(Also see Tub Walls)
Tiling walls in an individual shower is an intermediate-level installation project. The more time that is spent in design, preparation and planning, the easier your installation will be. Also, remember the rule “Measure twice and cut once.” It may be helpful to plan the tile placement by creating a story pole. To make a story pole, first lay out the tile – with spacers in between each tile – on a flat surface, which will represent your tiled wall (left to right = bottom to top). Then, mark all tile and grout-joint measurements on a long, wooden dowel rod. Transfer the markings onto your wall surface and review the placement.
Choosing polished stone for shower walls can transform a plain, boring shower into a place of extraordinary beauty. Because much of the stone will be in close range or at eye level, the color and uniqueness of the stone can truly be appreciated, so it makes sense to splurge in this application.
Set your first row of stone tile and allow the area to dry until the mortar achieves its initial cure and the stone tile becomes solidly bonded. Then, build the stone tile upward toward the ceiling. Place plenty of spacers between the stone tiles to help keep the tiles in position until the mortar reaches its initial set. Use white, non-sag mortars, such as MAPEI’s Keraflex Plus (white) or MAPEI’s Ultraflex LFT (white), to help keep the tile from slipping downwards. An unsanded grout, such as MAPEI’s Keracolor U, is typically recommended. Adding MAPEI’s UltraCare Grout Maximizer to MAPEI’s Keracolor U will help to reduce the porosity of the grout and help to keep the grout clean. Sealing both the grout and stone with a quality sealer will help to maintain the installation, keep it clean and reduce staining.