Laying Bathtub Wall Tile

Use a 360 degree laser level to mark a line for laying the tiles.

Laying bathtub wall tile.

I cover some of the specifics of how to layout and set up a tub to install tile around it. Mix a small amount of grout at a time and apply it with a rubber float. Hang a batten board to prevent tile slippage. Mark the layout lines.

Plan to extend the tile 2 or 3 in. How to tile a tub surround 1. The best approach when installing cement board or other tile backer around a tub is to keep the cement board out of the lip area. Once you are ready to lay the tile start at the corner with the chair rail border image 2.

A batten board is nothing more than a 1 x4 or 1 x2 board screwed directly into the wall horizontally. To tile around a tub or shower start by measuring the height of the back wall from the lip of. Work it into the spaces using a diagonal motion. Once the thinset has dried for 24 hours remove the spacers and prepare the wall for grout.

Don t start it at the floor. With a 3 16 v notched trowel spread mastic just under the laser line and down the side of the tub wall to a small area. A batten board helps you start your bottom most course or row of tiles. Plan the tile layout so a column of tile extends past the end of the tub.

Then apply a generous amount of thin set to the bottom bathtub tile and position it 1 8 in. Apply it to the wall with the bottom edge about 1 4 in. Beyond the tub and to leave at least a half tile along the wall if possible. Instead bring it up to about 3 4 of the height of your tiles.

Start at the intersection of the two layout lines and spread a thick layer of tile mastic. Above the lip of the tub. Use the method shown in the mock up and measure photo above to determine how wide the corner tile needs to be in order to extend the tile beyond the tub. Most tile have a recommended grout that works well with them so check your manufacturer s instructions.