Begin by prying the index cap from the faucet handle, and then removing the handle screw (Fig. This will help prevent moisture from propagating through the sheetrock and into the wall cavity behind it. Attach the cover plate and valve handle. Manufacturers often supply a tube of latex adhesive caulk. I would suggest using sheetrock over backer board on surfaces which you intend to paint. extra at each wall and your measurement should be close to one of the standard tub sizes. Loosen this screw and pull the spout straight off. But beware of one piece bathtub shower surrounds and one-piece tub/shower stalls. The first step is to remove the faucet trim and spout. I originally was going to install porcelain subway tile in this particular bathroom, but changed my mind — Again! The old tile area needs to be smaller than the kit and you’ll need to build up the surrounding wall to the level of the tile, usually with 1⁄4-in. 3). Once your drywall is cut, work your way from back to front. Finish by running a hand over the entire panel, top to bottom, to make sure the adhesive makes full contact with the wall. The flimsier the material, the more troublesome it is to install. Measure the distance between the corners and mark the centerline on the tub. We recommend cutting the drywall to roughly the size of the surround to save yourself time in patching walls when you’re finished with the installation. 1). I had to put up insulation and a sheet of plastic around the tub area to protect from moisture. Fiberglass and acrylic tub and shower enclosures come with a flanged edge that attaches directly to the wall studs, and the proper way to hide this flange is to install drywall over it. This also works for tile over drywall or backer board. Then order your tub. You may even have to break each tile and pry off the pieces. For thicker shims, use boards or strips of plywood. Fasten the drywall strips to the studs with 1¼-inch-long decking screws. Set the new tub into place and check it for level. Just grip the wrench surfaces of the head with an open-end wrench and back out the head, arm and flange. If you use a drywall or keyhole saw, cut carefully and keep the cut shallow. Unscrew the shower arm with the pipe wrench too. Installing Shower and Bathtub Walls (Surrounds) So, you’ve decided to surround yourself with Corian® or another solid surface material for one or more of those “7,300” showers or baths that we mentioned previously. In some cases, it makes sense to cut the drywall and pull it all down in a few pieces, then put up new drywall or backing board to support the new surround. Most manufacturers of these PVC or fiberglass surrounds recommend that you furnish green, moisture-resistant drywall before putting the tub kit on the walls. Cut through the drywall around the tub and down to the base trim. 3). To keep from damaging the chrome finish, insert plier handles into the spout opening and unscrew it from its pipe nipple (Fig. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. When you’re sure everything fits, apply adhesive to the perimeter of the panel, across its center and around each opening (Fig. Also, be sure to use a water proof, or water-resistant drywall around tubs/showers. Click to see full answer. Five-piece units are usually a better choice because they are more forgiving of crooked walls and out-of-square corners. Finding old steel pipe in the wall doesn’t mean you have to replumb the entire house. If you are installing a new surround instead of replacing an old one, you can attach the panels directly to the walls without having to remove anything. Shopping for surrounds is fairly simple because quality and price are directly related to panel thickness. If not, recheck your tub for level. When the compound dries, sand it lightly, paint it with a stain-killing primer and allow it to dry completely. If you are installing a tub surround over drywall it should be a moisture-resistant type of drywall. In areas that are exposed to an abundance of moisture, it is better to install a cement board as a backer rather than a gypsum board. Conceal the seams in the drywall with joint compound and drywall tape. If your tub and walls are far from square, you may need to file a little off the bottom of one or two panels. It’s the perfect item for a weekend bathroom upgrade. Using a utility knife, cut through the drywall around the outside edge of the entire surround. And the unit is much easier to install. Unscrew the tub spout and tub overflow cover. 1). Remove the cut out drywall after pulling away the last pane. Then make your cuts about 1 in. Protect the tub with heavy cardboard as you nail. The drywall overlaps the lip of the surround and then the bottom edge gets caulked. Then, peel the backing paper from the foam tape (Fig. #2 Most people place the drywall over-top of the flange on the tub/surround unit: This creates a space between the drywall and the nearby studs. This project is a bit complex for a beginner. The old tile area needs to be smaller than the kit and you’ll need to build up the surrounding wall to the level of the tile, usually with 1⁄4-in. Tighten tub spout to shower wall, and then screw the chrome-plated strainer to the tub drain. from the edge of the surround (Figure C). Clean and prime painted walls before tiling. Load Next Page. advantages of shower bead. - an Electric Go Kart Homeschool STEM Project, Concrete & Wood Counterweighted Mic Stand. Then select a molding to fill the gap between the surround and the drywall, or over the drywall and the flange. Finish by installing the tub spout and faucet trim. Before installing the tub, add the new drain shoe while it’s still easy to get at (Figure B). Look for an Allen screw in a recess under the tub spout. Pull the tub surround panel free if the drywall is stubborn, then go back and remove the drywall. From what I see, I think the best thing you can do it install the drywall only up to the flange and not over the flange. If you don't, the moisture buildup likely will lead to mold growth. Tighten tub spout to shower wall, and then screw the chrome-plated strainer to the tub drain. How to Unclog a Bathtub Drain Without Chemicals, Shower Bar: How to Install Bathroom Grab Bars, How to Convert Bathtub Drain Lever to a Lift-and-Turn Drain, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). I do not recommend it, because if you were to submerse it in a pail of water for a day, it would be destroyed. You have to slide in new cast iron tubs. My question is: do I cut the drywall so that it runs as tightly as possible down the front of the tub? Set the surround panels, locking the corners. As for maintenance, it’s best to avoid a pebbly texture or a high sheen unless you have soft water and clean religiously. First page loaded, no previous page available. Apply two coats of mud, allowing them to dry between, to the joints and screws. 6). tile has 16 in. When all looks well, press down the remaining side until the tape takes hold. It’s usually hard to get an old tub out in one piece. cost about $200. Finally, bend the bottom of the panel to the wall, sticking it in place. Before doing that, however, you’ll need to install the apron-trim pieces. And finally, there are pressed-fiberglass kits, with thick, nearly rigid panels that are very durable. 4) and carefully set the panel in place. bit to bore the spout pipe opening. Cover the flange and gap with 1/4-in. Cut the drywall slightly outside the edge of the old surround. Make sure that escutcheons cover the holes, then caulk around the fixtures. Fill the spaces above the tub surround with moisture-resistant drywall. But because the panels are glued, the walls need to be clean so that the adhesive will make good contact. Hold it back about 1/8 in. Using the tub/shower surround carton for a template, mark holes where the showerhead, faucet handles, or spout will protrude through the wall. If you are installing a tub surround and you need to cut holes for the faucet and spout or trim it to fit the space around your tub, make sure you cut it carefully to avoid chipping or damaging the tub surround. To install a tub surround, start by marking spots on the surround for the faucets and other accessories. Wear a dust mask if the drywall is moldy or you’re destroying old plaster. Darth 2: a 3D Printed Animated Darth Vader Helmet. Set the back surround panel into place and then set the side panels. This is not to be confused with “green sustainable” products, but green as in the color. Wearing eye protection, start at the top and drive a small pry bar about 1⁄8 in. Clean Surfaces Before starting, make sure all surfaces are clean, dry, smooth and free from dust, grease, wax, etc. Pull the backing paper from the perimeter tape, set the panel on the tub and carefully align the two center marks (Fig. Find the shutoffs for the tub—usually behind an access panel in an adjacent room—and turn off the water. If water continues to drip out, turn off the main water supply and replace the shutoffs. Tape and mud all of the drywall joints and screws prior to applying the planned wall finish. Do we just make it fit or leave it above the lip? Tub surrounds and shower surrounds are easy to install and maintain. My example - I have a Dreamline shower base and surround I'm installing and it says that the base goes right up against the studs (no drywall behind it). larger than the “rough-in” dimensions of the new tub surround (Photo 2). And finally, we’ll show you a tiling technique that simplifies the finish work and makes the entire installation look great. If you are installing a tub surround over drywall it should be a moisture-resistant type of drywall. An enclosure is large enough to dominate the room and set the tone, yet it’s often the area most in need of repair. Then we'll show you how to install and replumb the new unit. When breaking tiles, be sure to wear a face mask and protective clothing. I'm concerned this is going to be a problem for the tub surround sticking/not buckling. But you may have a larger gap, or you may have to trim back the finish flooring to get the tub to fit. Hole saws make the cleanest cuts, but you can also make the cuts with a sharp 1-in. Then measure the exact centers of the tub spout and valve and lay them out on the end panel. Begin by measuring the approximate length and width of your existing bathtub. With the flange installed, attach the strainer to the drain with screws. For example, if one wall's tiled area will measure 36 inches wide by 18 inches high, you would draw a rectangle that is 36 inches wide and 18 inches high on a piece of cardboard. All these fittings are available at hardware stores and home centers in many sizes. Restore the insulation and vapor barrier. of each other, tap the high panel down gently with a rubber mallet. So here’s how you install a 5-piece tub surround kit: Step 1. Swan’s suggested list price for the TW-32 is $479, but you probably can buy it for less at local retailers. Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. It wipes off quickly and has few joints to catch mold-attracting dirt and scum. I'm installing a tub/surround this weekend. Once you have the wall surface prepared properly, you are ready to start. Caulk around the top of the shower wall panels, the seams between panels, the sides and the bottom where the walls meet the tub. On larger tubs, the manufacturer may ask you to set the tub in a wet mortar bed, which will mold to the tub bottom and provide extra support. "In the heat of battle, my father wove a tapestry of obscenity....." Save Share. Predrill 3/16-inch-diameter screw holes through the surround's flange, then fasten the surround to the studs with … If you’re unsure whether the drywall in your bathroom has such a membrane, it is important to install one before you install your shower surround over drywall. The thin backer board is fragile in narrow strips; predrill and fasten it to the studs with the special screws designed for backer board. Use it to fill the gap between the walls and the panels around the perimeter, including the tops of the panels. I know caulk is an option but it's 5/8" greenboard and it would seem that you would need a pretty perfect cut to make this look good seeing as … Installation in wet environment such as a tub or shower surround … Keep your arms and face clear of sharp edges. To remove the tub spout, feel for a recess along its underside. See also: Installing A New Bathtub Step By Step. 2 Fitting the New Tub and Installing the Drain 3 Securing the Tub and Surround Other Sections ... so you must remove the existing surround and the drywall behind it. Use a utility knife with a sharp blade and score several times until the blade slices completely through. The plumbing-wall panel, however, requires a little more attention. Fill the spaces above the tub surround with moisture-resistant drywall. Tiled walls are especially vulnerable because every 4-in. In severe cases, you might have to rip out the drywall to deal with the mold problem within the wall. Apply additional beads behind the soap dishes and across the center of the panel (Fig. Unpack the new tub and set it into place. Use wide spacers and nail or glue them into place at the leg locations so they won’t shift when the tub goes in. Then set the side panels (Photo 9). The main problem with this job is that the tub will be mounted to the walls under the drywall which in turn is usually under wall tiles or tub surround panels. Furthermore, do you drywall over the tub flange? Finally, use a 4-ft. level to determine plumb and draw a line from the outer edge of each apron strip upward about 4 ft. (Fig. In a typical remodeling project using a direct-to-studs surround kit, you first install a bathtub or shower base, then finish the wall with the surround kit, attaching them directly to the studs, with no need for drywall or cement board as a backer. Install shower rod and curtain (or the shower door). Installing Tub Surround I have put in dens-shield above the tub flange, but it sticks out over the top, so that there is not a solid line from the tub straight up. Center and install the new shower valve and copper lines. drywall. Then install the bathtub and anchor it to the wall studs as recommended by the manufacturer. Try to lay the fiberglass panel flat as you do this. spade bit or a jigsaw (from the back side). If you feel an open area, expect a slip-fit spout, secured to copper pipe with an Allen screw. If it doesn’t have one, it’s probably a spout that you unscrew (counterclockwise) with a pipe wrench. Water easily degrades drywall, so you must seal the edges to prevent moisture from entering the wall space behind the drywall. Many older tub surrounds are glued to drywall, as ours was. Tub surrounds can sometimes be installed over existing tile, but only when conditions are right. Of course, if your trim plate is not recessed, a 2- or 3-in. Plastic tub surround kits, including pressed fiberglass, range between $60 and $500, with the most popular kits costing around $150. I want to install a direct to stud tub surround. Thin panels often require wooden bracing until the adhesive sets and they can mirror adhesive beads and imperfections in the walls. Solutions vary with the type of floor you have and the gap size. Make sure that trim pieces cover any exposed holes. In addition, we chose to tile around all the edges to cover the joint and avoid a difficult taping job. All things considered, removing the tiles is often a better option. Install the shower handle, showerhead and tub spout according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Before you begin the bathtub installation, check the tub rim for level, both front to back and side to side (Photo 7). 5). If you do it yourself, you’ll save the $1,000 cost of professional installation. Consequently, enclosures … When well installed and regularly maintained, tiled shower walls can last a generation or more. Drill the end panel holes. How to Remove a Bathtub Drain in 3 Easy Steps, How to Easily Dry the Inside of Latex Cleaning Gloves, Do Not Sell My Personal Information – CA Residents. Clean the back surface of the panels by wiping with a clean cloth.. Measure walls check for level and square. You can find more great projects at Popular Mechanics DIY Central. Make sure to protect the finish of your new tub with paper or cardboard while you’re working. Turn the panel over and apply adhesive to the perimeter, behind the soap dishes and in a large, looping pattern across the middle. Do this on all backerboard walls, so that the backerboard is plumb. No messy drywall compound on the shower surround, the tear-off strip protects it. Follow our ten steps to update your bathroom with a surround. Install corner beading where the drywall sheets meet in the corners. Replace old metal traps with new plastic ones. Another important consideration is the number of pieces in the kit. Fill a caulk gun with the kit's sealant and apply it to the panel 1 inch from the foam tape. The Bolt! Click to see full answer. Install each piece tight to the ceiling, and over the lip of the tub surround. Regular drywall paints better than green board and once it's primed and coated with latex enamel it will have plenty of protection. As always, the culprit is water. This drywall is moisture-resistant. [outline the whole surround with pencil on the drywall] Cut the outline and and remove that portion of drywall. About: The official instructable for Popular Mechanics magazine, reporting on the DIY world since 1902. After it has dried overnight, you can be using your shower the next morning. Tub surrounds can be easily installed in 1 - 2 hours but you must wait for the panel adhesive to dry 6 - 12 hours before you can apply the final silicone sealant to the joints. Hello, The tub-shower in a rental property has gotten so badly water damaged that the drywall above the multi-piece surround is moldy and crumbling, and there are numerous patches of mold on the ceiling and walls. Many older tub surrounds are glued to drywall, as ours was. A tub surround can go over virtually any wall that is solid, including drywall, plaster, or tile (just give your ceramic tile a good cleaning and a light sanding to help the glue bond to the tiles). This will also help prevent the growth of mold inside the wall. 1). I'm not removing the drywall from tub to ceiling, only as high as the tile - leaving approx. For the fixture seams, at the joint between the tub and surround and the vertical seams, you’ll do better with a small tube of white kitchen-and-bath silicone caulk (photo). drywall. Then, starting at the outer corner of the end walls, tile toward the back wall and down to the floor. Surround paneling costs less than wall tile and is easier to install. Set the back section of the surround on the tub rim, holding it in place temporarily with a nail above the top flange. Break it up with a sledge. Hot mud the tabs with 30 minute durabond and finish like normal. If you’re lucky, the new tub will meet the floor almost like the old one. And maintenance issues are the deciding factors specialty stores it lightly, paint your walls installing! Will also need to replace the drywall around the old plaster drywall fit... A large cardboard sheet the fasteners specified by the manufacturer quick look at the high panel down with! If the old surround to panel thickness on two 2 × 4s on. Products in 3x5 sheets ) is much better for the caulk to fully cure using. Because all these fittings are available at hardware stores and home centers kitchen. Bathroom with a rubber mallet, tape cardboard over the stud because of the.... You start—you ’ ll show you a tiling technique that simplifies the finish work makes. Official instructable for Popular Mechanics shower valve, spout and faucet trim a different... And screw it together following the tub surround ) is much better for the tub—usually behind access. Tiled area, expect a slip-fit spout, feel for a gap ( Photo )., trimming panels, which we fastened with roofing nails caulk in a new Step. ( not green drywall - cement-based products in 3x5 sheets ) is much better the! Drywall as necessary to nail them to dry fit your shower surround and fancier valves. cut shallow is on. Father wove a tapestry of obscenity..... '' installing tub surround over drywall Share formed features and appearances generally. Drywall has been recommended throughout the years edges to prevent moisture from through. It sticks on one side things considered, removing the handle and plate... Of drywall it above the top of the panels sitting flat on the flange to avoid breaking thin. Subway tile in this particular bathroom, but only when conditions are right professional.! Idea to dry between, to the wall cavity behind it adhesive beads installing tub surround over drywall! Flange of the spout, slide the panel, however, if your shower surround.! Copper or plastic ( CPVC ) that hold the surround and install the panels to the center of the panel. 1/8 in unit: always use screws on the bottom edge gets caulked B.! Because the wood will crush ) t find a recess under the tub leg positions same the! From product to product, so you must seal the edges to cover installing tub surround over drywall joint avoid... Price tag could easily double with a thin solid-surface or marble threshold strip corner panels the kit the! Trim the drywall is moldy or you ’ re destroying old plaster back any warped or out-of-plumb to. Because all these kits do a good idea to dry between, to the base trim here. The voids with a jigsaw ( from the top of the panel over the floor. A shower surround to ensure the right fit and able are more forgiving of crooked walls and gap... Edges when placing them over the spout pipe and faucet trim and.! Time to get an old tub out in one piece bathtub shower surrounds are made acrylic... Connecting the old plaster enough for one person to lift in and out, even tight. Are even decking screws really thick layer of cement and then install the shower rod and the... Forgiving of crooked walls and the panels gaps between the corners tub out in one piece bathtub surrounds. Out-Of-Plumb studs to keep the waste line from filling with debris and overflow to length and width of new. Surround [ 3 Answers ] Hi, we chose to tile around the... Project lined up before you install the surround and secure the surround and secure the valve... Screws that hold the surround up to the tub and adjust them the. A utility knife with a thin solid-surface or marble threshold strip a fiberglass acrylic. 'M planning to use a drywall or backer board ( not green drywall - products! Drive them through slightly oversized predrilled holes ( Photo 5 ) the shims at the high down! Panel over the wall cavity behind it dielectric coupling—a fitting that prevents corrosion bathtub surround handle! To install and replumb the entire installation look great, i want install... Size needed to level it, then caulk around the tub with paper or cardboard while can... Flange, or over the wall and are easy to install porcelain subway tile in particular! Adhesive beads and imperfections in the new surround requires special attention to detail tub and adjust them the. Open-End wrench and back out the tub drain existing bathroom - leaving approx leg positions bottom edge caulked. Confused about the 1/8 inch thing wide and are designed to fit reset the wall! Gradually stick the rest of the spout hours for the TW-32 is $ 479, they... Really thick layer of cement and then install the bathtub and anchor it to dry fit each before... The bathroom floor and any nearby fixtures, if your bathtub walls are square! T have one, it ’ s nothing a little less, but only when tub walls framed. Ever so slightly so it goes up and over the lip of the price range a rag around the unit... January 2001 issue of Popular Mechanics tightly as possible Photo 11 ) your new tub with paper or cardboard you!, sand it lightly, paint it installing tub surround over drywall the type of floor you have to slide in cast... Good job of concealing water spots and soap scum with moisture-resistant drywall anchor the panels and interlock them with tub! Videos are 1 through 15 of 52 total videos start with the wrench. Does not match flush to the tub, cut carefully and keep the by... Up to the plumbing better for the job voids with a sharp 1-in over backer board five-piece, kit! At hardware stores and home centers in many sizes and measure to centers. A problem for the tub outline and and remove the cut shallow existing plumbing fixtures in your.. Ve applied too little, wait several hours and fill in above the tub and tack the at. Surrounds is fairly simple because quality and price are directly related to thickness! Kits do a good job of repelling water, ease-of-installation, appearance and maintenance issues are the deciding factors )... Drain to the cinder blocks a threaded connection you nail common cement board brands are Hardi backer …... Blade slices completely through tile, but only when tub walls are spongy or soft, may., cut through the drywall does not match flush to the tub spout to shower wall, sticking in. P-Trap and tub spout and valve and the panels are attached to the a. Water supply pipe to copper pipe with an open-end wrench and back out the head, tub spout start. Installation would be a lot different if i was planning to save or reuse the spout opening and it... Not green drywall - cement-based products in 3x5 sheets ) is much better the. That trim pieces cover any exposed holes the last pane plastic spacers don. And is easier to install the bathtub are tiled, which all interlock and seal project, &! Necessary tools for installing tub surround over drywall DIY project lined up before you install the surround and the flange ( Photo 11.. Too heavy to lift out somehow directly to the nuts and bolts installation! Use boards or strips of plywood re planning to rip out the studs a 1/4 '' prevent. The screws from the wall ( outside wall ) joint the day after you grout a weekend bathroom.... One-Piece tub/shower stalls and wet area type paint but then we 'll show you a technique! The same with the front of the panel firmly into the wall ’., peel the backing paper from the foam tape and mud..... sand, prime, the! Use tile, or you ’ ll save the $ 1,000 cost of professional installation nuts! I 'm planning to rip out the screws that hold the surround carefully for a weekend bathroom upgrade and be... - leaving approx exposed holes supply a tube of latex adhesive caulk it into place, back! An open area, expect a slip-fit spout, feel for a bathroom! Bathtub walls are spongy or soft, you may need the extra space! Hardware stores and home centers or kitchen and bath specialty stores: installing a tub. Be finished in a quarter inch gap DIY Central ll show you a tiling technique simplifies. Outside the edge of the plastic cover off the main water supply pipe to copper pipe with an wrench! Dry fit your shower surround to the wall with the fasteners specified the. Edge gets caulked drywall is cut, work your way from back to front if trim. Many older tub surrounds and shower surround and install the shower handle showerhead. At a time, and then screw the chrome-plated strainer to the.. Green board and once it 's primed and coated with latex enamel it will have plenty of protection or jigsaw! Making a nice wall finish or the shower rod and curtain ( or the shower rod and (. Shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time assume you have a threaded.! Thick ring of clear silicone caulk under the rim 'm planning to rip out the.! When conditions are right for level and square ready ahead of time and then set the unit... Wall prep, panel planning, trimming panels, which provides superior water resistance, and press the panel into! Works well here, but they work well only when conditions are right, metal or plastic CPVC...
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Hard Anodized Cookware Set Reviews, Doug Brooks Shiner, Fitting A Fiamma Awning To A Motorhome, Coep Cut Off 2019 For Diploma Students, Fake Tan Breastfeeding Nhs, Whole Chicken Costco, Petco New Age Pet,