Should I Tile the Floor or Walls First in a Shower?

Are you planning to tile your bathroom? Should you tile the floor or walls first in a shower? Here we go with the great debate!

There are several reasons to choose one of these two approaches. And some people make constructive arguments pointing to different opinions. 

But which technique is the right one? Dig into the write-up to know which side is right.

Do You Tile a Shower Wall or Floor First?

As we proceeded to this argument, the factual truth is there is no particular way of installing tiles! It all depends on your needs and preference. Yet, if you know both methods' pros and cons, it may be easy to decide which way to do it.

Let’s check out the details:

Tiling Shower the Wall Tiles First

Why start with tiling the shower wall tiles? Because It is time-effective. At least, many tile workers think so. 

Let’s learn more reasons:

Easy to Measure

Therefore, many people keep a tiny space between the final row of wall tiles and the floor to provide room for the flooring tile. Some people prefer a ledger or another space-saving tool to show where your absent row should be.

You can put up the last or first row of wall tiles once the floor tiles are in place. Or use cement to seal the opening. You can also trim the tile to close the space between the floor and the wall.

But be aware that heavy cement and badly trimmed tiles aren't only unpleasant. Also, it can affect the quality of your waterproofing.

Prevent Damage

If you tile the walls first, cement and plaster may end up on the floor. These cement and plaster can be very hard to eliminate if given enough time to set. If you put the wall tiles first, you don't need to be much cautious while spreading the cement and plaster. You can work without any worries.

The floor tiles are also sensitive to loosening or cracking if they are not hard and fixed in the cement and the plaster has yet to dry. Therefore, if you put the shower tiles first, you won't have to be concerned about ruining the floor tiles in your shower.

Reduce time

Install the wall tiles first to save time. The floor tiles will no longer need as much time to cure. Also, wall tiles can be partially dried and set.

After finishing with the wall tiles, you can quickly begin placing the floor tiles. So, using wall tiles first is the wisest decision if you want to prevent trouble.

Tiling the Shower Floor Tiles First

What are the key justifications for starting with the floor? The floor tiles should overlap the wall tiles. And since the wall tiles are already in place, that is impossible. 

Well, many experts won’t agree with it. If you tile the floor first, you risk dropping objects on the new floor and accidentally damaging it. Tiles may break because of it. Or make mortar drips may happen that are challenging to erase while tiling the wall.

Tiling the new floor will help prevent accidents if you decide to complete the shower floor first. To secure the fresh tiles, use fabric or paper.

Yet, here are some more reasons you can tile the floor first:

Easy Solution

You can attach wall tiles over the floor tiles. Ledgers and space savers make it more difficult for floor tiles to lie beneath wall tiles and glide in place. Put the floor tiles first for a technique that takes less work. The wall tiles can be installed when the cement and plaster have dried.

Right Sequence

It will be extremely difficult to install the floor tiles over the wall tiles, both technically and aesthetically. It will be more difficult to waterproof if wall tiles are initially installed. The points where the wall and floor tiles connect will allow water to leak into the floor. The whole shower construction may sustain severe damage due to this operation.

Appearance and usefulness is the reason why people are not into other adhesive.

Appearance and Utility

If you make a calculation error while installing the wall tiles, you may have to apply more cement. It will appear terrible.

Furthermore, this technique is only effective on level surfaces. If the ground isn't level, you'll have to trim the lowest row of wall tiles. If you put the wall tiles first, this method will take more work. Also, the shower's surface will need to be more aesthetically pleasing.