Bathroom guide
Tiling a shower: slope, drain and sealing
A walk-in shower looks good and is barrier-free – but it demands planning. The slope must run to the channel or point drain, the waterproofing must connect cleanly and the material must be slip-resistant.
By the floorplanning.app editorial team
Slope: 1–2% to the drain channel
Water must drain without puddles. For point drains you need about 2% slope in all directions, for a channel drain 1–1.5% across it is enough. Small-format tiles or mosaic form this more cleanly than large-format.
What matters in practice
Point drain or channel drain?
Point drains are cheaper but require slope in four directions – demanding with large formats. Channel drains can be installed flatter and suit long showers. Both need clean waterproofing.
Mosaic: small, safe, flexible
Mosaic tiles are often used in showers because they adapt better to the slope and offer higher slip resistance. Small formats such as 10×10 cm or 5×5 cm are more suitable than 60×60 cm.
Plan material with high reserve
In the shower many cuts arise around the drain, corners and wall connections. Allow at least 15% reserve, better 20%. In the tool you see every cut and can set the reserve precisely.
Small bathroom, many cuts
A 4.8 m² bathroom with 60×60 quickly has 50% cuts. The tool shows the exact tile count and helps size the reserve correctly.
Shower planning checklist
From drain to slip class: what to clarify before buying.
- Choose channel drain or point drain
- Plan 1–2% slope
- Install waterproofing membrane or liquid seal
- Choose slip-resistant tiles (R10+)
- Allow 15–20% reserve
How to tile a shower
1. Set shower dimensions and drain position
Enter length, width and channel/point drain in the floor plan.
2. Plan tile format and slope
Choose small formats or mosaic, ensure slope to drain opening.
3. Install waterproofing and drain
Apply membrane or liquid seal and connect the drain.
4. Cut and lay tiles
Cut cleanly around drain and corners, work away from the channel.
5. Apply grout and silicone
Work in grout, remove excess, silicone at wall connections.
Common questions
What slope does a shower need?
At least 1%, better 2%, so water drains quickly and no puddles remain.
Can I lay large format in the shower?
Only to a limited extent, because the slope in four directions is hard to form. Mosaic or small formats are easier and safer.
Do I have to seal the shower with foam?
No, a waterproofing membrane or liquid sealant under the tiles is the standard. Silicone joints at the wall connections supplement the protection.
How much reserve do I need in the shower?
At least 15%, because many cuts arise around the drain and corners. For complex shapes allow 20%.
Which tiles are slip-resistant?
Slip class R10 or higher is recommended for private showers, R11/R12 in public areas.
Related calculators & guides
Plan the shower floor on the layout
Enter dimensions, draw the drain as a cutout and check the slope and material demand directly in the tool.