by Amber Shannon

Created on: November 19, 2009

Slate is a natural stone. Choosing slate tiles to cover your shower is a low maintenance investment. Slate is easy to clean and durable. Slate also adds a rustic elegant touch to your bathroom. It's sophistication and timeless design lends years of satisfaction and a style that can accompany almost any decor.

Installing slate tiles in your bathroom shower is a moderately difficult job. And takes about a weekend to install. So consider the amount of effort and precision as well as the time that you will need to put into the job. The cost for installing slate shower tiles can range any where from 2,500 to 5,000 dollars. Slate tiles can be purchased discounted rather then retail but be aware that there might be slight imperfections and decide before hand if that is something you would be willing to live with.

Shop around at different home improvement stores to insure that you are getting the best deal. Installing slate tiles can really give you a big bang for your buck but to come in on budget or below shop around first to make sure that you are getting a good deal.

Now that you are ready to start installing your tile, here is a nine step process to ensure the job is done easily and properly.

Step 1. Select your tiles for the project. First you will need to measure the diameter of your shower surround to get the right square footage to buy enough tile to finish the job. As well as buying a few extra for future repairs. Buying extra tiles at the time of purchase is a good idea because finding the exact tiles to match later may be impossible. To make installing your tile easier, place whole tiles first, then go back through and add in the tiles that need to be cut. When choosing the slate tiles that you want to use in your bathroom project consider using large tiles. This can help the resale value of your home by giving the illusion that the space is larger.

Step 2. Remove old drywall and install new backer board. After you have removed any existing tile or laminate and removed existing dry wall you will need to install the new backer board. Screw the new panels of water resistant backer board onto wall studs forming the surface for your new shower area.

Step 3. Spreading thinset. After installing a straight board or batten. Load thinset mortar onto a toothed trowel and spread it directly onto the backer board. Do a small area at a time, a space large enough to hold about 4 to 5 square tiles. To create a uniform bed for the tile to adhere against keep the trowel

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