Christine's Shower Project

[mswantmore]

I am tiling a shower that was converted from a tub. Backer board walls & mud pan. The tile selected for the walls is a 12x 24 through body porcelain, 3/8" thick. with 3 x 11 3/4" bullnose. the niche area is presenting problems for me.







shower.pdf

what would be the best layout for this area? Thanks for your time.

[mswantmore]

No replies to my post concerns me a little....
I came up with two different rough layouts. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Layout 1


Layout 2

[Turbo101]

Hey! I'm not a pro, but I like the first layout. I'm not sure what look you are going for, but the first layout seems more pleasing to look at. Where are you planning to use the mosaic rock? On the floor?

Hope this helps!

[mswantmore]

I like the first one too. yes, on the floor. I was thinking i could put it on the backside of the niches also but I think it may look to gaudy.

[Turbo101]

That was my first thought too. It might look good, but with tile, there is no might! Does your larger tile have a bullnose that matches. That would be ideal to use on the sides of the niches. The larger size wouldn't have any joints except in the corners.

[mswantmore]

yes it has bullnose. its 3 x 11 3/4". so its not quite big enough. the niches are about 4" deep. since the tile is through body porcelain, i was wondering how difficult (& how expensive the tool) it would be to make my own bullnose.

[mswantmore]

Should i tile the top of the bench first?

[Turbo101]

Well, that would be a question for the pros. I've read that it is not that difficult, but have never done it. Good luck. You are on the right tract by posting your questions!

[Marge]

Hi Christine, welcome to the Forum.

I agree that using the pebbles for the rear of the niches might be too much. However, you might consider taking a small row of them (depending on their actual size...can't tell from the pic) and individually lay a line along the back of the side walls of the niches. You would then eliminate your bullnose being too small issue. You could also accent the top of the bench with a line of pebbles as well. Laying the actual tile out can be of help in your decision making. Just a couple thoughts.

[Pilatusfo]

I have the same tile size and I too thought long and hard about my layout. Today I took abunch of tiles out and laid them out on the floor. I'm going with the vertical profile (2nd diagram). I think the rectangle tile looks better that way, just my opinion.

[mswantmore]

Maybe im misunderstanding something. I'm asking this question a little late for my pan is already done but I am still unclear on this.....I keep reading you should have a level screed around the perimeter of the shower pan. I can understand this if your shower is square and the drain is centered but what if it is 3 x 5 and the drain is not centered? should it still be level around the perimeter? I hope not.

[Muddman]

the answer is yes, your slope to the drain will just be different in some areas. trust me, it looks better than having an uneven floor level at the shower walls.

Unless it is an extreme case were you have a large shower (like in a locker room shower) and you need to slope the whole floor to control water flow

[Muddman]

or if you were doing a trench drain it would not necessarily be the same level all around

[mswantmore]

uh-oh! well....can i fix it with thinset??? LOL.

[muskymike]

Hi Christine, depends on how much you need to fix. When I do any shower base, I level over to the furthest point from the drain and make a mark. Usually onna 3x5 shower this furthest point is like 28". SO for 1/4" per foot would be like 5/8" higher around the perimeter of the shower. I mark 5/8" above the level dash I made then make a line around the shower walls. This is were you want to pack your mud to. I do the back wall first then the two sides, then around the drain. Then I fill in the middle area and screed it off. Then finish off the rest. I check the perimeter with a straight edge and level as I work it to keep it flat meaning no low spots.