It's not a fun job, but one that has to be done from to time: installing new tile for your shower area. After a period of years, the old stuff gets cracked, broken, or sometimes just doesn't go with the new decor. Here are some tips to remember for how to install shower tile.

First, buy some adhesive for the project. Ask a knowledgeable person at the hardware store for a waterproof mastic. Spread just enough of it for about a half hour's work, using your trowel's flat side. IMPORTANT: The mastic can dry rather quickly, therefore do not spread too much of it on too large of a surface. Otherwise, by the time you've applied tile to one section, the rest will be dried already. The mastic should remain wet enough for use for about a half hour, so only apply what you know you can tile in a half-hour's time.

After applying the mastic on a wide area, turn the trowel to the notched side, running it at a 45 degree angle. The purpose is to create wide grooves. Caution: As you're doing this, make sure you don't obstruct your working lines.

Now we'll start to install the shower tile itself. Find your vertical and horizontal working lines. Set your first tile along one side of them, gently twisting with your hand. It's important that you twist rather than sliding the tile into place, else you risk moving too much adhesive. Next, make sure your tiles are firmly seated on your batten, if you're using one.

Line up the tile's top edge along the horizontal line. You should use small shims under the tiles along the lip of the tub for securing the tile accurately along the line.

Keep following this process, laying the tiles row by row. It's critical that you watch constantly to ensure correct alignment with your working lines. You should check this with each tile laid.

One last word about spacing your tiles accurately. If you use 4 1/8 inch square tiles, they'll probably have small lugs on each side. These are put there to serve as spacers, to keep things on the right track. Don't worry, they won't be visible, as grout will eventually cover them, making the lugs invisible. If you want to see how this entire process should look, consult a how-to video that shows how to install shower tile.