Penny tile shower curb installations combine vintage charm with modern function, but achieving a durable, waterproof result requires careful planning and execution. This guide covers materials, construction methods, waterproofing, tiling techniques, maintenance tips, and common pitfalls to help ensure a long-lasting penny tile shower curb.
| Aspect | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Best Base Options | Mortar-built curb or preformed foam curb with thin-set |
| Waterproofing | Shower membrane over curb, sealed seams, and proper slope |
| Tile Choice | Glazed porcelain or ceramic penny tiles with mesh backing |
| Grout | Sanded for joints ≥1/8″, epoxy for heavy durability |
| Maintenance | Seal grout, re-caulk junctions, routine cleaning |
Why Penny Tile Works For A Shower Curb
Penny tile offers a small-format mosaic that conforms well to curved or sloped surfaces, making it a popular aesthetic choice for shower curbs. The numerous grout lines increase slip resistance and create visual interest that pairs well with many tile patterns on shower walls and floors.
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Design And Planning Considerations
Accurate planning reduces rework. Determine curb width based on door swing and accessibility, typically 3.5″ to 6″ for walk-in showers. Confirm local building codes and shower threshold requirements, especially in multi-family or accessible installations.
Decide whether the curb will be freestanding or tied into the shower pan. Plan back-slope toward the shower to prevent water pooling on top of the curb. Visualize the transition between floor tile and curb tile and factor in edge trim or metal profiles if desired.
Materials And Tools Needed
Essential materials include cement board or foam curb, thin-set mortar, waterproof membrane (liquid or sheet), penny tile mesh sheets, grout, sealant, and edging profiles. Choose polymer-modified thin-set for bonding penny tile to the curb substrate.
Tools required: notched trowel, grout float, wet saw or tile nippers, tile spacers, level, square, caulking gun, utility knife, mixing bucket, and rubber mallet. For preformed curbs, a drywall saw and adhesive may be sufficient.
Choosing The Right Curb Base: Mortar vs Preformed Foam
Mortar-Built Curb: Traditional method using scratch coat and tapered slope. This yields a rock-solid curb bonded to the shower pan and floor and is preferred where structural integrity and custom slopes matter.
Preformed Foam Curb: Lightweight, easy to install, and consistent dimensions. These curbs are typically covered with thin-set and tile. Foam curbs simplify installation but require correct waterproofing details to match performance of a mortar curb.
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Step-By-Step: Building A Mortar Shower Curb
1. Build a frame with treated lumber or cement backer forming the curb shape. 2. Attach cement board or a cement-coated mesh to the frame. 3. Apply a scratch coat of deck mud (dry pack mortar) and shape it with a slight slope toward the shower. 4. Cure for at least 24-48 hours depending on mix. This method creates a durable, bonded curb ideal for tile adhesion.
Step-By-Step: Installing A Preformed Foam Curb
Position the foam curb on the shower base and trim to fit if necessary. Set it with thin-set or a bedding mortar, ensuring it sits plumb and level with a micro-slope toward the shower interior. Cover the foam with a cement board face or directly apply thin-set and tile, following manufacturer instructions. Proper adhesion and membrane integration are critical when using foam curbs.
Waterproofing The Shower Curb
Waterproofing is the most critical element. Options include fabric-reinforced liquid membranes, sheet membranes like Schluter-KERDI, or full mortar bed waterproofing systems. Membrane continuity over the curb, into the wall, and onto the pan prevents leaks.
When using sheet membrane, wrap the membrane up and over the curb and seal seams with manufacturer-recommended adhesive and sealant. For liquid membranes, apply the required thickness and ensure overlapping into the pan and up the walls. Finish with a 1/8″ to 1/4″ back-slope to direct water back to the drain.
Tiling Penny Tile On The Curb: Layout And Cutting
Penny tiles are commonly supplied on mesh-backed sheets. Dry-fit sheets on the curb to determine layout and minimize small cuts at visible edges. Start tiling at the most visible curb face and work around to ensure symmetry.
Use a wet saw with a diamond blade for full cuts. For small perimeter cuts, tile nippers or a carbide-grit circle cutter can work. Score and snap methods are not suitable for most penny tile types. Ensure consistent grout joint width (typically 1/16″–1/8″) for a uniform look.
Thin-Set Application And Setting Tiles
Apply a thin-bed mortar with an appropriate notched trowel for penny tile and the substrate type. Back-butter mesh sheets for better adhesion on vertical curb faces. Press tiles firmly and use a rubber float or grout float to seat them evenly. Avoid excessive thin-set under tiles to prevent lippage and ensure flatness.
Grouting And Sealing The Penny Tile Curb
Select grout based on joint width and desired durability. Sanded grout is common for joints ≥1/8″. For high-stain resistance and easy maintenance, consider epoxy grout. Seal cement-based grout with a penetrating sealer after curing to reduce staining and moisture absorption.
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Apply grout with a rubber float, working diagonally across tiles to fully pack joints. Clean haze promptly with a damp sponge. Finish with a bead of silicone caulk at the junction where the curb meets the shower floor or walls to accommodate movement.
Edge Treatment And Profiles
Rounded bullnose penny tiles or metal tile edging can protect curb edges from chips. Schluter profiles and other trim provide a clean transition and reinforce the edge. Choose trim materials compatible with wet environments and the tile thickness.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Skipping waterproofing or failing to tie the curb membrane into the pan is a frequent error. Always ensure membrane continuity and proper seam treatment.
Another mistake is inadequate slope on top of the curb, causing water pooling. Maintain a slight slope toward the shower interior. Also avoid setting penny tile directly on uncured mortar beds; allow proper curing time before tiling.
Maintenance Tips For Longevity
Regularly inspect grout and caulk lines and reseal grout annually if necessary. Clean with pH-neutral tile cleaners to avoid degrading grout or sealers. Re-caulk joints at first sign of cracking to prevent water infiltration.
For heavy-use showers, consider periodic professional inspection of the waterproofing if recurring leaks occur. Address loose tiles promptly by removing, cleaning substrate, and resetting with fresh thin-set and grout.
Cost And Time Estimates
Material and labor costs vary regionally. Expect materials for a DIY curb with penny tile to range from $150–$500 for a standard curb, with labor adding $300–$900 if hiring professionals. Mortar curbs generally involve more labor and time than preformed foam curbs.
Allow 2–4 days for a simple installation for experienced DIYers, accounting for curing, membrane application, tile setting, and grout curing. Professional installations may take longer but include warranty and code compliance benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Penny Tile Be Used On Curved Or Rounded Curbs?
Yes. Penny tile’s small size makes it ideal for curved surfaces. Use mesh sheets and plan cuts ahead. Ensure adequate thin-set coverage and flexibility to follow the curve.
Is Epoxy Grout Necessary On A Shower Curb?
Epoxy grout offers superior stain and water resistance but is more difficult to install. For many residential showers, a high-quality cementitious grout sealed after curing is adequate. Choose epoxy for high-traffic or commercial showers or where staining is a big concern.
How To Match Curb Tile To Shower Floor Tile?
Options include using the same penny tile for continuity, contrasting with larger-format floor tiles, or creating a border accent. Test samples in the shower lighting to ensure cohesive color and texture.
Resources And Further Reading
Consult manufacturer instructions for membranes, thin-set, and grout to ensure warranties and performance. Industry resources such as the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) provide standards for waterproofing and installation methods. Following manufacturer and TCNA guidelines reduces risk of failures.