Tile Shower Questions from a Noob

[Deadpool9]

Hi, as you can see I am new here.
I have done a few very small tile jobs, using both thinset and mastic (for walls.)
Now I am building myself a house, and have plans for a lot of tile work, but have a few questions.
After reading here, it sounds like mastic in a wet location is the devil. So if I go with thinset to set my tiles in my shower, how do I keep them from sliding down / falling off? Should I use some sort of board or guide and only tile a few tiles high at a time? Is there any type of mastic that will work in a wet location? I also plan to tile the ceiling of my shower. Is mastic ok there?

Also, what brand / type of thinset and mastic do you guys recommend? I think the regular mastic would be fine for a backsplash/mirror border, etc., but I am not sure about anywhere else.

Thanks for the help!

[muskymike]

Hi there, welcome! Do you have a first name we can use? Right, you don't want to use mastic in any area that will get wet. You can use spacers and shims to keep the tiles from siding or use a non sag thinset. Use the thinset on the ceiling too. Depending on what big box store you have by you will determine what thinset is available.

[Deadpool9]

You can call me Lee.
I have sheetrock on the ceiling, will it still be ok to use thinset on that? I would think the moisture from the thinset would cause it to fall apart? Also, how would I make it stay up there? Maybe cut a piece of plywood and wedge it up there with a 2x4? Or will the thinset provide enough suction to hold it? The local "Tile Guy" seems to just put mastic on the back of the tile and stick it up there.


My nearest "big box" store is a Home Depot, which is about a 30 min drive. Every Lowes around is at least a 1 hr. drive away.

[bbcamp]

Lee, you are correct, suction will keep the ceiling tiles in place. And, no, the little bit of water in the thinset will not cause the drywall to fall apart.

HD carries Custom Building Products' line of tile setting materials. Versabond is a good all-purpose modified thinset that should do everything you want.

[Deadpool9]

Thats awsome man! I appreciate the input and help. I have to get started pretty soon, right after my shower and bath fixtures come in.
Thanks a ton!