by Marea E. Johnson

Created on: April 04, 2009   Last Updated: April 11, 2011

Having worked at our family's home renovation business for over 10 years, I have a fair amount of knowledge in installing everything from ceramic tile, carpet, vinyl, wood, and plumbing fixtures, to cabinets, shower doors and more. It's with this experience that I give the following three tips to anyone planning on installing ceramic tile in the bath and/or shower area in their home. And they are, in no particular order:

1) Do not do it.

2) PLEASE do not do it.

3) I implore you not to do it.

Why? Because you are asking for trouble; and lots of it!

Anytime you are considering putting ceramic tile in any area that is exposed to water, such as tub and shower walls, it must be approached in a completely different manner than other areas. The prepping and water-proofing of the sufaces cannot be over emphasized. So unless you think you'll enjoy spending thousands of dollars a few years later having to get your walls knocked out and replaced due to mold and termites, I would advise you to not do it.

I cannot tell you how many customers had to hire us to re-do their bathrooms because of mold that had destroyed the inside of their walls due to improper preparation. It is absolutely vital that these areas be completely water-proofed before you can even THINK of installing any kind of tile. Not only because it will eventually cause damage, but because mold is very toxic to the body. People die everyday from unknowingly breathing in mold spores that linger in the air.

Also, removing, or even just disturbing walls, can lead to an outpouring of asbestos in the air (poisons that can be deadly) requiring the intervention, inspection, and approval from various environmental protection agencies, (depending on your state) before work can even commence.

Most laymen, or inexperienced tile setters will tell you to go ahead and just remove what's on the wall and slap on a coat of glue and attach your tiles. You could certainly do this. You can also decide to drive with a blind fold on as well. But just because you CAN do it, doesn't mean you should!

Now, if you are planning on putting up some tiles on a wall somewhere, let's say in your kitchen, for decorative purposes only, then you could safely install it without much prep work, other than making sure the surface is clean and dry. But even then, there are some things you still need to be aware of.

For instance, most people think they can just go to a tile warehouse and pick out whatever tile they like, along with some grout, and

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