Apply thinset mortar with a u notch trowel to the back of each tile and place the tile against the wall then give it a firm push.
Shower wall put thinset on tile or backerboard.
The thin set in a bag would be as much weight once installed as the tile it is adhering even if it was rated to hold.
Work it into the spaces using a diagonal motion.
By using the proper techniques you can apply the thinset mortar to your shower wall and be confident that the tiles you install will remain in place as the mortar sets and hardens.
Waterproof sheet membrane such as schluter kerdi is applied to the cement board with thinset adhesive.
Sitting standing water is where the problem is.
With the smooth side of a 1 4 inch notched trowel spread enough mortar for one sheet.
Most tile have a recommended grout that works well with them so check your manufacturer s instructions.
Repeat for the rest of the tiles.
Ridge the mortar with the notched side of the trowel.
Thin set dries slowly allowing you to fix and readjust backerboard sheets as needed.
It cannot cure too fast.
Kerdi can also be installed directly over standard drywall in a shower because when installed correctly it creates a continuous waterproof barrier.
After the thinset has dried tile is applied to the sheet membrane with thinset.
Tile adhesive is expected to hold the tile in place not just for years but for decades without fail.
The amount of water that seeps through the tile and grout and backer board of a shower wall is minuscule.
The first row tiles must be sitting on the spacers you put down.
I need to match the height of the existing tile in the bathroom.
Whether wall or floor tile that tile needs to thoroughly stick to its base surface demands placed on tile adhesive are both extensive and steep.
Would this calculation get me to the right height compressed thin set on top of sub floor 1 8 cement board 1 2 compressed thin set on top of cement board 1 8.
It must be easy to work with and it must adequately fill in gaps between the tile and the substrate.
Accounting for the spacer mark the measurement on a tile and scour a line before snapping the tile.
Measure the gap between the last full tile and the wall.
Use thin set mortar when installing cement backerboard.
Step 5 cut and lay the remaining tiles.
I never recommended using drywall as a base for the installation only a rated tile backerboard as well as the option you suggested.
Once the thinset has dried for 24 hours remove the spacers and prepare the wall for grout.
I plan on thinsetting and screwing cement board to the subfloor then redgard then thin set and tile.
The only area a topical waterproof membrane makes any sense is installed over a sloped mud pan run up the wall a few inches and wrapped over the shower damn step.