Archived Thread

NFT: Bathtub Surround Tiling Question

DC Gmen Fan : 5/30/2023 12:11 pm

About to embark on my first tiling experience (gulp). 4x16 subway tiles arranged in an offset thirds stairway pattern around the bathtub.

Some places I've read to use a ledger board nailed into the wall and start with the 2nd row and do the row closest to the tub last. I don't want to do that because it would require re- sealing the holes in my kerdi band. I have cut my first row of tiles to match the contour of the tup to maintain 1/8" between the tile and the tub surface. Is there an issue with installing the row closest to the tub first and building right away on that? Is it a support thing? Maybe tile the first 2 rows then letting it set for a day? Thoughts and advice are appreciated.

The most important thing is to get the first row level...

DefenseWins : 5/30/2023 12:35 pm : link

use pacers between each row.

If you want, you can use a laser level every few courses to make sure you are heading in the right direction.

You're overthinking and reading too much internet

oghwga : 5/30/2023 12:42 pm : link

Slap the first row on the top of the tub with the thinnest of spacers and zoom on from there. You have advice paralysis you're going to be fine because every good job starts with humility.

RE: You're overthinking and reading too much internet

DC Gmen Fan : 5/30/2023 3:16 pm : link

In comment 16125162 oghwga said:

Quote:

Slap the first row on the top of the tub with the thinnest of spacers and zoom on from there. You have advice paralysis you're going to be fine because every good job starts with humility.

LOL you sound like my wife! But yes you're right and it's what I needed to hear.

RE: You're overthinking and reading too much internet

DefenseWins : 5/30/2023 7:44 pm : link

In comment 16125162 oghwga said:

Quote:

Slap the first row on the top of the tub with the thinnest of spacers and zoom on from there. You have advice paralysis you're going to be fine because every good job starts with humility.

you have to make sure the tub is level

laser level?

jestersdead : 5/30/2023 7:53 pm : link

why not go buy one that sticks to the wall and use that instead of a piece of wood are you starting line? If you start on the tub line, you can do a soldier course at the top to off set any imperfections in height, if there are any

The tub is already in that ship has already sailed

oghwga : 5/30/2023 9:00 pm : link

Now you can just measure from the tub to the ceiling on both sides.

Tub is level

DC Gmen Fan : 5/31/2023 6:47 am : link

But dips along the back edge in the middle