When you are tiling a shower or tub surround, the first row of tile is a big deal.
It might not seem like much at first. It is just one row, right?
But that first row is what everything else builds off of. If it starts crooked, uneven, or out of level, the problem does not stay in that one spot. It can carry up the wall and make the whole installation harder than it needs to be.
At least that’s what Shannon, That Tile Chick believes as expressed in the video above. (and we agree!)
Start With a Level Line
One of the most important things you can do before setting tile is establish a level starting point.
That might mean using a laser level, a spirit level, or another straight reference line. The goal is simple: make sure the tile starts straight so the rest of the wall has a reliable guide to follow.
This is especially important in showers and tub surrounds because the tub, pan, or floor is not always perfectly level. If you simply follow what is already there without checking it, your tile can end up looking off.
Do Not Assume the Wall Is Perfect
Another big part of the layout is checking for plumb.
A wall can look straight at first glance, but that does not mean it actually is. If the wall leans or bows, the tile layout may need to be adjusted so the finished wall still looks clean.
This is where planning matters. Before the thinset goes up, take the time to check the surface, measure the space, and understand what you are working with.
The First Row Sets the Tone
Once that first row is in place, every row above it depends on it.
That is why professional installers take their time here. They check the line, adjust as needed, and make sure the tile has proper support before continuing up the wall.
Rushing the first row can lead to uneven grout lines, awkward cuts, and a finished project that never quite looks right.
A Small Step That Saves Big Problems
Good tile work is not just about putting tile on the wall. It is about preparation, layout, and knowing where mistakes are most likely to happen.
The first row is one of those places.
Get it right, and the rest of the installation goes much smoother. Get it wrong, and you may be fighting that mistake the whole way up.
Shoutout to That Tile Chick for the original video and the reminder that sometimes the most basic steps are also the most important.
I saw a lot of comments stating that the first row should be last… I’m really curious to hear why they think that is. If that’s you, let us know why in the comments !
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