Tiling a shower cubicle - TilersForums.co.uk | Tile Forums

SteveS · 08-08-2007

Hi,

I've been asked to tile a shower cubicle - my first - and wondered if anyone could please explain to me what would be the best way to lay the job out? A starting point for the tiles?

The tiles have to be laid over old tiles which the client doesn't want removed, so I will scrub these with sugar soap first, but how long should I then leave this to dry before I apply the new tiles?

One last question - after grouting, how long would you recommend I should wait before applying silicone to the bottom of the tiles?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Steve

08-08-2007

I personally wouldn't go tile on tile in a shower area. You don't know what the substrate behind the existing tiles is like. If it hasn't been tanked then it could be in bad condition and then you are adding the weight of extra tiles/adhesive/grout onto it.

That said it doesn't answer your question. Lay the job out as you would any other - make the best use of full tiles and keep cut tiles as large in size as possible. Try and avoid lining up the new grout joints with the existing ones.

You don't mention tanking in your prep. After cleaning existing tiles, when dry skim with flexible rapid set and apply WP1 tanking onto that (you can't apply tanking directly onto existing tiles).

After grouting leave as much time as you can before applying the silicone.

**Dave** · 08-08-2007

If this is your first cubicle then do it the wright way... tell customer old tiles have to come off.... Patch walls if they need to be...then tank walls ... bal wp1 is a good one...then once dry re-tile and as mcp77 say's work to best tile cuts....

**Varley** · 08-08-2007

Totally agree with the chaps above, with it being a shower area I would never go over existing tiles, too risky, do as the guys say, remove tiles, tank then tile and sleep well at night

SteveS · 08-08-2007

Thanks very much to everyone for their sound advice. I had considered all the things you said, but thought it would be poss. to tile on top of the tiles as they seemed in a good condition ie: firm and no bounce. After reading your replies I have changed my mind. Thanks again!

**Dave** · 08-08-2007

no probs.....if a jobs worth doin its worth doin " once"......