How to Tile a Shower Floor

When it comes to designing the perfect shower, your floor needs to do more than just look good—it must also function flawlessly. A shower floor should balance aesthetics with practical considerations like water drainage, safety, and durability. Whether you’re upgrading an existing shower or starting from scratch, this guide will walk you through the essential steps for choosing the right tiles, preparing the surface, and laying tiles like a pro.

Let’s dive into how you can create a stunning and functional shower floor that will stand the test of time.

Choose the Right Tiles for the Job

Selecting the right tiles for your shower floor is crucial for both functionality and style. Not all tiles are suitable for wet, high-traffic areas like a shower, so here are a few things to consider when choosing your tiles:

Safety should always come first when tiling a shower floor. Look for tiles that offer anti-slip properties to reduce the risk of slipping, especially when the floor is wet.
Textured porcelain or ceramic tiles are often the best choice for maintaining traction, even when they’re soaked. You can also find tiles with a slip-resistance rating (SRC) that helps you gauge how safe the surface will be when wet.
If your shower has curved edges or an uneven surface, mosaic tiles can be an excellent choice. These small, versatile tiles can easily conform to different shapes, ensuring a seamless finish on curved floors or walls. Mosaic tiles also create an intricate, decorative effect, adding a bit of flair to your shower floor without compromising on function.

Browse CTM online for all the shower floor tiles you need – we have a range of colours, finishes, sizes and prices to choose from.

Prepping the Shower Surface for Perfection

The secret to a long-lasting and leak-free shower floor lies in the preparation. Here are some essential steps to get your surface ready for tiling:

Before you begin tiling, the surface of your shower floor must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris, dust, or grease. This will help the adhesive bond more effectively.
Once cleaned, you’ll need to make sure that your floor has a slight slope towards the drain to encourage proper water drainage. A slope of about 0.6cm – 1.2cm per 30cms is recommended to ensure that water flows toward the drain and doesn’t pool on the floor.
Waterproofing is a must when it comes to shower floors. Moisture can seep into unprotected surfaces, causing mould growth, mildew, and even structural damage.
Use a waterproof membrane or primer before tiling, especially in areas where water exposure is constant. This layer will provide an added barrier to prevent water from reaching the subfloor, ensuring that your tiling job lasts longer and remains in excellent condition.

Laying Shower Floor Tiles: Precision with a Purpose

Now that your surface is prepped and ready, it’s time to start laying your tiles. Precision is key to ensuring that your tiles fit perfectly and your shower floor performs well.

As you lay your tiles, keep in mind the direction of water flow. The goal is to ensure that the water naturally flows toward the drain, not away from it.
Arrange your tiles with the grain or texture of the tiles pointing toward the drain to help guide the water in the right direction. For an aesthetically pleasing effect, you may also want to consider how the pattern or layout of the tiles complements the slope.
To achieve clean, even grout lines, use spacers between your tiles as you lay them. This will ensure consistency across your shower floor and help your tiles stay properly aligned.
Depending on your aesthetic preference and the type of tiles you’re using, you can select spacers of various sizes. A smaller grout line can create a sleek, modern look, while a wider grout line offers a more traditional feel.
Shower floors often have small, irregular spaces, particularly near the edges or corners. Don’t worry if you need to trim tiles to fit—this is a normal part of the process.
Use a tile cutter or nipper to cut tiles into the desired shape. Take your time when working in these areas to ensure that the cuts are neat and the tiles fit snugly into place.

Create your dream bathroom with tiles and bathroom sets from CTM today.

Grouting and Sealing The Shower Floor

Once the tiles are laid and the adhesive has dried, it’s time to grout and seal to complete the job.

When choosing grout, it’s important to pick one that complements the colour and texture of your tiles. Grout comes in a variety of shades, from neutral tones to bold colours. Light-coloured grout works well with darker tiles, creating contrast, while dark grout can be a great option for light-coloured tiles.
Consider your bathroom’s overall design when selecting the right grout colour. Additionally, opt for a grout designed for wet areas to ensure it can withstand the moisture levels in a shower.
Once your grout has been applied and dried, it’s important to seal it to protect it from water damage, mould, and mildew. Use a high-quality grout sealer to seal the grout lines, which will prevent moisture from penetrating and causing stains.
You may want to apply a tile sealer to the surface of your tiles to further protect them from water and soap scum buildup. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the sealer for the best results.

Achieve Durable and Stunning Shower Floors with CTM

Tiling your shower floor may take some effort, but the results are definitely worth it. With proper preparation, the right materials, and a little bit of patience, you can create a shower floor that is not only beautiful but also highly functional and long-lasting. Remember, the key to success is in the details—choosing the right tiles, ensuring proper drainage, and sealing everything for protection.

CTM offers a wide range of shower tiling products, from anti-slip tiles to grout and sealants. Whether you’re aiming for a modern, sleek design or a more traditional look, explore our selection to find the perfect materials for your shower floor. With the right tools and a little creativity, you can transform your shower into a stunning, functional space that will impress for years to come.

We have CTM stores all over South Africa from Gauteng to the Western Cape. We also have stores in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Swaziland too. Find your nearest store now.