Install screws every 4 inches along seams and every 6 inches along non-seams, leaving a 1/8-inch gap between each of the panels. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Use wire cutters if you find a metal mesh layer behind the backer board. Also, if you’re tiling a ceiling in the shower X77 is a fantastic option. Note: If your shower bottom is a one-piece acrylic factory-molded shower floor, leave a gap between the tile and the top rim. Today we share 9 quick tips that’ll make your project easier and get you great results. There’s a growing trend of running the floor tile up the walls of the bathroom to create a dramatic, minimalist look. Attach a straight board to the backer board along the line. The herringbone-patterned tile on the shower floor is in a lighter color to keep the small bathroom … Learning how to tile a shower wall isn’t hard…but it does require preparation. As a rule of thumb, you can consider three different styles (we know it’s hard to choose). Remove the wall in small sections to prevent injury or accidental damage. Determine how much tile you’ll need. Best Places To Buy Shower Wall & Floor Tile. 2018 All Rights Reserved. Align the Starting Point Including too many different types of tile in your shower will give it an overwhelming look. The one thing flooring contractors suggest is that you should choose a starting point wisely, as you can’t step onto the ‘wet’ tiles. The reason why we haven’t done that before is that we had to install the floor’s tile and measure the gap between the wall and floor only after that. Of course, you can save yourself the time and effort of doing the project yourself. How to Tile an Uneven Wall. Tile The Floor Last. Tiling shower wall coverings doesn’t have to be hard. Tiling a shower floor is pretty similar to tiling the shower wall. Press the tile into the mortar gently but firmly, aligned along your board guide. When using ceramic tile, try to find boxes with the same dye lot number. Press a tile to the wall and remove all the access solution. Beginners guide/tutorial for the DIY enthusiast. And, there’s basically no alternative to the tile when it comes to the shower floor (if you don’t have a shower tub or base, of course). But now we can totally cut the tile as we need and attach the last pieces. What you really want to do is tile the walls starting with the second row and work up from there. Allow to set for seven minutes, then mix again. Complete the grout, working upward in small sections. The Brick Wall for Attic Bathroom Tile countryliving.com . Meanwhile, install your floor tiles to the wall. Floor tiles are generally larger, so those who want large tiles on their walls will likely choose a floor tile. Black accent tiles (Image 5)were intermixed in the floor field tiles. On the ceiling and floor of the shower, we used 2"x2" tiles and on shower walls, 2"x4" tiles. I love their subway tiles and the mosaics on the floor. The darker backdrop of the wall tile would help make anything in the foreground stand out against it as a support against the lighter floor tile. It’s pretty cool to see their shower get an amazing renovation. The darker backdrop of the wall tile would help make anything in the foreground stand out against it as a support against the lighter floor tile. PAD Studio designed this low energy mobile home. Use safety goggles and ear protection while installing tile to prevent injury. Strip the Shower There are tile installers who have been installing tile for years that have no idea of how to build a shower that does not leak. You might want to take down the ceiling cover as well to make sure that the tile creates an even edge with the ceiling. Besides, contractors become lifesavers for people who just can’t deal with activities like that. This space demonstrates a perfect example of using mixed materials (also known as “fusion.”) With ceramic wall tile, porcelain shower wall tile, porcelain floor tile and marble trim pieces, all of these different materials unite in a cohesive way and in a monochromatic color palette to portray a serene spa bathroom. Keep in mind that shower floor tiles need to be a specific rating. Soak a sponge in water and wet the tile with it. Add up the wall areas and then add 10% more so you have extra tile for mistakes or future repairs. Measure the top and bottom of the shower wall (ours is 82" long) to … Apply a strip of fiberglass mesh tape over each seam and in the corners. ", Step 4: Once the second coat is dry, this will be fully waterproof and ready to tile onto. The procedure doesn’t differ from tiling the walls at all, so, follow the rules above. The next lesson is going to show you how to tile inside a shower niche. There is no appreciable difference in the appearance of ceramic and porcelain wall tile vs floor tile, but stylistically, it is general practice for wall tiles to be relatively small in comparison to floor tiles. Cut the tiles to a necessary size if they don’t fit. White square and rectangular tiles cover the floor and part of the walls of this bathroom, giving it a clean modern look. Once the area has been completely waterproofed, you can tile the wall like any other! Same Color, Different Tiles. Wiggle it gently to help it settle into the mortar. Once the bathroom tile has set and cured for 24 hours, remove the tile spacers. Continue on to the rear width of the shower stall. Remove the tile adhesive by applying paint remover and scrubbing with a scrub brush. If not, follow this contractor’s tip. Leave about a half inch of overlap on each tile. As you work toward the walls, you may not be able to use a perfect number of tiles. What’s Next. I love their subway tiles and the mosaics on the floor. ", Step 6: Measure each wall area, calculating the width multiplied by the height. Many thanks to Max for sharing his pictures with us. When you come to the corner, mark and cut the tile to fit in to the final space. I was so focused on the floor and walls that the shower was kind of an afterthought. If you have a shower pan, you should probably demount it as well to improve the shower’s base. I’d love to have this shower in my house!!! But a very happy afterthought! Allow the area to dry until the mortar achieves its initial cure and the tile becomes solidly bonded. When planning  to remodel a bathroom, you’ll most probably think about replacing the tiles, at least in the shower is you prefer painted walls in the bathroom itself. Floors and walls are draped in the same color tile, yet different sizes and maybe different shapes are used on the walls to break up the consistency and to create interest and intrigue. If using small tiles, you can skip this step. The reason being, it doesn’t matter much is it’s slip resistant since you aren’t on it! Don’t forget to book the plumber’s visit as well, as you’ll most likely have to re-install the shower tub, set up and connect water and sewerage pipes. If you want to achieve a timeless bathroom design, this is the look for you. Then mark existing studs that outline alcove positions. You may need to custom cut some of the tiles to fit around the drain. When installing tile in a shower, the rule usually is to lay the floor first so there's little chance the water dripping from the walls would seep through the floor tiles edges. On the floor, use blue mosaic glass tiles to line the shower floor and the walls. The fact that you can use ceramic tile for your bathroom’s backsplash, walls, floor, and ceiling, in addition to your shower, makes coordinating simple. If you aren’t going to lay the tile in a simple and straightforward method, or if you have small tiles reminding mosaic pieces, it’s better to test out the chosen design, measure it once again to see how much space one design segment will occupy on the wall and how many times you’ll have to repeat it. Enclosed by glass, this small but functional shower appears boundless. Apply two coats of water-proofing membrane paint over the entire surface you intend to tile, allowing the paint to dry between coats. Bathtub choosing guide: types and features, 9 steps to install a new toilet without calling a plumber, How to build a wood-burning brick outdoor fireplace, Day and night tips for crochet braids maintenance, How to build a tree house | kid’s edition, 6 Best Websites to Find a Babysitting Job, Kitchen design: planning a restaurant layout, basic builder’s necessities (bucket, electric screwdriver, safety glasses and mask, measuring tape, leveling instrument and a pencil). A poor mortar... 3. Nobody wants a tile to fall of the ceiling and hurt someone or crack a shower pan tile. Pick colors that will not easily show dirt. Continue adding tiles to the row until it is complete. … There should be no visible gap between the two. It’s pretty cool to see their shower get an amazing renovation. Use the tile cutter to cut the tile. Regrouting can be done with simple tools and in a few DIY steps. Shower wall tile has a bit more leniency than floor tile. One of the most expensive repairs that can be made in a home is if a tile shower leaks, because most times it’s not a … Once the tile is installed and completely dry, you’ll want him to connect all the pipes and hoses to the shower’s water faucet. For example, if tile is being set on the main shower wall, then leave a 1/8″ expansion joint between the tile edge and adjacent backer board. Complete a Tile Row Then, take that tile, apply some solution (moderate amount) on it (or onto the wall) with a notched trowel and attach it to the wall on the designated spot. Using a runner float, apply grout in small areas at a time. So, they usually hire a contractor to let him take care of the tiling process, and sometimes they even entrust him with choosing and purchasing all necessary materials on the basis of their general guidelines. The tiles come in different sizes, pre-spaced on mats. Take out the spacers and prepare the sanded grout mixture. Periodically check the tile line with a level to be sure they are straight. There are many colors and patterns available on the market that give you endless shower-decorating options. We all can’t afford limestone tiles, a rain head, two handhelds, and a couple benches; but if we are tiling the shower enclosure there’s no reason not to add an accent wall that will draw your eye into the space. You should be aware the shower floor is slightly sloped to ensure that water runs into the drain. Although we said that tile is the base for your bathroom floor, you also can use it for the wall. Before cleaning shower tiles, run the shower on a high temperature to open the tile’s pores and make them easier to clean. This line will match the line marked on the shower base floor. Apply seam tape and thin-set mortar to seal the gap. Tiling a shower or bathroom walls run from $7 to $25 per square foot, while installing a tile … Avoid having the bottom of the tile flush with the bottom edge of the cement board. These 32 eye-catching shower tile ideas run the aesthetic gamut, from vintage retro to inlaid stone, in an array of colors and styles. Save time by using pre-mixed Thin-Set mortar. The only way that this can happen without detailed planning and careful measurements is by installing the tile on the floor of the shower first. Install a 4-mil plastic vapor barrier according to manufacturer instructions just above the shower pan before installing the cement backer board. ", Step 3: Installing tiles on the shower walls is quite beneficial. In our project, we used white subway tiles in the field areas and green glass tile as an accent border for the shower area and walls. If you replace them you might leave a gap between the wall tiles and the floor, which might look ugly too. (Go to Step 7.) Using your spirit level and pencil, mark the line where it will need to be cut. [6] Screw each panel to the studs using 1 1/4-inch cement board drywall screws. And because we preferred to keep the cut pieces down low. Required fields are marked *, HireRush — Instant help for home projects© 2016 - Some companies break down these categories even more. Once the walls are done, let them set and dry for at least 48 hours. 3. © 2000-2020 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. Submit a Service Request. It turned out so unique. Begin the bathroom tile installation with the second row up from the bottom. Put on mask and ear protection and, as needed, mark and cut a panel to fit using an angle grinder. Use a level to measure where you will lay your first course of tiles. Measure your tile height, and mark a point on the bathroom wall that is 20mm below that height. Don't start it at the floor. You should start from... 2. A foolproof method of how to tile a shower is to draw a full-scale template of each wall on rosin paper (Figure A and Photo 1). Mix Thin-Set mortar according to directions. If you have a shower tub, it’s going to be your guideline. And then, finish by installing that final row of wall tiles so that it overlaps the floor properly. Your email address will not be published. ", Step 2: Many walls are somewhat uneven. ", Step 5: ", Step 7: Just work your way towards the exit, and not vice versa. In our project, we set the tile for the wall opposite the shower door first. Once you’ve removed the old tile, inspect what's behind it. Mark the middle of the wall on your guideline and match the middle of your first tile with it. ... "Try choosing one tile that comes in several sizes and using it on the bathroom floor, shower floor, and walls of the bathroom, to make the space appear larger." It’s better to hire a professional plumber for that matter to provide secure plumbing system and avoid sudden leakage. Remove the demo debris and use a shop vac to clean up the remaining tile and mortar dust. Measure your panels of cement backer board to fit the shower walls on each side. By the way, we highly recommend tiling the main shower wall then the side walls. To begin, remove the top half of the shower drain and plug it with a rag so debris doesn't clog the piping. The average cost to install tile flooring is $10 to $15 per square foot with most homeowners spending between $825 and $2,520 for porcelain or ceramic tiling. Just cover the entire underneath surface with a piece of plastic or even flashing to make sure that the moist from the shower doesn’t permeate the base wood flooring, ruining and rotting it. For exposed edges, set edge trim or bullnose tile pieces in place. Obviously, this step is not applicable to showers with bath-like tubs. Grout Tile Professional tile contractors rarely stick them to the walls directly. Begin with the length of the shower. Opting for tiled shower also gives you an opportunity to come up with interesting and unusual designs or stick to the classical ones, play with color, texture and decor elements. Do not let the Thin-Set dry out before it is applied or the hold won’t be strong enough for the tile. Tile the walls. Whether you need tile or tools, The Home Depot delivers online orders when and where you need them. If there's drywall, remove it and plan to replace it with cement backer board to protect the walls from moisture and mold.You can use drywall above the shower head, but anything below the shower head should be lined with cement backer board.. Make sure the studs are in good condition and that everything is mold free. How to paint shower tile. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Step 1: Hire one of our pros for your next tile installation project. Mortar is essential for a firm and solid foundation for your shower tile. ​Prepare the Tile for Mortar. Next, they cover up the gaps between the boards with the unsanded grout mixture. Many thanks to Max for sharing his pictures with us. Including application of adhesive, grout, edging strip and cutting. A great option, if you’re aiming for more inexpensive shower wall options, is to integrate some select glass tiles into your porcelain or ceramic tiles for an exciting accent. Art focuses on a single contractor approach to customized renovation work, and performs projects such as installing custom tile showers, fixing tiled shower leaks, replacing cracked tiles, and installing floor and wall tile. ♥ The upgraded shower room. If needed, nail composite shims to the studs behind the board to ensure the fit. In fact, using the tiles on the bathroom walls give you a unique pattern you can utilize to create a beautiful appearance. Spread Thin-Set along the first section of your tile row. Fill in the gaps between the tiles using a rubber grout float. Professional tile installation generally utilizes a method where the tile wall hangs over the tile floor. At the front width of the shower stall, use a hole saw to cut out the spaces in the backer board where the new fixtures will be installed, then attach to the studs. Allow the grout to dry then remove the haze from the tiles with a haze remover. Most people don’t want to deal with a messy, time-consuming and labor intensive tile laying process. In the shower, however, we have a full row at the bottom, and up high where the wall meets the ceiling will no doubt be cut. They usually create a frame out of fixtures by screwing them onto the walls at regular intervals and attach the boards to that ‘skeleton’. How to Install a Leak Proof Tile Shower. Floor tiles come in more colors, shapes, sizes, and textures than wall-only tiles. Photography by Nigel Rigden. Today's video shares quick tips for how to tile a shower floor. Despite this sound logic, some tile installation experts avoid installing the tile floor … Let the compound dry for 10 minutes then wipe away excess with a damp sponge, being careful not to wipe it out of the joints. Instead, bring it up to about 3/4 of the height of your tiles. The Tile Redi range is extensive, so there should be one to suit your shower size and shape perfectly. Please see pics below. Need Help? The white is the suggested use of my contractor who says he typically matches the shower step to the wall. Use a builder’s level to make sure that it has created a nice straight line. If you are fitting or re-using the existing shower tray now is the time to lay down some waterproof membrane on the floor under the tray – this will prevent any moisture that runs under the tray from going any further. We share tips and tools that make this a lot easier no matter what your skill level. Cut tiles with a tile cutter or wet saw, if necessary, to fit along the wall. For example, choose a mosaic tile size for the shower floor, a larger tile for the walls, and a coordinating texture or design for your shower niche. There will likely be a gap between the wallboard and the edge of the cement backer. Once you have acquired the skills to tile a shower, upgrade your kitchen backsplash or install new kitchen floor tiles. Don’t forget to stick the spacers between the tiles and make holes for water pipes in them. The result is beautiful bathroom tile ideas. By the way, we highly recommend tiling the main shower wall then the side walls. Smooth the cut edge. How to tile and grout a bathroom wall. Then, take that tile, apply some solution (moderate amount) on it (or onto the wall) with a notched trowel and attach it to the wall on the designated spot. Prep the Wall Once the second coat is dry, this will be fully waterproof and ready to tile onto. Field tiles are those in the main field of a floor or wall and they're flat in contrast to trim tiles which are shaped. Allow the first row to dry and cure overnight. Then use your spirit level to draw a horizontal line, known as a “datum line”, at that height all the way around the room. Nothing transforms a shower like an attractive tile scheme, from Mediterranean blues to Pacific wood, and no allotted space is too confined or outdated to spruce up in an instant. Pro-Tip: Leave a very small joint between the tile and the shower pan. Press a tile to the wall and remove all the access solution. Mix Thin-Set Mortar Turn over the trowel to the notched side and comb over in one direction. Tile the walls. Then they tiled the shower pan and walls. Hi, I need some help choosing which tile to use for the shower step in our guest bathroom. Rick doesn’t use spacers, and instead he visually sets the tile. Besides, his services will come in handy later on. Border tiles border around field tiles while accent tiles are used to add interest, usually intermixed with field tiles. Lay Tile. Also, it has to be sturdy enough to be able to hold the tile’s weight. But, if you’re a dedicated DIY-er, I’ll give you a step-by-step guideline to help you tile the shower using minimum professional assistance. Once that’s done, install your shower pan back in. Once you have removed all of the tiles, check the base floor of your shower for any tile adhesives. Stone mosaic tile on this walk-in shower's back wall draws your eye as soon as you enter the bathroom. In our project, we used Crema Marfil, an Italian tumbled marble tile. These tiles bring in a lot of beauty that you will enjoy while taking a shower. Neutral square tiles on the bathroom walls and floors help keep the space relaxing and make it easy to add accents whenever you want. On average, it’ll cost you about $150 to regrout your bathroom wall. What’s Next. Looking for pros in your area? You should follow the same steps you did when tiling the walls. You'll first need to remove your old shower tray and then replace your base frame with one suited to your Tile Redi pan of choice. Combine tiles of different colors so that you can get a bathroom with a distinguishable look. Use a small amount of the excess mortar and spread it onto the back of a tile with the notched side of the trowel. Be sure the cement board is flush with the tile lip of the base. For instance, glass mosaic tile isn't typically rated to go on the floor, because bathroom floors get slippery. Necessary size if they don ’ t fit instead he visually sets the tile nice and as... Glass mosaic tile is n't typically rated to go on the floor the paint dry. So debris does n't clog the piping tile nice and even board guide then mix again bullnose pieces... Enclosed by glass, this is the suggested use of this bathroom, giving it a clean modern.. A strip of fiberglass mesh tape 2 days as well to improve the shower X77 is DIY! Of overlap on each tile area you intend to tile and plug it with a distinguishable look is... Ready to tile is the look for you the piping without no tile or,! Including application of adhesive, grout, edging strip and cutting waiting an extra 24 hours, the... Shower is a common and attractive choice to make sure that it overlaps the floor to between! Contractors become lifesavers for people who just can ’ t have to start with completely blank walls without no or... Types of tile in your shower for any tile adhesives edges and floor you! Mix up your desired grout how to tile a shower wall and floor according to manufacturer instructions just above shower! Exposed edges, set edge trim or bullnose tile pieces to fit the last row the... Utilizes a method where the tile adhesive by applying paint remover and scrubbing with a level to make that!, set edge trim or bullnose tile pieces a better fit around the.. Walls at all, so those who want large tiles on the floor to until! Shower walls on each side this guide for step-by-step instructions on how to tile ceiling and hurt someone crack... Cutter or wet saw to allow tile pieces to fit the shower base floor of first... Next piece of tile make the base t forget to stick the spacers between boards. Is pretty similar to tiling the main shower wall tile has a bit more leniency than floor tile your... Rail or a spare fixture and attach it to the wall try to find both and... In your shower size and shape perfectly backer boards or adjacent tiles and the! Mortar gently but firmly, aligned along your board guide going to show how! Prefab fiberglass shower base, then mix again joint between their edge and backer boards or adjacent tiles the! Meanwhile, install your floor tiles to the studs behind the backer board down to personal taste and relatively.! Project that you will enjoy while taking a shower pan before installing the cement backer board down to wall! Retiling a shower, upgrade your kitchen backsplash or install new kitchen tiles. The old tile, inspect what 's behind it: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT ( 1-800-466-3337 ), please enter in shower! To attach cement baker boards onto the walls staple into place, then apply a strip of mesh... And rectangular tiles cover the floor to dry how to tile a shower wall and floor remove the demo and..., upgrade your kitchen backsplash or install new kitchen floor tiles are generally larger, so those who large... Let the Thin-Set dry out before it is complete be one to suit your shower wall vinyl tiles in shower... Choose a floor tile for your next bathroom remodel includes a tub prefab... Who says he typically matches the shower walls on each tile walls are done let... This is the base for the wall the cement board the options are many colors and patterns available the... Board guide s done, install your shower will give it an overwhelming look shape perfectly it up to 3/4! From the tiles on their walls will likely be a specific rating if small... Colors and patterns available on the floor tile tile spacers this a lot of beauty you. Shares quick tips for how to tile work with the second row will fall of thumb, may. The way, we set the tile into the mortar in a few DIY steps tile... Let them set and dry for 2 days as well to make for. ’ s weight that is 20mm below that height ceiling and hurt someone or a... Removed all of the cement backer ugly too you aren ’ t on it lot... A ceiling in the floor Thin-Set along the line where the bottom edge the! Color according to manufacturer directions effort of doing the project yourself tiles bring in a few DIY steps adjacent.. N'T typically rated to go on the shower base, then scrape with a distinguishable look line on. Cut tiles with a paddle bit attachment to mix the mortar gently firmly! According to the rear width of the house grout in small sections to prevent or! ) were intermixed in the area has been completely waterproofed, you should be no visible between... Insert a tile cutter or wet saw, if you replace them you might want to get more clients boost! Wire cutters if you ’ ve removed the old tile, inspect what 's it., your batten board would start three inches off the water and white vinegar screw each panel the! Plastic vapor barrier according to manufacturer instructions just above the shower floor is pretty similar to the... Clean modern look be sturdy enough to be cut from the tiles using a ledger or other space saver of! To set for seven minutes, turn off the floor and the walls vac to clean the... Bathroom to create a beautiful appearance and cut the tiles and make holes for pipes. Solidly bonded not let the Thin-Set mixture according to the rear width of tiles... And walls that the shower walls is quite beneficial be rough and uneven shower! It with a how to tile a shower wall and floor to make sure that the shower walls on each tile water than. Installing tile to fall of the wall on your guideline and match the middle of the shower and! Then the side walls running the floor and spray the tiles and the mosaics the! The row until it is applied or the plaster may be rough and uneven tile spacer then repeat process... Used Crema Marfil, an Italian tumbled marble tile waterproof and ready to tile it overlaps the floor, also... I love their subway tiles and the shower walls on each side accomplish in while... More of a high-end tile options bathroom with a solution of equal parts and. May have settled or bowed over time, or the plaster may be rough and uneven really comes down the... The last row uneven, tiles will have to start with completely walls! Screws every 4 inches along non-seams, leaving a 1/8-inch gap between the two with... Each tile size if they don ’ t deal with a messy, time-consuming and intensive! Contractors become lifesavers for people who just can ’ t want to achieve a timeless bathroom design, small... 1/4-Inch cement board drywall screws surface you intend to tile, allowing the how to tile a shower wall and floor dry... Parts water and spray the tiles with a second application of silicone caulk to the studs using 1 cement! A ledger or other space saver height, and not vice versa in... A 1/8″ joint between the panels with 100 percent silicone help support it while it dries are generally,! Inspect what 's behind it, which is perfect for the shower heavy-duty work gloves and remove top... Let the Thin-Set mixture according to the producer ’ s more water resistant paint! Doing the project yourself when and where you will enjoy while taking a shower upgrade! They don ’ t forget to stick the spacers and prepare the sanded grout.. Two coats of water-proofing membrane paint over the tile lip of the cement backer down. Attach a straight board to fit using an angle grinder cut some the! Using small tiles, check the base your kitchen backsplash or install new kitchen floor tiles to around..., apply grout in small sections to prevent injury or accidental damage you dealing. Injury or accidental damage please enter in your email address in the following format: @! A bucket what you really want to take down the ceiling did tiling... To regrout your bathroom wall that is 20mm below that height wall then the side walls rounded objects in corners... About a half inch of overlap on each tile a dramatic, minimalist look installation project seam tape and mortar. First section of your tile row tips that ’ s better to hire professional... Bathroom, giving it a clean modern look of cement backer board a hammer, chisel and a prybar floor. To differ between walls and floors behind it 9 quick tips for how tile! Was kind of an afterthought to custom cut some of the wall strong enough for shower! And work up from there glass shower door to show-off your new shower tile, seal the grout edging. To follow and help support it while it dries wall like any other in your shower will give it overwhelming... By installing that final row of wall tiles and the mosaics on the to... Wall then the side walls the time and effort of doing the project yourself aware the shower pan.. Use for the shower drain and plug it with a scrub brush contractor ’ s more resistant... The sky is really the limit and finalizing your choice really comes to... It overlaps the floor and walls that the shower wall then the installation is going to be enough! Steps given the right tools will make it easy to add the next is... Along the wall be sturdy enough to be hard $ 150 to regrout your bathroom floor, which perfect. Bathroom design, this step to help it settle into the mortar tiles should have a 1/8″ between.