Atascadero Subway Tile Shower Installation

Overview of Our Shower Installation Process

Here’s a quick overview of the steps involved in this shower installation project:

• Plan the layout
• Frame out the niche
• Shim the walls to make them flat, plumb, and square
• Install waterproof XPS foam backer boards
• Install bonding flange drain and float a sloped thick bed
• Waterproof corner seams and screws
• Waterproof shower pan
• Perform a flood test
• Install the tile
• Grout and caulk with silicone

Planning and Initial Preparations for a Successful Installation

We carefully planned the niche location and tile layout to ensure the installation would look balanced and aesthetically pleasing and selected the grout colors to complement the color of each type of tile. Using cardboard strips called drywall shims, we adjusted the framing to make sure the studs were straight up and down and that everything was aligned properly for the backer board installation. 

Shower Drainage System and Tile Substrate Prep

After we installed the backer boards, we added the drain and created a slope using special hand tools and a mixture of sand, cement, and water that industry professionals call deck mud or thick bed. To ensure that water exits the shower properly, we made this structure level around the perimeter and then created a gradual slope downward toward the drain. We used a waterproof sheet membrane to waterproof the seams, corners, and shower pan and an approved sealant to seal over places where screws penetrated the materials.

As with every shower installation, we performed a 24-hour flood test. If by chance there were even a pinhole-size leak in the pan or drain connections, this test would have revealed it. Since the pan proved to be fully waterproof, we were able to move on to the next phase of this project, the tile installation. 

Our Precision Installation Process

We installed the wall tile first, purposely leaving off the first row to provide space for the floor pebble installation and the shower curb. Spacers between each tile helped the grout lines look nice and even. Our proper installation methods ensured that the tiles were tightly adhered to the substrate for a long lasting installation.

We carefully measured and cut any tiles that needed to be trimmed to fit around fixtures or edges, creating clean lines. Once the pebble installation and shower curb were complete, we installed the bottom row of subway tiles.

Our final step was to grout and caulk the shower walls and floor. Since temperature and humidity changes or any settling of the home’s structure can create some movement in shower walls, we used grout everywhere except the inside corners of the shower. Grout is a rigid material that can crack with movement. Instead, we used silicone caulk, a flexible material, in the areas that would see some movement.

As you can see in the images and video, the installation turned out beautifully. The homeowner was just as pleased with the outcome of this guest bathroom as he was with the primary bathroom. You can read his very positive initial review here.

Copher Tile & Stone proudly stays up to date on tile shower installation technologies with ongoing education with Mapei Technical Institute, Ardex Academy, the National Tile Contractors Association, Laticrete, and Schluter. Copher is a Certified Tile Installer (#1644).

by Alice Dean

Do you have specific questions about tile shower installation? Do you want a quote? Feel free to reach out. Contact us using the form below or call 805-286-7460. We are San Luis Obispo County’s preferred tile installation company, serving Paso Robles, Templeton, Atascadero, Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria, San Simeon, Santa Margarita, San Luis Obispo, Avila Beach, Shell Beach, Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande, and Grover Beach.