Things You’ll Need
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Tiles
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Wet saw
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Spacers
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Margin trowel
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Grout float
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Bucket
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Sponge
Grout fills the gaps between tiles creating one surface. Image Credit: Liquidlibrary/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
Installing shower tiles adds to the appearance and functionality of your shower. To ensure tiles are secure and the shower floor doesn't leak water to the subfloor, the tiles must be sealed properly with grout. You can seal around the grout using regular grouting procedures and must do so to ensure the 1/4-inch space between the shower drain and the tiles creates one continuous flat surface from drain to tile.
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Step 1
Cut your tiles with a wet saw to fit them around the shower drain. Lay them in position around the shower drain, leaving a gap of 1/4-inch between the drain and the tiles.
Step 2
Place two or three spacers in between the shower drain and the edges of the tiles to prevent them from moving closer to the drain.
Step 3
Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's directions. Allow the grout to sit for 10 minutes to ensure there are no bits of dry grout powder in the mix.
Step 4
Scoop grout onto the shower tile floor using a margin trowel. Spread it over the tile with a grout float, ensuring that you push grout into the 1/4-inch gap along the edge of the shower drain.
Step 5
Hold the grout float at an almost perpendicular angle to the tile. Use the long edge of the float to scrape off and remove excess grout on the tile and around the shower drain.
Step 6
Fill a bucket with warm water. Soak a clean sponge in the water and wring out the excess water.
Step 7
Wipe the tiles and shower drain in a circular motion to remove excess grout. Rinse your sponge frequently and continue wiping. Allow the grout to set around the drain and tile for 48 hours before you use your shower.
Tip
Sanded grout is best for grout joints with a width greater than 1/16 inch. Use sanded grout to prevent the grout around your shower drain from cracking, which will lead to water damage beneath the tile floor.
