Cut the new drain line and overflow to length and hook them up to the P-trap and tub. Finding old steel pipe in the wall doesn’t mean you have to replumb the entire house. Cost To Install Tub Surround; Factor Average Cost ; Pre-made Tub Surround: $600 – $1,800: Tile A Tub Surround: $1,000 – $3,500: Bathtub surrounds come in various materials, colors, styles, and may include built-in grab bars and shelves. Can you install grab bars into Fiberglass Showers and Tubs with The SolidMount ™ ?The SolidMount ™ will give you a safe and secure shower or bathing experience. Sure – it’s nicer to have thicker (3/8” thick) panels which are … After installing the new cement board, I purchased FRP panels (Fiberglass-reinforced plastic) for my tub/shower surround. One solution for a gap is to cover the joint with a thin solid-surface or marble threshold strip. If so, pull out the old drywall and surround with a hammer, pry bar and your hands, starting at the top and working down (Photos 3a, b, c and d). When tiling around a tub, mark the first layout line at the vertical edge of the tile next to the tub. Remove approximately 6-inches of that material all the way back to the studs. cost about $200. Then install the bathtub and anchor it to the wall studs as recommended by the manufacturer. In this instance, a bead of silicone is usually applied over the back edges of the corner panels before they are pressed into place. He then fills the backer board seams with thinset mortar and embeds fiberglass-mesh joint tape in the mortar. Restore the insulation and vapor barrier. We recommend our users to update the browser. (Avoid bowing the surround inward when tightening.) Test-fit the cardboard template on the wall over the faucet stems and showerhead stub-out to make sure the fit is perfect, then use the template to transfer marks for cutting the holes onto the front of the surround panel. Set the surround panels, locking the corners. backer board to keep the surface flush with the drywall (Photo 12). But you may have a larger gap, or you may have to trim back the finish flooring to get the tub to fit. (Here are details on replacing the shutoff valves.) Then predrill and fasten the flanges at each stud. Install the Back Panel Lay a bead of caulk along the bottom edge of the back wall near the shower pan or tub base. Measure and mark the location for the top of the ledger, usually about 1 inch below the first mark. OUR TOP PICK. Tape the panel in place with strips of masking tape. At this point, note how the apron (outer edge) of your new tub meets the existing floor. Place a piece of cardboard in the shower base to protect the finish. The installation process is straightforward, but there are a few things you can do to make the process go as smoothly as possible. Hold it back about 1/8 in. Tubs and shower tub surrounds come in all types of materials and price ranges. with hardwood, metal or plastic spacers (don’t use softwood for tubs with small legs because the wood will crush). Cover or disconnect the tub drain to keep the waste line from filling with debris. In this story, we'll walk you through a basic installation process, beginning with what is often the toughest part—tearing out the old tub and shower. Mark those points on the end panel and cut the holes. This is where setting your bathtub perfectly level pays off! For stepping into and out of a tub, consider installing a vertical bar at the tub edge as a convenient handhold. Many older tub surrounds are glued to drywall, as ours was. No. Next, set the tub in place, and secure it to the studs using the vertical lip around the outside of it. The first step in installing a tub is to set in place a ledger board that supports the edges of the tub that contact the walls of the tub enclosure. Apply Felt Paper. If it doesn’t have one, it’s probably a spout that you unscrew (counterclockwise) with a pipe wrench. Anchor the panels to the wall with the fasteners specified by the manufacturer. Use a utility knife with a sharp blade and score several times until the blade slices completely through. Solutions vary with the type of floor you have and the gap size. This can improve the waterproof seal along the bottom of the surround panel. First, position the back surround panel on the tub and level it. Although you can use one-piece units, they are usually comprised of a tub and set of matching panels that make up the shower surround walls and create a watertight shower and tub system. Pull off the drywall with a hammer and pry bar, working from the edges. Attach tile to drywall above a shower surround to give your bathroom a finished upscale look with an easy shower remodel. Step by step on installing a Delta Classic 400 tub/shower surround unit. This allows the solvents in the adhesive to slightly dissipate and improves adhesion. Carefully position the back panel and press it against the wall so the entire … Then we’ll show you how to install and replumb the new shower. Steel tubs are tougher; you may have to remove drywall and slide them out, although you can often tip them up and out too. (OK, a full weekend.). I cut this and framed in sections in the tub surround. Then, draw a horizontal line to indicate where the spout should go. This may vary depending on your kit; most use panels that rise to about 72 to 80 inches above the floor. Pull the panel slightly away from the wall for about 30 seconds. Then, attach the drain to the new tub… How to Remodel Your Bathroom Without Destroying It, Installing a Bathroom Sink: Wall-Hung Sink, 16 Cheap Bathroom Updates with Wow Factor, Remodel a Bathroom with Marble Mosaic and Limestone Tile, We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). Use slip-joint pliers, if necessary. If your shower surround goes all the way to the ceiling, you can install this molding on top of the fiberglass. Stand the fiberglass surround on top of the tub. Can you install grab bars into Fiberglass Showers and Tubs with The SolidMount ™ ?The SolidMount ™ will give you a safe and secure shower or bathing experience. When finished, smooth any rough edges with sandpaper. Pry the plastic cover off the faucet and remove the screws that hold the handle and trim plate. In many cases the tub and far wall will be one piece and the extra piece will be a corner section. Cut the drywall slightly outside the edge of the old surround. For this project, we covered the walls with cement board and liquid waterproofer, then applied wall tiles with tile adhesive. It's not uncommon for a tub or shower base to be out of level, so if necessary, you may need to trim the bottom of the panels and make adjustments to fit. Most models consist of a tub plus three shower wall panels, which all interlock and seal. Utile by MAAX is an innovative shower wall solution that comes in a range of rich colors, deep textures and stylish patterns that look and feel like tile, yet install easily in just one day. File it down with a metal file. On the plumbing wall, note the horizontal and vertical distances of the faucet stems and showerhead stub-out, measuring from the wall corner and from the edge of the tub or shower base. Break it up with a sledge. You have to slide in new cast iron tubs. But don’t add nailers at the drain end of the tub until the new tub is in. Drive 1-1/4-in. Wear safety glasses! Install the shower surround's back panel first. Tub and Shower Surrounds. Some 5-panel kits are designed so that the corner panels are installed last, after the flat panels are in place. Making a nice wall finish around the new surround requires special attention to detail. Our latest shed is also a pavilion—and you can build it, too! Smooth out the caulk bead, and use a damp cloth to remove any residue from the surface of the panels and from the tub or shower base. Using a panel adhesive specially designed for your type of panels, apply zig-zag beads of caulk over the back wall. The gap created between shower and frame makes it not safe for attaching grab bars directly to the fiberglass, the material is thin and un-supportive of the weight displacement from when a person pulls on the bar in the event of a fall. Fiberglass walls have no structural or stable support, not only will the fiberglass shower or fiberglass tub walls flex when pushed against, but they also can crack and break over time from continual pushing or pulling. Mark the shower tile layout. Then set the tile, working from the outside corners on the end walls and from the center on the back wall for a symmetrical layout (Photo 13). Fiberglass is an easy-to-install material often used to make bathtubs and showers. Apply a continuous bead of silicone caulk around the upper edge of the tub. Then set the side panels (Photo 9). Before you begin the bathtub installation, check the tub rim for level, both front to back and side to side (Photo 7). This also works for tile over drywall or backer board. Shim gaps between the studs and the flange to avoid stressing the rim. And, as you’ve discovered, stains aren’t easy to remove. I removed the old dry wall, tile and wall panel. tile backer. Wall panel thickness is VERY important. Remove any moldy insulation and add new 2×4 nailers as needed to support drywall edges and the new tile backer that you’ll add later (Photo 6). Otherwise, rework the tub leveling or shave wall studs to get a more perfect fit. The Alaska White Acrylic Tub or Shower Surround is the perfect solution for economical renovations. All these fittings are available at hardware stores and home centers in many sizes. Find the shutoffs for the tub—usually behind an access panel in an adjacent room—and turn off the water. Lay a thick ring of clear silicone caulk under the rim, and screw it together following the tub manufacturer’s instructions. Place a tube of silicone caulk in the caulk gun and cut off the tip, also at a 45-degree angle. Center and install the new shower valve and copper lines. Protect the Bathtub . An inexpensive alternative to stainless steel, ceramic, and cast iron tubs, this lightweight material consists of multiple layers that quickly wear down over time without proper care and cleaning. It's important to take the steps to protect your bathtub from damage during the removal of the old surround and the installation of the new surround. Pricing in that area seems to be wide open - I recently heard of one job where a tub refinish and fiberglass surround was billed at $12,000 - which would have replaced the tub with a custom tub or shower and high-end tile and very high end fixtures and doors. Remove the cut out drywall after pulling away the last pane. Unscrew the tub spout and tub overflow cover. A. Fiberglass tubs and shower-tub combinations are lightweight, which makes them easy to install, and they are often inexpensive. If you have a sore knee or a sprained ankle, you may find it nearly impossible to maneuver safely without a secure handle. Most surrounds are made of acrylic and fiberglass materials, which make them light and easy to install.One-piece tub surround units are available for new construction or major remodeling, but if you are removing an old tub surround with bathtub still in place, installing a new three-piece or five-piece surround is often the way to go. Fasten the tub to the studs. Lift it up to the wall, line up its outer edge with the pencil line you made in Step 4 and position it so it is plumb. For copper, use a special dielectric coupling—a fitting that prevents corrosion. Unscrew the tub drain and overflow where it joins the P-trap (Photo 4 and Figure B). Wear a dust mask if the drywall is moldy or you’re destroying old plaster. For a shower enclosure, extend the tile and the backerboard at least 6 inches above the showerhead. If your kit uses corner panels, make sure to test-fit these in their proper locations. This is also the perfect time to replace the old shower valve, spout and shower arm. Push the tub into the enclosure and mark the top of the flange on the wall studs with a pencil. Mark the hole positions and drill 3/8-in. The utility knife scoring method we show takes some strength, but it avoids the problem of cutting into insulation and hidden wires and pipes. When finished, you should have guidelines drawn on three walls. Use a damp rag to wipe down the face of the panel and ensure that all portions of the panel are firmly bedded in the adhesive. Cast iron tubs are too heavy to lift out. To install a bathtub, start by installing a 2- by 4-inch ledger board to the length of the wall that the long edge of the tub will be against. Install a Moisture Barrier. Some installation pros like to run a bead of silicone caulk along the edge of the tub or shower base just before pressing each panel into place on the wall. Answered. Remove existing wall mounted fixtures. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. Photo 1: Remove the faucet, tub spout and shower head Pry the plastic cover off the faucet and remove the screws that hold the handle and trim plate. Installation of glue-up panels looks largely the same whether you are finishing a bathtub alcove or a standup shower. If the tops of the panels are within 1/8 in. Install shower rod and curtain (or the shower door). I wanted to re-caulk where the tile meets the tub in my tub/shower. Then shop for tubs and surrounds at home centers or kitchen and bath specialty stores. Keep your arms and face clear of sharp edges. I used similar trim throughout the bath to continue that old world spa feeling. 1. In this story, we’ll walk you through a basic installation process, beginning with what is often the toughest part—tearing out the old tub and shower. For how to information, see Install an Acrylic Tub and Tub Surround. And the unit is much easier to install. Make sure all necessary pieces are accounted for in your manufacturer's shower door kit. The first two categories are the most popular. The selection and patterns are boring, the material is thin (even thinner than the acrylic)– but if you’re looking for a cheap fix or to flip a home – fiberglass … Create a sophisticated bathroom space with unparalleled ease and speed. Use silicone to glue it to the tub or floor, and caulk the edges along the tub and floor. Jul 10, 2001 Sooner or later, every bathroom needs a tuneup, and the tub's shower enclosure … For safe entry and exit, install a vertical grab bar inside your shower 18 to 24 inches from the shower head end. Maax Bathtub Wall Kit (Budget Pick) This is a five-piece bathtub wall kit that includes and back wall … Bathtub Surround Cost Non-discounted retail pricing for: 3 piece modular bathtub wall surrounds. This spot should leave the spout one inch above the tub. The first and most important step for tiling bathroom walls insists Ferrante, is to start with a clean, stable substrate. To remove the tub spout, feel for a recess along its underside. Shim spaces less than 1/2 in. 4 corner shelves. And keep it free of grit and debris. Wrap a rag around the jaws if you’re planning to save or reuse the spout. We divided them into three material categories and price ranges. 4 corner shelves. For thicker shims, use boards or strips of plywood. These corner panels typically overlap the edges of the flat panels. It can be attached with construction adhesive or finish nails. If you are lucky, the panels of the surround kit will fit the existing space perfectly, since they are typically sized to fit stock bathtub and shower bases. Warning Follow all manufacturer recommendations regarding ventilation during use and proper disposal methods for the construction adhesive, silicone and latex caulk. Use tape to hold up the panel until you can insert the side wall. Reset the back panel and measure to the centers of the valve and the tub spout. 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. FRP panels are a laminate surface wall and ceiling panel that is ideal for wet environments like bathrooms. Fastening towel bars, shelves or hooks to a fiberglass or plastic shower surround can be tricky. I scraped out all the old caulk, ... Hi I need some help to install a hand spray. The Spruce uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. In our project we had to round off the edges of the aluminum molding so they would fit perfectly into the radius of our fiberglass shower. Remove the overflow and bath drain shoe from the old tub. You can add a shim later if you find a gap (Photo 11). It is an excellent choice when the walls need a makeover but the shower base or bathtub is in otherwise good condition. Shower Walls & Tub-Shower Surrounds | Bath Depot The store will … Slip 2-inch-wide wood blocks under the surround to temporarily raise it above the tub. iStockphoto.com /Amy Myers ­If you have tile walls, or the bathroom's just starting to look dingy, you may want to in­stall a fiberglass shower and tub surround. … You may need the extra wall space when you’re tipping in the new tub. Shopping for a bathtub and wall surround kit. If you plan to replace the shower valve, remove it now. High gloss finish. If you’re lucky, the new tub will meet the floor almost like the old one. Showcase Shower Door Reply November 2, 2017 at 6:22 AM. Next, place the side panel, then the front panel on the walls, using masking tape. But beware of one piece bathtub shower surrounds and one-piece tub/shower stalls. If you have a fiberglass tub surround, remove that first. The tub/shower was the thing I wanted/needed to get done right away. 1 surround: $482.70: $1,150.07: Bathtub Surround Installation Labor, Basic Basic labor to install bathtub surround with favorable site conditions. Well, […] After cleaning and repairing the wall surfaces, remove all the handles and trim work for the tub and shower valves. Have someone help hold it in place while you check to see how it fits against the walls and the edge of the tub or shower base. from the edge of the surround (Figure C). Pull the tub surround panel free if the drywall is stubborn, then go back and remove the drywall. Article by Lisa Shultz. Most faucets are held by screws. We divided them into three material categories and price ranges. These kits designed for glue-up applications use thin, waterproof panels that gain their support from the surrounding wallboard. 1. Take these measurements twice! If the test-fitting process shows that cutting is necessary, using masking tape to mark cutting lines on the panels. Position the First Panel. screws through the drywall to anchor them. The tub is attached directly to the studs through a flange that tucks under the wall surrounding the tub - which will either be drywall, tile, a tub surround or something similar. When your spout is placed, you can choose where you'd then like to place the diverter. How to Install a Glue-Up Shower Enclosure Everything you need to know to install glue-up shower walls. Before beginning, spread a thick canvas dropcloth over the bathroom floor and any nearby fixtures. Then run water into the tub to test for leaks. And finally, we'll show you a tiling technique that simplifies the finish work and makes the entire installation look great. Using the tub/shower surround carton for a template, mark holes where the showerhead, faucet handles, or spout will protrude through the wall. Installing A Tub Surround. Chisel off protruding studs and trim the drywall as necessary to get a good fit. Add shims to fill gaps and keep the flange straight. Caulk the tile/tub joint the day after you grout. Cut 2×4 nailers the length of the opening, slip them behind the drywall edges. To properly install the new wall panels, you will need smooth, flat edges on the bathtub or shower base. Cut the apron at one end (plastic tubs) with a jigsaw, slice the caulk along the floor, remove any fasteners, and lift the tub up and out. Then turn the tub faucet on to make sure the shutoffs actually work. Open the access panel in the adjacent room and loosen the slip nuts connecting the old overflow and drain to the trap. Its distinctive design will undoubtedly beautify your bathroom. Andre the Giant would have a good shower!! Anchor these with screws driven through the drywall. Put the back shower wall in position, locking the bottom tabs into the base. They’re usually too bulky to get into an existing bathroom. Press the panel back firmly against the wall to adhere to it. Some pieces may need to be customized. If you feel an open area, expect a slip-fit spout, secured to copper pipe with an Allen screw. If you do it yourself, you’ll save the $1,000 cost of professional installation. In fact, MirroFlex Tub and Shower Walls are a home renovator’s dream thanks to their durable, non-porous, grout-free properties and easy installation and maintenance. May 15, 2016 - How to Install a Fiberglass Tub and Surround - This Old House - YouTube The builder put the pipe in the wall much too high up. By Merle Henkenius. Can you cut a fiberglass tub surround around a window in a tub/shower? If you have steel drainpipes, use a special “mission coupling” for transitions to plastic drains. Here’s a list. wide and are designed to fit against the wall studs (Figure A). larger than the “rough-in” dimensions of the new tub surround (Photo 2). It wipes off quickly and has few joints to catch mold-attracting dirt and scum. Make sure that escutcheons cover the holes, then caulk around the fixtures. I had an outside shower installed when the house was renovated. Draw a level line around the three walls at a height marking the top edge of the surround panels. You may have to shift an old valve in or out to fit the new surround. Before beginning, spread a thick canvas dropcloth over the bathroom floor and any nearby fixtures. These robust wall surfaces are an attractive, economical alternative to traditional ceramic tiling. Here are details on replacing the shutoff valves. Siraphol Siricharattakul / EyeEm / Getty Images. Chisel back any warped or out-of-plumb studs to keep the panels sitting flat on the tub rim. 1.4k. How to Install Tub Surround Tile . Panels generally come in three- or five-piece kits and they come in two different installation types. Because of the thickness of the flange, use 3/8- or 1/4-in. There is an exception with a frameless door, but it wouldn’t be a good idea to try to install it in a fiberglass surround. Attach the cover plate and valve handle. Home House & Components Fixtures Bathtubs, By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine, Typical four piece tub/shower kit including tub, two end panels and back wall panel, An acrylic tub and shower surround may not have the sex appeal of an enameled cast iron tub and an elegant ceramic tile surround, but it’s a lot easier to keep clean and looking spotless. Basic acrylic and fiberglass tub surrounds cost $200 to $1,000, while solid surface surrounds cost $600 to $2,000, plus installation. Replace the faucet cover, faucet handle, tub spout and the shower head. 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. Unlike direct-to-stud surrounds, these kits are relatively easy to trim down to fit unique situations. If you have mold, scrub it away and let the area dry thoroughly before covering it with insulation and a vapor barrier. Used the crown molding to frame the outside and the mirror on the wall. Thicker, sturdier products are designed to be affixed directly to wall studs, and these are a good choice during major remodeling projects where walls are being demolished down to the studs, or in projects where the bathroom layout is being changed and reframed. Then measure the exact centers of the tub spout and valve and lay them out on the end panel. For a tub surround only, install the backerboard and tile 12 inches above the tub. Remove any screws or nails from the exposed studs. High gloss finish. You should have some experience working with plumbing (P-traps and/or faucets) and basic carpentry tools. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for the remaining surround panels, following the particular instructions of your kit. Some pros like to cut holes with the drill set to reverse rotation because this makes for cutouts with smoother edges. On most kits, the corner panels overlap the flat wall panels. Chemical caulk remover can help remove any stubborn caulk residue. Check the fit of the panels along all edges. Install the back wall panel first (some kits have one back panel, others have two). Make sure to protect the finish of your new tub with paper or cardboard while you’re working. It was not expensive and gave a very OLD fashioned wood trim to the bath. Your shower surround keeps water from coming into contact with the wall behind it. Using a utility knife and plastic putty knife, cut caulk seals around the tub or shower base and scrape away the old caulk. Like Vikrell, Polystyrene, acrylic, fiberglass, with names like Vikrell, Polystyrene, acrylic, etc existing. 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Windows, or you may have to replumb the entire installation look great tiling bathroom walls insists Ferrante, to! Line and overflow where it joins the P-trap ( Photo 12 ) moldy or may..., after the flat panels are in place bathtub surround wait another 24 for... Flange straight insists Ferrante, is to cover the joint with a surround. Direct-To-Stud surrounds, these kits designed for glue-up applications use thin, waterproof panels gain. Back and remove the access panel in place, and applying adhesive to!