Laying ceramic tiles over a shower floor is similar to the process of tiling any other floor, except for the issue of the shower drain. Since you’ll have to cut the tiles around the drain, you won’t be able to use a standard score-and-snap tile cutter, since they only cut straight lines. Instead, you’ll need to rent a tile saw capable of cutting curves and lay out the tile carefully in advance so you know where all the cuts have to be.
Things you’ll need:
A tape measure, pencil, level, thin set mortar, tiling trowel, floor tiles, tile spacers, tile saw, grout, a
grout trowel, and a sponge.
Step 1
Divide the shower floor into four square sections, drawing two intersecting lines with your level and pencil.
Step 2
Set floor tiles along the lines without mortar, covering the entire shower floor. At the drain, lay tiles over it as if it’s not there. Take up all the tiles except the ones over the drain.
Step 3
Lay thinset mortar over the floor, except in the area immediately around the drain where the tiles are still covering it. Set floor tiles in the mortar, starting along the lines that you drew and building out in a grid pattern. Put tile spacers between them. Cut the tiles along the edges of the shower walls as necessary using a tile saw.
Step 4
Mark out the shape of the drain on the surface of the tiles that are still over the drain, assessing its position through the spaces between the tiles. Expand the perimeter of the drain by 1/4-inch all around when you mark it, ensuring space between the tiles and the drain.
Step 5
Use the tile saw to cut the marks on the tiles. Set the cut tiles in mortar around the drain. Let them set overnight.
Step 6
Remove all the spacers from the floor. Spread grout over the floor with a trowel, forcing the grout into the spaces. Wipe up the excess grout with a damp sponge, let it set for 4-6 days.
Note: is is best to wear goggles when you cut the tiles.
For more construction tips, or to hire a builder in the UK, visit: touchstonebuilders.co.uk
