, set the tiles on a level board. Screw a straight board based on the level line and begin placing the tiles on top. This will ensure the tiles don’t slip or break.
If you don’t do this, the tiles won’t set the way you want nor will it be easy to fix the issues later.
Get it right the first time and make sure the level board is set up in a straight line.
This guide will provide a few tips on how to start the first row of tiles in a shower and what to think about during the process.
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Tips On How To Start First Row Of Tile In Shower
1. Set A Level Board
To get started, you are going to have to set a foundation for the tiles to sit on.
If you attempt to start tiling without a base, it is not going to work. At best, the tiles will settle in and then become misaligned.
To avoid this, you are going to use a level board.
This is going to be set along the bottom of the shower to make sure things stay in place for as long as you require.
The level board is also going to help create a foundation for the straight board you are going to put in. This is where the tiles are going to go for the first few rows in the shower.
2. Screw Straight Board On The Level Line
Tiling a shower wall with large tiles means you need a straight board screwed into the wall beforehand.
You are going to want to use the level board as a guiding point.
This will ensure the straight board is in line with how the tiles are going to go. Otherwise, the tiles will be slanted at an angle if you are not careful.
Be diligent with this part of the tiling process and make sure the straight board is accurately installed.
Once you are satisfied, you can begin to screw the straight board into place as a guiding line.
3. Place Tiles On Top Of The Board
Once you are fully satisfied with the straight board and its placement, you can begin to place the tiles on top of the board.
This is going to act as the base of the tiles.
You will want to ensure the tiles are sitting flat on the straight board and then close the gaps between them.
When done right, this is going to be a simple process to execute thanks to the straight board.
If you didn’t use the straight board, the tiles would start moving around even before they get the chance to settle.
4. Complete The Entire First Row Before Moving Up
One mistake that is often made includes moving vertically too soon.
You will assume that once the tiles are set, you can begin to work vertically and go up 4-5 rows before completing the first one.
This is a mistake because you need a complete row to build off of when there is nothing below it. Otherwise, the tiles won’t settle and the installation won’t work out the way you want it to.
So, what do you do then?
Look to complete the first two rows all the way around. When you are satisfied with the work, begin moving vertically.
Final Thoughts
These are the steps on how to start the first row of tiles in a shower.
To start the first row of tiles in a shower, begin by setting a level board along the base of the shower. Now, screw a straight board in line with the level board. The tiles will be installed on the straight board to ensure they’re straight.
The goal is to install the first row of tiles in the shower on the straight board. This will make sure they are in line with the rest of the tiles once you are done.
This is often the hardest part of the process, so take your time with it.
Once you get it right, the rest of the tiling process is going to be a breeze.
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