Tile Shower Wall with Leveling Clips --- Layout, Installation, and Cutting Tips

12x24 porcelain tiles are one of the most popular formats of tile to use on shower walls. Because they are large, they reduce the amount of grout needed in the shower. But the larger size can make it difficult to reduce the amount of lippage when installing. The use of leveling clips, such as these: www.tilecoach.com/product-pag..., will promote a more flush tile installation. It is also important to only do two rows at a time, placing a level every two rows to make sure the tiles do not sag to one side.
Tile Redi pans eliminate the vulnerable failure points of other shower pan systems like Schluter Kerdi, Wedi, Hydroblock and Redgard. In those systems, the pan and wall connection is at or below the waterline of the shower and are often just connected in the field with sealant or thinset. Also, the drain is a separate piece and has to be secured to the pan with thinset or sealant. Installer error is common with these systems leading to catastrophic water and structural damage.
Tile Redi pans are one piece, pre-sloped, and have the drain integrated into the pan through the injection molding process. The integrated splash walls and curb make it so there are no connection points in the field at the vulnerable waterline.
For more info on Tile Redi products, select the links below:
Redi Trench: tileredi.co/3ZXQp0p
Redi Base: tileredi.co/45AznGK
Custom Shower Pans: tileredi.co/3tHpGJu
Wall Solutions: tileredi.co/3tD8K6G
If you need help on your DIY shower project, I offer 1 on 1 tile coaching consultations. We use zoom or Facetime so I can see your project and offer you good advise on what methods and products are best suited for your job.
Click the link to find out more: www.tilecoach.com/book-online
To support our channel, please consider signing up for our Team Membership for $10 a month. Your membership allows you access to our community advice forum and exclusive zoom meetings. Here is the link:
www.tilecoach.com/plans-pricing

[@rayl2729]

Love this guy! The attention to detail and the fact that you ACTUALLY give explanation on the why and how is the best! I’m always learning something new from your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@conradcoolerfiend]

love that story pole. genius. thanks for sharing that. this is why i love your vids, always picking up little tips. I love being your tile student!

[@MrCguzzy]

This project series of videos inspired me to tackle my shower remodel. Just received my starter pack in the mail! Thank you for the encouraging note on the package as well as these videos that provide DIYer's the confidence to take on projects. Cheers from Michigan, Claudio

[@bigtime37ja]

Good work sir, thanks for the tips and video. Keeping the workspace clean, is so very important.

[@justinmackey5299]

Great job🎉 great video! You are the reason I’m doing my bathroom over here in Idaho! Thank you 😊

[@nicko5566]

Nice work as always! I have been looking for a niche installation video like this. The new backer board looks slick as well. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@scotthankel]

Thanks for these awesome videos, cannot wait to see the follow up video on this project you mentioned at the end that goes over tiling the niche and around the window.

[@jeffpope8014]

@tilecoach you make this stuff look so easy I am at the point of giving up on tile I suck when it comes to tile thank you for all the tips and tricks, I have purchased a number of items from your website and they have all been very helpful,,,,my favorite purchase however has been the tshirt that says some days you make friends some days you make money 😂

[@jeffmiller2434]

I'm getting ready to tile my bathroom tomorrow with the same size tiles your using. So this video was very timely. I went and made myself a story pole before I even finished watching this video. I love the way you laid the first 3 tiles down flat and marked the slope all at the same time. I'll be using that idea. Thanks for the great ideas.

[@robdgonz]

Ditto. Same pan too

[@DavidWhite-iv9xw]

I'm from Michigan up north we get really good prices for tile here we do very well you're very experienced tile guy, I respect you

[@TileCoach]

Thanks!

[@als1023]

I can see the distinct advantage of using a systm that does not require bonding strips. No build up is a big deal as far as my experience, and the time saving ++ Hope this comes to Canada. New technology making life simpler to build a better, longer lasting quality product.

[@terjegjertsen712]

Very Useful! Thank You 🙂

[@DavidWhite-iv9xw]

Sometimes we cement board the walls and Verdi cloth over it, instead of drywall and cloth. Works great. Solid

[@Bulborb1]

Gotta love the lasers!👍

[@TheodoreGelber]

Tile Coach, I probably will never put up any tile but it is great to watch craftsman and women work when they care about the details and the aesthetics of the result. I see and have had to fix so much sloppy work in my own house that could of have been avoided with a bit more time and competence in the original installation. That said, I know that a lot of tradespeople are on time quotes and are not given enough time to do the job properly.

[@TileCoach]

I appreciate that!

[@DavidWhite-iv9xw]

You have to stand your ground and take the time to do it great so you don't have to have any punch list at all I haven't had a complaint in years

[@adambelmonte807]

How come you don't skip the first row and use a support nailer board, leaving the bottom coarse for last? One of your previous videos (TILE A SHOWER WALL -- TUTORIAL, 3yrs ago) showed that, and it made a lot of sense but here it seems like it's fine not to use one of those boards. You have the best tile vids, btw. Thanks!

[@m0ondoggy]

I'm curious about this as well. In a previous video he said to not start the first course against the floor because the weight of the tile will squeeze out the wedges. With smaller tile, I've always set a ledger board and set 2-3 courses at a time. I would imagine with the large format tile, with the back-butter and the ridges collapsed, there's a lot of suction on that tile, and those horseshoe spacers typically don't squeeze out. I'm getting ready to start my back wall with 12x24 as my first LFT shower (My 6th as a DIYer), so I'd be curious if @TileCoach would comment on this because I'm only speculating.

[@GC-oe7fn]

@tilecoach When will you have the follow up on the rest. Wanted to see the way you wrapped your niche. Thanks. Looking forward to trying out the redi tile system have a house from the 40’s we’re remodeling and it’s gonna be fun

[@adamnorthville5636]

Thanks

[@salalatzo]

Thanks for another great one Isaac. I went with Tile Redi as well, wasn't into paper mache'ing my shower pan. What thinset did you use, Multimax? i know in the past the amount of water they called for just wasnt right.

[@weekendwarrior3420]

It's simple - if tile is flat, you can do any stagger, if bent - your mileage can vary.

[@tbone2451]

Very helpful ! How do you handle an inside corner.

[@williammorris3303]

I’ve never set the shelves that are premade to be tiled into place. I would love to see you set some , it looks like they set in grout joints but I have no idea how that would be since grout isn’t really optional

[@karenmitchell6814]

Do you follow the same steps for a tiled bathtub surround? I know the tile redi wall boards have a half-lap joint. Do you bring that half-lap joint over the tub flange or cut it off?

[@jeremynelson8496]

I was wondering how these new trowel teeth patterns are compared to the ol' square notches. My first thoughts seeing how it goes on the wall is I don't like the inconsistent notch.

[@robertgoss7355]

Try the Rubi cyclone system.I find you can really crank them down if you have to . it gives you an extremely flat wall or floor.

[@starpc5850]

Hi, Do you install vapour barrier film on exterior shower wall over insulation if Kerdi liner will be installed?

[@lightblade543]

Do you have the details on how you sealed the wall panels to the pan?

[@user-yw8ci2ve3g]

Do you have a continuation video of this project?

[@lidiajortiz2010]

Nice work. How did you waterproof walls?

[@MAGAMAN]

Marshalltown leveling clips are the best. They don't need a tool to install and because they screw on, they don't push your tiles apart when you tighten them down.

[@sinbig5570]

Tile Coach, between Prova and Schluter waterproofing which one do you recommend? I am renovating a bathroom for a good friend of mine. Also the tiles that were installed by previous home owner is completely lose and detached from the floor. Is it because installer waited too long between mixing the cement and installing the tile ?

[@brianmirelez7804]

What layout would you run with a 6 x 24 because from my understanding, you can’t do half

[@vermont-home-made]

What type of Thinset did you apply on this job? Multimax?

[@a.e.linesinc.6230]

What wall board do you use?

[@ssl3546]

Yo - remember that bag of Laticrete that was way too thick when you mixed it? The problem was they were missing the superplasticizer ingredient, it was a bad batch from the factory. Apparently they don't have a QA dept testing every batch, like most serious companies do.

[@PartyTimeProDJs]

Are you sure about this? I just mixed sone Tri Lite and it also needed more water than the detections called for. I figured it is a widespread issue across the Laticrete thinsets.

[@PeterLucassen]

What about breaking the edges of the tiles when removing the clips? No problem?

[@debbiedolphin784]

Tile coach, have you used or know about a product Onyx ?

[@tarmization]

For the niche, did the flange overlap outside of the cuts on the face of the redi board or was it inset?

[@jaaz7835]

nice content. learned quite a few thing from you and starr tile. im amidst my first full solo bathroom renovation. all is going well. and what they feeding you out there in cali? looking like a Schwarzenegger i jr. lol good diet and banging out showers prob the trick

[@TileCoach]

Thanks man I’ve been lifting weights lately and feeling pretty good!

[@jaaz7835]

good stuff! keep grinding.@@TileCoach

[@Holdem0111]

What 7" wet saw blade do you suggest for porcelain tile? I bought a DeWalt diamond blade it's brand new but chips the tile pretty bad. I do have some diamond polishing pads but really need a cleaner cut.

[@user-ws1og5vo5p]

Where is the rest of the videos?

[@chrisbrentlinger8413]

In one of your videos you used a diamond rub stone to clean your cut edges... What grit do you suggest using, or is it better to have 2 different grits (rough/finish)?

[@Holdem0111]

What wet saw blades do you recommend for 12x24 porcelain tile? I'm borrowing a 10" rigid tile saw from a friend. I'm overwhelmed with blade reviews.

[@OIDinIO]

Hi, I probably missed it. May I know the grey caulking/glue used to seal the shower niche at the end? Thanks

[@jtltet]

Have you uploaded the follow up video to this project where you tile around the niche and window? I don't see it on your page.

[@wolverinegnr]

Hi Issac the clips look exactly like the raimondi even the tool looks the same.

[@jtltet]

What is the type of sealant you used around the niche?

[@iludjik]

Hi, working with Tile Redi pan now and looks like thinset is not sticking well to Redi Sealant, im using thinset that is on their approved list

[@user-ws1og5vo5p]

I want to see the finished job

[@user-cr7mf5tn6s]

I need help!!!!! We are in Iowa and I will fly you here 😂 I have emailed you but haven’t gotten a response yet. Also I would love a tile coach short how do we get one ordered????

[@DavidWhite-iv9xw]

You don't like schluter kerdi board or cloth?

[@robbaggett1127]

From a full exposure stand point! I have found that the factory made systems are great and save an enormous amount of time for the install, which saves labor. However, the end results cost the customer the same and maybe even slightly more from the increased price for the materials with the factory systems, which creates the dilemma for the installer from a monetary issue. The installer is selling labor and the factory systems shorten the labor and transfer the money being made to them and the supplier! Customer pays the same or even more so there is no monetary advantage for the customer! Manufacturers and material suppliers make more and the installer makes less. We have been in a boom for quite a while and most installers have found themselves needing to get on and off jobs faster to get on to the next job so there is a trade off that some may find acceptable and even necessary, but as things slow down installers may find they have more time than they do money!

[@Batman825]

Great video! You used 1/16" spacers, why that and not 1/8" What determins the grout space shim to use?

[@TileCoach]

1/8” would have worked too. But 1/16” looked better with the pressed edge but we had to make it close to 1/8” in the end with wedges because the tiles were different sizes.

[@DEVOS9623]

What determines is the tile itself and pattern. If the pattern is stacked or running whatever size you want, if the you went with a herringbone or basket weave the grout width has to add to the width of the tiles to equal the length of the tile. Take 2 tiles lay them side by side, take a 3rd and lay it perpendicular to the first 2, the difference will be your grout line. Now if the tile is a 3:1 length it would be 2 grout lines + 3 tile widths = 1 tile length and so on. Ratio = Tile length/tile width, Grout lines = (Ratio - 1) Grout width = ((Tile length - (width * Ratio) ) / Grout Lines

[@stevemullen8457]

Did you do a video of the installation of the Redi Tile walls? What screws did you use?

[@dtawinner]

Yea would like to see you install the tile redi walboard

[@TileRedi_US]

You can see a complete installation video for the wall boards here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4nYmHudZZt1qbc

[@dailodai9586]

is there a reason wh ou one put one clip between tile vs two clips?

[@alansabrosky3244]

What sealant did you use around the niche?

[@TileCoach]

Tile redi Modified Silane Polymer

[@amramer163]

How do you stop tile spreading apart when you crank down the clips? I've had that issue sometimes especially on floors, as soon as I go to tighten the clips the grout joint will open up another 1/16th. Thanks!

[@austinc8176]

That happens to me when I haven’t pushed the tile into place enough. I gotta slide it back and forth as I push to really set it in there. If all else fails, crank them down most of the way, then go back and finish them like changing a tire

[@larrys5733]

Happens to us. I got a mini pry bar set from Harbor Freight. Use it to put pressure on the tile while clipping. Also perfect level master sells base plates. Put the base plates on first then the wedge and the tiles won't move

[@frankcatrini4816]

thats where you need a mallet , after your row is finished, just go over with a rubber mallet and tap each tile to straighten up joints, just make sure you do this first, then sponge off tiles because the mallet doesnt work to well if the floor is wet

[@jeffreyjbyron]

Are large format tiles easier or harder to install than smaller ones? For a beginner I would assume larger tiles are easier, but possible more expensive, especially if some are accidentally broken. Thanks guys!

[@TileCoach]

12x24 is harder than 12x12 but definitely doable for a beginner. Larger than 12x24 is too hard for beginners.

[@jeffreyjbyron]

@@TileCoach Thanks for the reply! Are smaller tiles better for beginners in general? It seems like more could go wrong with small tiles, but then again bowed and warped tiles wouldn't be as much of an issue.

[@brianmachuca5074]

I did my bathroom but I think I used to much thin set and wish I would have measured the high side

[@scottmartel1802]

Why didn’t you start a tile up on this install? The last video I saw started differently.

[@williammorris3303]

I love your work. In this case I think I would have gone with the 1/3 offset. 2 reasons, 1 I believe it would have looked better, 2 I think it would have saved on materials

[@justinmackey5299]

Is there a reason on this video you are not shimmying tile side to side to collapse ridges?

[@alansabrosky3244]

I was wondering the same. Maybe the Euro trowel allows you to press it in lightly since its back buttered

[@suspicionofdeceit]

He’s doing it so fast you can’t detect it, he’s that good.

[@MrLiveactive]

What are the pros and cons of using drywall in showers?

[@Hidden-comment164]

Mold no pros😂😂

[@ducaking]

Have anyone heard about placing the cement board vertically instead of horizontally? I was told it's a better way for water drainage if any leaks?

[@ATO19657]

Never heard of it but all joints should be taped and sealed anyway you slice it

[@ducaking]

thank you. Its the first time I heard that too...@@ATO19657

[@Hades9809]

I’m currently renovating my bathroom but I have haze on my Matt black porcelain tiles is there anyway you can show me how to remove that haze and make the tiles remain nice and black I could really use your help my parents think it looks like crap LOL

[@KevinDiaz-kz9lt]

Same issue on our project. Use a few rounds of dry microfiber cloths, then damp, then do a final wash with wet sponges. Wring out, wipe once per side and rinse and repeat.

[@herrrnn]

Rinse with clean water and sponge and then use towel or microfibre cloth

[@herrrnn]

Depends which grout , and how long it’s been sitting on the tiles

[@TileCoach]

Maybe sulfamic acid

[@autumnwindassociates7783]

Nope, not sulfuric--too risky for the avg schmoe. Vinegar works well as the 2nd step. 1st step is to buy and use laitence remover if the haze is really strong. @@TileCoach

[@andrewshenton6541]

What about waterproofing?!

[@johngergel4940]

Right on, brother!

[@TileCoach]

Yes sir!

[@robdgonz]

Exterior wall niche? I thought that was a no-no due to condensation concerns.

[@TileCoach]

We have a pretty temperate climate in the Sacramento valley

[@robdgonz]

@@TileCoach Thanks for the response. Makes sense, where I'm at it can get below the dew point quite frequently in the winter.

[@loligagger85]

When was the last time you read the TCNA? you should go back and review it, a few things you are doing wrong

[@ATO19657]

Is it possible to get a physical copy of the TCNA and where would i find that

[@loligagger85]

@@ATO19657 typically a older version is about $350 for a new, $200 for a used. The new 2023 ones are about $850. BUT if you did like i did and take a Schluter training course (100% free 2 days awesome hotel etc...) you get one for free with some added content and a LOT MORE and you can actually get certified by them for a life time warranty on installs. I have taken 3 of their courses, and 2 warranty claim jobs worth it 100%, sign up takes a while (few months) but if you wait usually you can get a class close enough to you that you do not have to travel too far. As for just buying one... amazon, ebay, is a good start for used or new older editions.

[@christhopherlasher2828]

LOLI would love to sit down with a tile representative and have them.Tell me why 50% overlay is not recommended ..I don't care what overlays I use as long as I've Discussed it with the homeowner...I just want to have tile that's well made and not bowed😂

[@DavidWhite-iv9xw]

I clip.the same way

[@wrek1ent]

You want a tile claim for lippage, do a 50% stagger. 😮😮😮😮😅😅😅

[@keithgmason3424]

why wouldn't you just measure to high and low point and divide what's left from 1 foot sections and put that on top and bottom then both top and bottom are same size

[@feeblewrk5788]

Never put a leveling clip on the corner of a tile, manufacturer says 2” from edge of tile. - you never do a 1/2 stager brick pattern / running bond with a bowed or NON rectified tile. Why put all that pressure on a tile, asking for problems.

[@frankcatrini4816]

leveling clips in corners are fine for wall tile installs. what do you honestly think will happen to a big porcelain tile if you do? 95 percent coverage is absolutely fine. brick patterns have been used for a long time and with clips it makes for a flat wall, so whats the issue, do you think the tile is going to re straighten and eventually pop of because of the pressure? sometimes you have to actually think about things instead of hearing things over the years from various people.

[@davidribeca1745]

Sal would not be happy ,are you are collapsing the ridges 100% I don't like to hide the joints behind the wedges like you have done on the vertical joints . Especially since you are having to adjust for level with the shims. You have no visibility of the bottom of the to mateing tiles.

[@ilirmustafoski7079]

you doing good job but those laser is for using man used for street line you wasting to much time with leveling bla bla

[@tjewett1967]

If you have to cut every top and bottom tile, drop it the 2". The larger tile at the top will help visually with the sloped ceiling.

[@stevenlaake9975]

Saftey glasses please. Hate to see you get permanently injured. If you don’t like wearing them you can buy a really nice pair and it will be more comfortable.

[@AtoZImprvts.]

If you did a gut out , the first thing you do is make sure your walls are square and true. 99% are not, so you sister in a new stud or shim where necessary. Your wall board at that point should be perfectly aligned to match up sheet to sheet. When setting your tile using your appropriate notched trowel which should also be evenly applied and the tile is buttered then your tile should be evenly adhered. These leveling clips are just over kill and not necessary. I've done hundreds of bathrooms in my 40 years and have never used them, in fact when I started tiling there were no leveling clips and my jobs have always turned out perfect.

[@tagheuer02]

Wow it must be hard to be so perfect

[@jaytee6513]

Wow where do you get all those perfectly flat large format tiles over your 40 years?

[@billsnyder6945]

The clips correct bowed tiles. No amount of experience can correct that - we’re not talking about subway tiles with 1/8” joints. Sneering at a simple and effective way to improve quality on large format time is just old-school stupidity. I have seen this kind of work in some very nice houses done by smart alec old schoolers who don’t care about a little lipipage here and there, or can’t make 1/16” even joints. People are getting educated watching these instruction videos and should always ask. Do you use Clips? Do you use lasers? And if the answers are no, it should be adios.

[@vicarod]

Send me the link to your KZbin channel...