Tile Showers

[Ericbsc]

I have noticed that a lot of people put tile in the shower. How are they attaching the tile, and what are you using for grout?

[FloridaCliff]

I attached the tile using a tile mastic.

I think in the big box stores it is sold as wall tile adhesive.

The sell an acrylic grout additive to minimize if not eliminate cracking.

The key to your tile results will be a solid base.

I used 1/4 backed board over plywood.

I have about 4,000 miles on my tile job, which includes varying terrains and the bump, bump, bump of I-10 through Lousiana.  So far so good.

Cliff

 

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Eric,

I also did the same as Cliff. 1/4" rock board over plywood makes for a sturdy backing.

I have a combination of tile and marble on the walls with no problems since 05'.

Good Luck
Nick-

[coachconverter]

I use rockboard, then an orange waffle like membrane that's sold at HD.  For the mastic, HD also sales a brand that flexes, can't remember the name but it has flex at the end of it.  No problems so far!!!

Todd

[Ericbsc]

So the rubber liner goes up the wall? I looked at the thin sets that Lowes carries. None are reccomended for use in moving equipment. The one that I have used several times must be on solid surface or it will not hold. It looks a lot like concrete when mixed up. Is it the vynal mastic that you are using?

[FloridaCliff]

Eric,

Its the premixed, vinyl mastic.

Comes in quarts, gallons.

Forget the thinset.....

Cliff

[gumpy]

Sanded mortar works fine if the surface is prepared properly and the substrate is solid. Use an acrylic admixture instead of water.

[Blacksheep]

If you ask for "flex-bond" you can't go wrong no matter if its floor or wall!

Ace

[Melbo]

I installed a vinyl bladder and covered it with 1/2 inch hardi backer -- my shower is 36 inches deep and  52 inches long and I did a slope of 1/8 in per foot to the drain. I used thinset with the additive -- not sure if it is vinyl or latex. I used epoxy based grout ( practice with this first ) and I have driven over 15 thousand miles and never a crack or any movement. That is the kitchen counter and the shower. I was concerned about the joint of the counter top in the kitchen to the wall but it is fine. Lots of other stuff in the bus moved with driving but not the tile.
HTH
YMMV

Melbo

[Melbo]

another picture

Melbo

[Ericbsc]

That looks good!! I am thinking about sinking the bottom down into the frame app. 4" This will be over the fuel tank and bogie on an 05 . I figure that if the tire comes anywhere close to it I have either fell in the worlds biggest pothole or have turned over!! Either way a small problem at that point. Has anybody done this? Pictures please!!

[RichardEntrekin]

Use vinyl mastic not thinset for putting the tile on the floor and the wall. Make really thin joints, and use the colored caulk instead of grout. The local HD is now carrying some lightweight backer board that is much lighter than the concrete backer board of old. Seems perfect for a bus shower.