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.

Filters

Showing all 5 results

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
Flexible
For ceramic, porcelain and non-moisture sensitive natural stone tiles
Interior and Exterior
Suitable with underfloor heating
Extended open time

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

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?

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

Q: How do I plan my tile layout?

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

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

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.

Website by