Frequently Asked Questions
What do I actually need to install tile in a shower?
From the wall out: backer board or membrane-ready substrate, waterproofing (sheet or liquid) with banded seams, thinset mortar rated for wet areas, tile, grout, and color-matched caulk at the changes of plane. A sealer protects the finished grout and any stone.
Which thinset should I buy if I'm not sure?
A quality polymer-modified thinset covers most tile-over-most-substrate situations. Move to an LHT version for tile 15 inches and up, and to unmodified only where a membrane manufacturer requires it.
Do sealers and cleaners really matter?
Yes — sealing cement grout and natural stone is what keeps them from staining, and using pH-appropriate cleaners is what keeps sealers working. The maintenance products protect the labor you just paid for.