You cannot tile over standard polymer or fiberglass shower pans because they flex too much and will eventually crack the tile grout and possibly even the tile itself.

Can a fiberglass shower base be tiled?

Expert Insight. According to Ed Del Grande, author and contractor, you cannot add tile to a fiberglass base. Tile requires a smooth and flat base but does not adhere properly to fiberglass surfaces. Fiberglass showers are budget-friendly and install quickly, but are not suited for future remodels.

What is the best material for a shower base?





4 of the Best Shower Base Flooring Options

  1. Tile Shower Bases. You may decide that you want to tile the floor of your shower to match the walls or bathroom floor tile. …
  2. Molded Stone Shower Bases. Molded stone shower pans can offer you another high-end and elegant solution. …
  3. Acrylic Shower Pans. …
  4. Fiberglass Shower Pans.


What can I use for a shower base?

The best mortar for a shower pan is a mix of standard cement mix with sand and Portland cement. A shower pan — the piece that forms the bottom of the shower or bathtub — has to rest on top of a concrete layer that can support the bottom piece.

What do you put under tile in a shower?

In showers, the standard substrate is tile backer, also called cement board or cement backer board.

Can you tile over Fibreglass?





To stick tile to fiberglass mesh, you need a universal industrial adhesive. These adhesives are designed to adhere well to restricted, flexible surfaces like fiberglass mesh and to hold tile securely.

How do you waterproof a fiberglass shower pan?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: To completely waterproof these panels i went around and added that same probe adhesive to all of the screws. And washers spreading the adhesive.

Do I need a shower pan under tile?

If you plan to install a tile floor in your shower, a shower pan is crucial because it provides a waterproof surface to lay the tile on. Even if you don’t plan to use tile, a shower pan is important for protecting your floor and subfloor from any leaks that may get through.

What is the difference between shower pan and shower base?

What Do They Do? While a shower pan and a shower base both channel water into the drain, there’s one key difference: “Shower pan” is the actual shower floor that you step on, whereas “shower base” refers to the structure underneath the shower itself.

What is the best floor for a walk in shower?



Best Materials for Shower Floors

  1. Vinyl. Vinyl is a synthetic cousin of linoleum. …
  2. Concrete. Concrete can get a bad reputation when it comes to home flooring. …
  3. Porcelain. Porcelain is often used in shower flooring. …
  4. Glass. Glass is an attractive option for shower floors. …
  5. Pebbles. …
  6. Marble. …
  7. Travertine.


How do you waterproof a shower floor before tiling?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: First install a cement based pre slope. Always tie the liquid membrane into the drain by applying it to the bottom of the drain flange.

How do you prepare a shower floor for tile?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: You need to make sure everything is level and make sure everything is secured mud pans add a significant amount of weight to the floor. So you need to make sure everything is very secured. And sturdy.

How do I prep a shower for tile?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Making sure it hangs inside the base and staple it to the studs all the way around the surround. Now cut the bottom of the plastic. So it still overlaps the flange. And just touches the base.

Does thinset adhere to fiberglass?

Thinset mortars are best suited for ceramic or fiberglass tiles used as flooring because the adhesive supports large amounts of weight. The mortar also holds up well to moisture, which makes it a good choice for bathrooms or kitchens.

Can you install tile over FRP?

FRP can be installed directly over ceramic tile, however non-porous surfaces require the use of rivets unless the surface of the tile is opened by sanding or use of a chemical abrasive. Adhesive should be used on porous surfaces only. We recommend using Advanced Polymer Adhesive.

How do you tile around a fiberglass tub?



Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Your first row of tile needs to be level and should be spaced about an eighth of an inch above the tub.

Can I tile over a fiberglass shower pan?

You cannot tile over standard polymer or fiberglass shower pans because they flex too much and will eventually crack the tile grout and possibly even the tile itself.

Can you tile over acrylic shower surround?

In most cases, you cannot tile on the floor of standard fiberglass/acrylic shower pans. Slight flexing will quickly crack the grout and even the tiles. However, some specialty shower pans such as those made by Tile-Redi are designed for over-tiling.

How much space should be between floor tile and tub?

Leave 1/4-inch gaps along all walls, to be covered later with baseboard. Leave a 1/8-inch joint against the tub. Cut all tiles on a tile wet saw or a tile cutting board. Let the installation dry 24 hours.

What do you put between tub and tile?



Caulk seals seams between tile and fixtures or walls.



Caulk provides a waterproof seal where tile abuts other materials, such as bathtubs, sinks, or walls. A carefully run line of caulk (known as a bead) in these areas adds a finished touch.

How do you finish tile next to tub?

Spread ceramic tile mortar on the back of the cut tile and set it in place next to the tub, properly spaced with the surrounding tile. Leave 1/4 inch of space between the cut side of the tile and the tub. Repeat for each tile around the tub. Let the tiles set overnight.