How to Install Tiled Shower Walls With a Prefab Base
- 1). Measure and cut the tile backer board to fit the shower walls. Measure from the top of the ceiling to the edge of the shower pan flange. The backer board fits over the vertical lip, and the bottom edge sits flush with the top edge of the shower pan. Cut the backer board with a reciprocal saw or a razor.
- 2). Fit the backer board onto the wall framing around the shower so the bottom edge is flush with the top edge of the shower pan and mount it to the framing studs with cement backer screws and a power screwdriver
- 3). Seal the seams between the backer board pieces with mortar. Spread the mortar over the backer board with a hand trowel, feather out the edges for a smooth edge and let the mortar dry overnight.
- 4). Dry fit the tiles along the wall and pre-cut the final tile in each row if necessary with a tile saw. Or score the tiles with a tile cutter and snap them to size. Cut enough tiles to complete the entire wall so you do not have to stop and cut tiles while you set them.
- 5). Apply the tile mortar to a 3-foot-square section of the wall at the bottom corner of the shower with a grooved hand trowel. Place the first tile into the mortar at the corner and gently tap it into the soft mortar with the back of the trowel handle. Place a level on the tile and check to ensure the tile is level. Tap one side to make the tile level if the tile does not read level.
- 6). Set spacers along the edge of the first tile and install the second tile next to it. Continue to set tiles into mortar until you complete the shower.
Source...