Tiling Your Shower Curb: Conquering the Mini-Mountain (and Not Looking Like a Weeping Willow)
So you've embarked on the noble quest of transforming your shower into a spa-like sanctuary. Fantastic! But before you can light those aromatherapy candles and channel your inner zen, there's a little hurdle to overcome: the shower curb. Tiling this mini-mountain can feel daunting, especially with those pesky subway tiles. Fear not, intrepid DIYer! With a little know-how and a dash of humor (because weeping willows in the shower are never a good look), you'll be tiling that curb like a pro in no time.
 |
| How To Tile A Shower Curb With Subway Tile |
Planning Your Attack (Because Tile Ninjas Think Ahead)
-
Measure Twice, Cut Once (Especially Because Subway Tile Doesn't Exactly Bend): Grab your trusty tape measure and get friendly with your curb. Measure the length, width, and height, accounting for any wonky angles. Sketch a little battle plan on paper to visualize how the tiles will fit. Remember, you want full or close-to-full tiles on the top of the curb for maximum visual appeal.
-
Gather Your Weapons (Okay, Maybe Not Weapons, But Definitely Tools): You'll need a notched trowel, thinset mortar (the glue that holds everything together), a tile cutter (wet saw is ideal, but a manual cutter can work too), spacers, a level, a rubber mallet, and a sponge for cleanup. Safety first! Wear gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask when cutting tiles.
Tiling the Beast (We Mean, Beauty)
-
Prime Time: Apply a thin layer of waterproofing material to your curb, following the manufacturer's instructions. This is crucial to prevent moisture from seeping behind the tiles.
-
Mortar Mania: Now comes the fun part (well, maybe not fun, but definitely the important part). Mix up your thinset mortar according to the package directions. It should have a smooth, spreadable consistency – think peanut butter, not chunky salsa.
-
Taming the Tile: Using your notched trowel, spread a thin layer of mortar onto the curb, creating ridges. Pick up your first tile, spread a thin layer of mortar on the back with the flat side of the trowel (back-buttering is the fancy term), and gently press it onto the curb. Use a level to ensure everything is nice and straight. Tap the tile with your rubber mallet to ensure good adhesion. Repeat with the next tile, using spacers to maintain consistent grout lines.
-
Conquering the Corner (Because Subway Tile Doesn't Like Curves): Here's where things get interesting. You'll likely need to cut tiles to fit around the corner. Mark your cuts carefully and don't be afraid to practice on a scrap piece first. A wet saw will give you cleaner cuts, but a manual cutter can work in a pinch.
-
Grouting Glory: Once your tiles are set and dry (consult the thinset mortar curing time), it's grouting time! Mix your grout according to the package instructions and apply it diagonally across the tiles, filling the gaps completely. Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge, rinsing frequently.
-
Sealing the Deal: After the grout cures (again, check the manufacturer's recommendations), apply a grout sealer to protect it from moisture and stains.
Voila! You've successfully tamed the shower curb and emerged victorious (and hopefully not covered in too much thinset). Now, go forth and enjoy your spa-like shower – you deserve it!
Frequently Asked Tiling Questions (Because We Know You Have Them)
How to cut subway tile for the curb corner?
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
 |
Measure the angle and mark your tile accordingly. Use a wet saw or tile cutter for clean cuts. Practice on a scrap piece first!
How do I make sure my grout lines are even?
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Use tile spacers to maintain consistent spacing between the tiles.
What if my first tile placement isn't perfect?
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
Don't panic! As long as the mortar hasn't set completely, you can carefully pry the tile off and adjust its position.
Do I need to waterproof the curb before tiling?
Tip: Share one insight from this post with a friend.
Absolutely! Waterproofing is crucial to prevent moisture damage behind the tiles.
How long should I wait to grout after tiling?
Allow the thinset mortar to cure completely before grouting. Refer to the manufacturer's recommendations for specific curing times.
 |
