skip to main content

DIY shower wall tile and shower door install

11 years ago

I've been reading last few weeks on proper shower wall install since mine leaked bad enough that I'm tearing it down to the studs. House is only about 15 years old but, IMO, improperly built like so many other tract homes. I'm discovering It's greenboard with no vapor barrier or waterproofing of any kind. At first I thought leak was from cracking grout, then running around the prefab shower pan and exiting the front where the shower door and curb are since there is no flange. I siliconed the wall-pan interface 3 years ago when I discovered a small leak, also tried to seal various shower door channels. Now, 3 years later and wiser, I think the combination of wall and all those channels/panels of the shower door was the bigger problem. Silicone on the wall bottom only helped trap some of the water running behind the wall from coming out while any water on the shower curb went straight out the side to the floor.

So I'm pretty much set on cement board and few coats of paint on waterproofing, reusing the plastic pan, but one thing I haven't seen addressed much is the shower door. I believe that is a big problem because any water that gets on the "threshold" channel may run straight into the wall and out the front, no matter how much waterproofing I have on the walls. And the only line of defense is silicone at the time of installation. I'm the kind of person that likes a physical barrier or redirection, not rely on cualk to keep water out. I feel no matter how well caulked, it's only a matter of time when water works its way to open up a gap since daily use by 2-3 people is a lot of use. It's not like I can check daily if there's water outside the shower. Everything is nicely hidden so I don't know failure until it's bad enough and there's evidence of damage. I think with the cement back/waterproofing paint I'm comfortable with the wall install, but how is a guy supposed to properly install a shower door and never worry about it?

Sorry for the long read, but I wanted to give some rationale on why I'm concerned about the shower door instead when there's so much discussion on the wall/tile itself.

Comment

Related Discussions
Help on Shower Door Install- uneven tile
Q
Comments (15)
With a tub/shower combo, I am a huge proponent of curved shower rod and curtain over glass doors. It makes for a much more comfortable shower. With that layout, it will be easier to enter and exit as well. Shower curtains can be left open to show the tile. You can use them as a decorative element of the bathroom as well and they are easy to just throw in the wash and clean from time to time making them much lower maintenance than any glass door. (Squeegeeing after every shower with glass to make it easy to clean later I still feel is a hassle). Double shower hooks make for easy hanging and removal of both a liner and curtain. For a higher end look, you can put your rod at ceiling height and make a custom curtain that extends to the floor. This is not what I personally prefer as it makes it more difficult to put up and take down and since you do not have a light in the shower would make your shower too dark.
...See More
Shower tile - how do I install cement board to edge of wall?
Q
Comments (9)
I’m flattered you felt the desire to investigate me. Pfft. Ya know, giving good advice and constructive criticism doesn’t mean you can’t do that while being nice, too. Just a thought.
...See More
Installing 3x6 subway tiles on shower walls - grout joint issues
Q
Comments (5)
You don't have to worry about the water "leaking through" since grout and tile are not waterproof anyways -- the waterproofing magic actually happens behind it, which is why everyone on bathroom forums harps on "what waterproofing was used". The grout just serves the purpose of binding the tile surface together for sturdiness and for easier cleaning. You can make your joints whatever size you'd like; for what it's worth, I used the Daltile subways with lugs about 13 years ago and they have held up just fine; I liked the aesthetics of the thinner joint. You will probably want the spacers on hand anyways, there are always little placement situations where the spacers come in handy even if you're largely depending on the lugs. ETA: oh, I see you're also asking about the Daltile variations in quality that might lead to the lugs being uneven themselves. It's a cheaper tile, so we found that there will be the occasional wonky one, but precisely because they're so cheap, you can sort those out pretty easily without losing a lot of cash. I wouldn't be too concerned about this.
...See More
Please voting help 1.shower wall tile 2.shower floor tile &3.bath tile
Q
Comments (35)
I believe the difference in color is too great with the white and brown. Why? 3 reasons 1. The products that are cemented to the building you will not redo anytime soon. Messy , dirty, expensive and just not worth the trouble 2. When you add a product to the building structure. Windows , floors they must last a long time. Durability, wear and tear, and STYLE. All equal a story of when the home was designed. The look over a period of time 10 years + and the home will become "out of date" Needs a face lift . 3. The homes we admire, the Museums, Churches, Libraries, Opera House have one common thread. At a glance they are timeless. Built in 1940, 1990 etc The crystal clear item is not seen For this reason I would not go "trendy". Generally our first choice is the right one. Simple and elegant How do you change this ad time moves on. Color Bedroom a change of bedspread. Bathroom towels become a dark navy or deep forest green. Yellow for spring Paint a wall blue, hang a piece of art The change is simple and your money well spent for resale Take a moment to do another board Remove the brown and replace with a neutral. Try an Odegard runner - There are so many options Enjoy
...See More

Related Stories

KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES How to Install a Tile Backsplash

If you've got a steady hand, a few easy-to-find supplies and patience, you can install a tile backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: How to Install Tile

By Buckminster Green LLC

Before you pick up a single tile, pull from these tips for expert results

BATHROOM DESIGN Should You Install a Urinal at Home?

By MyFixitUpLife show

Wall-mounted pit stops are handy in more than just man caves — and they can look better than you might think

HOUZZ TV Houzz TV: How to Install a Rain Barrel

By Annie Thornton

This DIY tutorial shows how easy it can be to capture rainwater from your roof to use in your garden later

REMODELING GUIDES Finishing Touches: Pro Tricks for Installing Fixtures in Your Tile

By By Any Design Ltd.

Cracked tile, broken drill bits and sloppy-looking fixture installations? Not when you follow these pro tips

REMODELING GUIDES DIY: How to Install a Door

By Innovative Design Build

Homeowners who aren't afraid of nail guns can tackle their own pre-hung door project in a couple of hours

DOORS 5 Questions to Ask Before Installing a Barn Door

By Apartment 46 for the Home

Find out whether that barn door you love is the right solution for your space

FENCES AND GATES How to Install a Wood Fence

By Matthew Ankeny

Gain privacy and separate areas with one of the most economical fencing choices: stained, painted or untreated wood

REMODELING GUIDES Ranch House Remodel: Installing the Interior Finishes

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Renovation Diary, Part 5: Check in on a Florida remodel as the bamboo flooring is laid, the bathroom tiles are set and more

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Match Tile Heights for a Perfect Installation

By By Any Design Ltd.

Irregular tile heights can mar the look of your bathroom. Here's how to counter the differences

Sponsored

More Discussions

Shower curtain rod height

4

Recommendations for soaking/freestanding tub

2

wood look Ribbon tile trim

0

Bath remodel with walk in shower

1

bathroom remodel fan placement

0