How to Tile a Shower

SHOWER AREA WATERPROOFING & TILING

Creating a waterproof, long-lasting shower installation requires more than just applying tiles to a wall. Water penetration through grout and adhesive can lead to expensive damage and mold issues over time. Dunlop Adhesive’s complete shower tiling system provides everything you need to properly waterproof, prepare, and tile your shower area.

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    • CF-24 Flexible Tile Adhesive

      Flexible standard setting tile adhesive suitable for fixing porcelain, ceramic and mosaic wall and floor tiles both internally and externally.    

      Grout after 24 hours
      Highly flexible
      For ceramic, porcelain and non-moisture sensitive natural stone tiles
      Interior and exterior use
      Suitable with underfloor heating
      Extended open time
      Find out more Where to Buy

    • CF-03 Flexible Fast Set Tile Adhesive

      Fast setting, flexible tile adhesive suitable for fixing porcelain, ceramic and mosaic wall and floor tiles both internally and externally.

      Grout after 3 hours
      Flexible
      For ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles
      Interior and Exterior
      Suitable with underfloor heating
      Find out more Where to Buy

    • GX-500 Flexible Grout

      A flexible wall and floor grout available in eight colours with matching silicones. For use with ceramic, porcelain, natural stone and mosaic tiles.

      For porcelain, natural stone and ceramic tiles
      Up to 15mm joints
      8 colours with matching silicones
      Reduced efflorescence
      Suitable for external use and wet areas
      Suitable for underfloor heating
      24 hour setting time
      Find out more Where to Buy

    • FX-90 Silicone Sealant

      A silicone sealant perfect for sealing internal corners and abutments in bathrooms and kitchens.

      Multi-purpose
      Hygienic
      Waterproof
      8 colours with matching grouts
      Find out more Where to Buy

    • RX-3000 Waterproof Wall Tile Adhesive

      High performance ceramic wall tile adhesive for wet rooms, bathrooms and power showers.

      Ready mixed
      For ceramic and mosaic tiles
      Suitable for power showers and wetrooms
      30 minute open time
      Grout after 24 hours
      Find out more Where to Buy

    • Shower Waterproofing Kit

      An ideal waterproofing system for showers and wetrooms.

      Fully waterproof and leakproof
      Quick and easy to use
      Suitable for showers and wetrooms
      Tile after 24 hours
      Find out more Where to Buy

    How to Tile a Shower: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

    Shower tiling and waterproofing system

    01

    PREPARE & PRIME

    Ensure the wall surface is clean, dry, and free from dust, grease, or loose material. Apply the Primer from the Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit with a brush to the entire shower area including walls and floor. Ensure even coverage and allow to become touch dry before proceeding – this typically takes around 30 minutes.

    Prepare and Prime

    02

    WATERPROOF

    Apply a layer of the Waterproof Coating from the Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit with a brush to all internal and external corners, wall-to-floor junctions, and around any wall penetrations. Press Dunlop Waterproofing Tape into the wet coating, ensuring no voids are beneath and immediately apply a second coat over the tape while the first is still wet. For the floor area, embed the matting into a fresh layer of coating and immediately apply a second coat over the top while the first is still wet. Complete the walls with a layer of waterproof coating and allow 24 hours drying time.

    Waterproof

    03

    MIX & APPLY

    Mix Dunlop CF-24 Flexible Tile Adhesive with clean water approximately 3 parts powder to 1 part water by volume (5.6 litres per 20kg bag). Allow mixed adhesive to stand for 1-2 minutes before remixing. Using a suitable solid-bed notched trowel, spread the adhesive over approximately 1m² or an area that can be tiled within 30 minutes. Create uniform ribbed lines to achieve maximum coverage.

    Mix and Apply

    04

    FIX

    Press tiles firmly into the adhesive with a twisting action, ensuring 100% solid bed coverage – particularly important in shower areas. Check coverage periodically by lifting tiles. For large format tiles, consider back-buttering to guarantee full contact. Maintain minimum 2mm joints between wall tiles and 3mm between floor tiles using spacers. Remove excess adhesive from tiles and joints immediately with a damp cloth.

    Fix

    05

    FINISH

    After allowing the adhesive to dry for 24 hours, apply Dunlop GX-500 Flexible Grout. Mix with water to a smooth paste and allow to stand for 2-3 minutes before remixing. Work into all grout areas, completely filling joints using a rubber squeegee or grout float. After about 15 minutes, clean excess grout diagonally across joints with a damp sponge. Polish tiles with a clean, dry cloth once grout has started to firm up. Seal movement joints with Dunlop FX-90 Silicone where needed, such as corners, around fixtures, and the shower tray.

    Finish

    Note: Always refer to the respective product datasheets before application.

    shower tiling how to

    How To Guide

    Download this handy how-to guide for tiling showers, offering a simple step-by-step overview covering:

    • Priming
    • Waterproofing
    • Fixing tiles with adhesive
    • Grouts and silicones

    How to tile a shower – FAQs

    Q: Do I really need to waterproof behind the tiles in my shower?

    Contrary to common belief, ceramic tiles and grout are not completely waterproof. Water can penetrate through grout joints and potentially damage the substrate behind.

    Also, if you want to follow the British Standard Institute (BSI) guidelines you should. Under the latest revision in clause 6.1.1.3, it states that wet areas should be protected with a suitable propriety tanking membrane system. Furthermore, the costs incurred from some types of water leaks may not be covered by the home insurance policy.

    A wet area is any wetroom, bathroom, shower area, steam room or any other area subject to frequent water contact. This includes walls and floors in a wetroom, walls within a shower cubicle, and walls around a bath or shower.

    Protect the substrate and surrounding rooms with Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit, and you’ll protect the home-owner, and your reputation.

    Q: Which DUNLOP adhesive should I use for my shower tiles?

    For shower walls or floors:

    • DUNLOP CF-03 FLEXIBLE FAST SET TILE ADHESIVE: Ideal for fast project completion, sets in 3 hours.
    • DUNLOP CF-24 FLEXIBLE TILE ADHESIVE: Excellent for larger projects with extended working time.

    For large format floor tiles (over 30cm):

    • DUNLOP CLF-03 FLEXIBLE LARGE FORMAT & NATURAL STONE TILE ADHESIVE: Specifically designed for large tiles and stone.

    Q: How do I ensure my shower floor tiles are properly sloped for drainage?

    The floor should be between 1:35 to 1:80 toward the drain to prevent standing water.

    Q: Can I use the same adhesive for both shower walls and floors?

    Yes, Dunlop CF-03 Flexible Fast Set Tile Adhesive and CF-24 Flexible Tile Adhesive are suitable for both walls and floors in shower areas. However, ready-mixed adhesives like RX-3000 should only be used on walls, not floors.

    Q: Is grout waterproof?

    Only reaction resin grouts and epoxies are fully waterproof. The majority of grouts are cement-based, so they may be described as water-resistant but not they are not waterproof, meaning they will not offer protection to the substrate from water damage. This is why it’s crucial to protect substrates with products like the Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit, prior to tiling.

    Q: How do I mix and apply tile adhesive correctly?

    1. Mix the adhesive with clean, cold water according to the package instructions.
    2. Allow mixed adhesive to stand for 1-2 minutes before briefly remixing.
    3. Apply a thin layer of adhesive to the wall using the flat side of the trowel first.
    4. Apply more adhesive using the serrated side, holding at a 45° angle.
    5. Only apply adhesive to areas that can be tiled within the open time (15-30 minutes depending on product).
    6. Press tiles firmly into place with a light twisting motion.
    7. Use tile spacers between tiles.

    Q: How do I plan my tile layout?

    1. Measure the walls and calculate the number of tiles required
    2. Mark the centre of each wall
    3. Use a spirit level to draw vertical and horizontal layout lines
    4. Plan your pattern from the centre outwards
    5. Allow 5-10% extra tiles for cuts and breaks
    6. Consider installing a temporary ledger to support the first row of tiles.

    Top tip

    “When waterproofing a shower before tiling, many people make the mistake of rushing through this critical step. Always work methodically around all internal corners and joints, first applying a generous amount of DUNLOP WATERPROOF COATING from the SHOWER WATERPROOFING KIT to these areas, then embedding the waterproof tape while the coating is still wet.

    Immediately apply a second coat over the tape while the first coat is still tacky. This ‘wet-on-wet’ application creates a seamless waterproof barrier at these vulnerable points. Focus on pipe penetrations and shower tray joints – these are common leak areas.

    Remember, you can install the best tiles with the best adhesive, but if water gets behind them due to poor waterproofing, the entire installation will eventually fail. Invest the time at this stage—it’s far less expensive than remedial work later.”

     

    David Rowley – Dunlop Adhesives Training Manager

    Dunlop and the Flying D device are trademarks of Sumitomo Rubber Group and are used under license by Building Adhesives Ltd.

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