Transform with Tiles

Make the most of unused shower space with extra storage alcove- this will make the bathroom less cramped

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Modern building materials such as spreadable waterproof membranes allow showers to be tailored to suit, although you’ll need some reasonably advanced DIY skills to build in this bench, shelf and alcove. White 100 x 100mm tiles have been used to line the walls of this bathroom, with coloured glass mosaic tiles featuring on the alcove, bench and shelf. It pays to hire or buy a tile cutter for the larger tiles. If using natural stone or larger tiles, and a lot of cuts are required, hire a tile saw for a day. The tile cutter can also be useful to score and snap small glass mosaic tiles. Note that about one in 10 will break, so make sure you plan the tile layout efficiently to minimise the need for cutting.

Waterproofing
Residential bathroom waterproofing is required to meet Australian Standard AS3740:2004. You can also check AS/NZS4858:2004 for wet area membranes. The regulations vary nationally, so check with a building authority.
Primer is brushed or rolled onto all surfaces to be waterproofed.
Silicone is applied to wall and floor junctions up to tiling level, around floor waste perimeters and floor junctions as a bond-breaker.
Reinforcing mats is applied to junctions between walls and floors, and internal vertical corners to 1800mm high, hob and floor joins, around and down into the floor waste.
Membrane is usually applied in two coats, before and after positioning the mat.

MAKE A TEMPLATE

Plan the framing and tile layout on paper cut to the size of each wall. Mark the existing studs outlining the alcove. Position tiles to measure the height, width and depth of shower features, aiming to use full tiles where possible to avoid cutting.

STEP 1

Frame a nib wall
Add blocking to top and bottom of the alcove. Frame and batten out the width of the nib wall so it works with full tiles. Add blocking for the shelf and bench. Frame the bench with a 5mm slope and cover with compressed fibre cement board.

STEP 2

Fix and set the wallboard
Fix wallboard to stud walls with Gyprock Aquachek, covering the ceiling. Tape joints with fibreglass mesh tape and finish with base compound. Seal and paint the ceiling.
TIP: Keep wallboard just above the lip of a pre-made shower base.

STEP 3

Waterproofing
Prime all wall and bench areas to enhance waterproofing bond. Apply silicone to unsealed wall gaps. Apply undertile waterproofing compound, then reinforcing mat to internal and external corners. Apply a second coat of waterproofing compound.