Low-cost alcove showers are often made with acrylic or fiberglass surround panels, which are installed over a shower floor consisting of a prefabricated acrylic base. Scraping diagonally across the joints is the best technique for removing excess grout. Give yourself 1/4 to 1/2 inch around rough-in pipes, since the finish plates will cover the gaps. Tiling shower walls is really no harder than any form of ceramic tile installation—which is to say that it is a moderately advanced project. The vertical flange of the shower pan extends up behind the backerboard. See Step 1 for more information. Staple sheets 4- or 6-mil plastic sheeting over the studs to serve as a moisture barrier. Tile walls, such as glass, ceramic or natural stone, are an alternative to shower wall panels. Some work may be necessary to create a flat, plumb surface for the cement board backer panels. Install a cement board matching the existing drywall thickness. I am looking ahead to how I join the tile/grout/thinset at the bottom of the wall, where it meets the fibreglass shower pan. Unless you are a skilled do-it-yourselfer, you're going to need to hire a carpenter (to build the frame and walls) and tiling contractor. Partial tiles can be cut with a ceramic tile snap cutter, or with a power wet saw, available for rent at home improvement centers and tool lease outlets. If you're running to the ceiling, bury any cuts against the ceiling. Step 3 – Preparing your Waterproof Wall panels to go over a shower pan with a flange. Also tape and mud and tape the joints where the cement board meets the surrounding drywall. Johnathan C. Brewer II is a licensed general contractor specializing in kitchen, bath remodels, and general construction with two decades of professional experience. and simply reattach them after the installation is finished. Let the caulk dry for 24 hours before using the shower. Mix a small amount of thin-set adhesive, as directed, mixing just enough for the first row of tiles around the perimeter of the shower pan. Apply the first row of tiles to the wall, using the layout line to maintain a level row. Now you’re finally ready to start laying down some tile! Attach this wood strip with screws to your studs. Since shower wall panels are non-porous, you don’t have to worry about leaks, mold, and mildew, or spending money on expensive bathroom renovations such as replacing the shower, subfloor, or ceiling. The concrete backerboard is hung and measures 5/8" from the finished horizontal flange of the shower pan. You may need to cut out the drywall 1 1/2 to 2 inches away from the panel edges to expose the nailing flange of the surround panels. For extra strength, use self-tapping cement backer board screws to affix the cement board sheets. Use tile spacers to help keep the pieces in place, and grout the following day. Cover the walls with backerboard before adding the acrylic or fiberglass walls, or tiling. Incredibly strong and durable, a stone resin shower will be able to stand … Grout will merely crack out of these areas. Available in a variety of sizes and finishes, a Swan shower pan will be the perfect complement to tile or coordinating Swan shower walls. Straddle vertical cuts across the studs so that any adjacent pieces share the same stud for anchor space. Make sure that the holes line up with the faucet, bars, and shower head prior to pressing down on the surround. Cut and attach 1/2-inch-thick cement board backer panels  to the studs. Make sure that the base floor surface is even and free of any stubborn tile adhesives as a smooth surface is essential to the proper adhesion of the new tiles. Saw through drainpipe connected to old shower pan; remove shower pan. Those surround walls are perfectly serviceable, but they are essentially plastic and thus not all that attractive. Unless you luck out and your fiberglass shower panels are screwed onto the wall studs, you will have to replace any drywall that is behind the fiberglass panels. You can also use a grout haze remover to speed up the work and to remove any stubborn grout or stains. Cut the tip off the tube of caulk at a 45-degree angle with the utility knife. Leave a 1⁄89 (3 mm) gap between DensShield Tile Backer and the shower pan. Once you have removed all of the tiles, check the base floor of your shower for any tile adhesives. Place the ‘wood horizontal shower base furring strip’ over the flange of your shower pan. Add sealant behind the L shaped metal base profile piece. Shower pans are made to work with fiberglass shower surrounds and tiled walls. The process involves leaving the current shower pan in place, but removing the wall panels and replacing them with ceramic tile surfaces. Set new acrylic shower pan on floor and check its fit against the studs. Tile Shower Floor or Fiberglass Shower pan Tags: Flooring & Stairs My wife and I are currently building a house, and came across the decision of having a fiberglass pan or tile floor for the shower. First use plastic sheeting as a waterproof membrane. If there's drywall, remove it and plan to replace it with cement backer board to protect the walls from moisture and mold.You can use drywall above the shower head, but anything below the shower head should be lined with cement backer board.. Make sure the studs are in good condition and that … The traditional method of tiling shower walls, demonstrated below, is to apply plastic sheeting against the wall studs. Once you’ve removed the old tile, inspect what's behind it. Make sure you mark a horizontal line at the bottom of the wall to indicate the location of the first row of tiles. Using a jigsaw or circular saw, cut a hole in the subfloor for the shower drain pipe. After the tile adhesive sets for 20 to 30 minutes, remove the plastic spacers between tiles. If the tile job meets drywall at the top rather than running all the way to the ceiling, the front face of the cement board should be flush with the drywall. Use a notched trowel to apply an even coat of thin-set to the wall below the marked lines. Start Laying the Tile! Test fit the bottom row of tiles, using masking tape to adhere the tiles to the wall. There is no need to replace the pan if you're looking for a quick weekend fix, provided it is in good working condition. Apply the first row of tiles to the wall, using the layout line to maintain a level row. The seams are then sealed, and ceramic tile is applied with thin-set adhesive. If you're crunched for time, you can do the install on the same day, provided that the waterproofing is dry. Otherwise, leave it in place. The easy-to-install shower wall features a channel to inlay any tile, giving you more options for a high-quality, custom look at a fraction of the price. Continue to the top of the tiled area or to the ceiling, as desired. Both tile and shower walls perform the same function, they just do so with different types of materials. This can save you considerable time and cost over demolishing and replacing the entire shower, since there's no drain connection or tricky work of setting a new shower pan. But DIYers willing to tackle the job can enjoy considerable cost savings, as the primary cost of a professional installation lies in the labor, not the materials. with a screwdriver/wrench and set them aside to reuse later. Check to see if the shower drain hole lines up with the existing shower drain. Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 12 years. Run full tile off the top of the pan (with a 1/8-inch gap for caulking), and go until you finish with full tile above the shower head, which is usually around 7 feet in most houses to eliminate cuts. If the hole does not align, trace the hole location onto the substrate and remove the shower pan. Remove the accessories first (shower head, faucet heads, etc.) Made of fiberglass or acrylic, they have an expanded polystyrene (EPS) base and have the correct shower drainage slope on the surface. Center the back wall, unless you can run full tile, and run the back wall first. His has been published online through GTV Magazine, Home Anatomy, TravBuddy, MMO Hub, Killer Guides and the Delegate2 group. Fiberglass shower walls are also a cost-effective option. Use plastic spacers to maintain uniform gaps between tiles. The question here is if you have sufficient space between the studs in the wall and the existing tile to overlap without there being a visible change in tile angle on the bottom row. On the pans without panels, tile is often installed on the drywall as a waterproof barrier. Apply strong adhesive to the tile and the wall. Make sure all studs are free of nails and other protrusions. The liquid needs a few hours to dry before you can put thinset mortar on top of it, and it's best if you can give it overnight. This form of backer board is now preferred by professionals, since it speeds installation. Properly installed, the moisture barrier will direct any water that penetrates the tile surface down into the shower pan. Wipe across the tiles again with a grout sponge dipped in clean water and wrung out very well (it should be just damp) to clean the tile faces and further smooth the grout joints. Note: Shower pan or rubber membrane must be adequately sloped to the open drain or weep hole detail to permit proper water drainage. Cut boards with a utility knife for straight cuts and a keyhole saw for any other cuts. Vacuum the subfloor and check the level. Caulk around the surround and replace the fixtures. The point of having a shower pan is one part versatility and one part convenience. If your existing plastic shower pan is damaged, you will need to replace it. Put the new base in place and double check the level before securing it with galvanized screws and connecting the drainpipe to the shower pan’s strainer. Sealers usually dry within 24 hours, but you can't use them until the grout has had a chance to dry, which takes between 24 and 72 hours. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. At some point, you may want to replace those low-cost surround panels with something more stylish. From here, installation of tile proceeds as for any ceramic tile—the tiles are glued to the backer board with thin-set adhesive, then grouted with a mortar-based grout, and sealed with a liquid sealer. A traditional mud pan. To lay the tile, … Weekend projects are the mainstay of do-it-yourselfers across the nation, and remodeling a bathroom is a common hobby project that DIYers can tackle. Tile Shower . Begin with the faucet parts and other hardware, then move to the surround panels. Let this row set for at least half a day, because it must be firmly anchored as you work upward to install the rest of the tile. How to Repair Water-Damaged Tile Shower Walls, The Pros and Cons of Prefab vs Custom-Tiled Showers, 28 Amazing Design Ideas for Kitchen Backsplashes. Remove the tile adhesive by applying paint remover and scrubbing with a scrub brush. For best results, work your way from the bottom up. Lake Tenkiller – … The same process can be used if you have surround panels above a combination bathtub/shower alcove. There is a considerable amount of tile cutting required, and drilling holes in tiles for shower fittings is frequently necessary. Mix a batch of grout as directed by the manufacturer. A custom-built tile shower is a more expensive project, but allows for great customization. Leave at least 1/4 inch edge around the installation area. Use a matching color caulk for inside corners and where the pan and wall meet, as well as around soap dishes, to accommodate for seasonal movement and expansion as the home expands in warm temperatures and shrinks in cold temperatures. After starting his own general contracting firm, Brewer Builds, in 2008, Johnathan began his TV career as an on air carpenter and has been featured on HGTV’s “Super Scapes”,“Curb Appeal the Block”, “Elbow Room”, DIY Network's “House Crashers”, "This Old House", and OWN Network's Emmy award winning show “Home Made Simple”. If your shower has a shower pan, replacing just the pan is possible, but not always advisable. This adjustment can eliminate the need to cut thin segments of tiles at the sides. Turning an old fiberglass or acrylic shower alcove into a custom-tiled shower is easier than you think. Shim as necessary. He spent more than 15 years as a third-generation tile and stone contractor before transitioning into freelance writing. If it needs to be replaced, unscrew it from the wall studs, unscrew the drain connection and pray that your pan wasn’t mortared to the subfloor, but rather shimmed in place so that it simply lifts out when unscrewed. Wipe away excess sealer on the face of the tiles using a dry cloth. They fit on the floor inside the shower and act like a tub keeping water off the floor. Staple it onto the wall studs directly, before the board. Although this sealing step is sometimes omitted, it is recommended to help prevent staining and to make the grout easier to clean. one without the other) over a bathtub when renovating in order to increase the available floor space and make the bathroom feel larger 99 Shower panels cons. Remove everything in the shower alcove down to the studs. If necessary to achieve a pleasing layout, you can now adjust the vertical layout line to the left or right. Includes: shower area prep, dry-fitting the shower, making plumbing holes, installing the base, installing the panels, caulking and sealing, and finishing exposed walls. Use fiberglass mesh tape at corners and seams. Mark the shower tile layout. Tim Anderson has been freelance writing since 2007. Install a moisture barrier paper or plastic sheeting over the studs. Use a grout float to apply grout across the face of the tile and press it into the open joints between the tiles. Work from the bottom up, keeping 1/8 inch between pieces, and fill the gaps plus screw holes with silicone caulk. Our shower wall panels are now available in two new Solid Surface Subway tile patterns that take classic to a new level. Most shower pans are acrylic or fiberglass and can be installed by following a few basic instructions and using the correct tools for the job. Use a notched trowel to apply an even coat of thin-set to the wall below the marked lines. Remove drywall where the new tile will go. Use 1/2-inch thick board and screw the boards in place with 1 1/2 inch screws and a drill every 4 inches up the studs and 1/2 inch from the outside edges. Dec 1, 2012 - How to Install Tiled Shower Walls With a Prefab Base. Also mark a vertical centerline at the center of each wall. Install the First Row of Tiles . A beginner DIY-er should leave them to be installed by a professional. Where you need to cut holes in tiles for shower faucet or showerhead stub-outs, a hole saw with abrasive diamond cutting edges is the best tool. Multiple passes of the grout float may be needed to fully fill the joints. A new form of backer board is also available that allows you to bypass the plastic sheeting water barrier. The fastest way is to simply cut the drywall around the perimeter of the panels with a utility knife, then pry the drywall and panels loose at the same time with a prybar, exposing the wall studs and the shower pan. As the adhesive firms up (20 to 30 minutes) remove the plastic spacers between tiles. Whether it is durable Swanstone shower pans or strong Veritek®, Swan has the perfect shower pan for your bathroom. Let the grout cure as directed. While you can do the remodel and prep the first day, the installation the second day and the grouting and caulking on the third day, thus completing the installation, you can’t use the shower for 72 hours after completion to allow the grout to dry and give you time to apply sealer. This is a project best suited for DIYers who have had successful experience with tiling and who have a good degree of patience. Once the adhesive is in place, install the shower surround. Ceramic tile should never be applied directly to drywall in any situation—and especially in a shower, where moisture is likely to penetrate eventually. Firmly press the tiles to the adhesive; they should stick without any other aid. Create the ultimate shower space by combining with our new color series. Wipe diagonally to prevent pulling grout from the joints. Taking Out a Shower and Bath Combo and Installing Shower Tile, How to Install Cultured Marble Panels on Your Shower Walls, How to Replace Caulking Around a Shower Pan, How to Replace a Bathtub With a Walk-in Shower, Installing Ceramic Tiles on Bathroom Walls, How to Replace Shower Pans in Fiberglass Showers. Tie the two side walls into the back wall so that the cuts are only visible when standing in the shower. Use tile spacers to maintain uniform horizontal and vertical seams between rows. Using a level and straightedge, make vertical and horizontal layout lines on the cement board. However, they can be difficult to seal at wall and ceiling joints. Let the tile adhesive set for 48 hours before grouting. Check the studs with a level and straightedge to make sure they are plumb and that the front faces are flush with one another. We have elevated the look and design with a textured grout line. For speed of installation, use the same shower accessories (shower head, faucets, etc.) If you're stopping below the ceiling, use bullnose tile for the top row to create a finished edge. Try not to make … Other panels are simply glued to the drywall and can be pried off with a flat bar or pulled off along with the drywall. After you either replace the pan or decide that you can leave it in place, install concrete board on top of the wall studs. On the final pass, use the edge of the grout float to remove as much excess grout as possible. Interlocking Vinyl Wall Tile by Dumawall – Waterproof, Durable 21.9 in x 11.2 in Wall/Backsplash Panels for Kitchen, Bathroom, or Shower (10 Panels) (Light Gray Slate) 4.7 out of 5 stars 40 $54.99 $ 54 . Install your shower pan (or tub) against the studs. This is the traditionalist approach to preparing a shower floor, and … Mix a small amount of thin-set adhesive, as directed, mixing just enough for the first row of tiles around the perimeter of the shower pan. Make sure the vertical seams between sheets overlap by at least 3 inches and that the bottom of the plastic slightly overlaps the edges of the shower pan. Sealing is especially useful in a shower installation, where mildew is a frequent problem. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. What Is Cement Backer Board and How Is It Used? Drill 3/16-inch holes in the flange at each stud location. They also have the added benefit of being easy to maintain. What Is Greenboard Water Resistant Drywall? Pros. Seal the gap between the bottom row of tile and the shower pan with pure silicone caulk. (Be sure to choose a type of grout with a color that complements your tile.) If it was mortared in place, you will need to pry it loose of the mortar, probably in pieces, and then remove the mortar from the subfloor before reinstalling a new pan. Whether you choose to install tile or the panel walls, drywall always goes on top of the shower pan, after the pan is set into the floor. Install the remaining rows of tile using the same techniques used for the first row. Run full tile off the top of the pan … When the grout is dry to the touch, buff the tile with a clean cloth to remove the whitish haze left by the grout. Prefabricated shower bases are often used when remodeling a bathroom. Everything you need to know to install a direct-to-stud shower enclosure. Steps to Replacing a Shower Pan: Cut old acrylic shower surround with a reciprocating saw, and remove the surround. Replacing a fiberglass shower with tile over a weekend is a challenging task that will require a few long days and a lot of physical labor, but it is entirely possible if you have basic construction tool and carpentry knowledge as well as the free time. Shower Pan Install DensShield Tile Backer on walls according to assembly DS001. Stone Resin. Johnathan taught building construction for Rising Sun Energy in Berkeley California. If you have a panel installation that unscrews from on top of drywall, paint the drywall with a latex liquid waterproofing to prepare the walls for the tile installation. Shower pans will vary some from manufacturer to manufacturer, and you can also build your own, but the basic installation steps are the same. Otherwise, unscrew the panels with a drill. Because most panels are glued to the drywall, it will rip the surface while you're removing the panels. Tiling walls is somewhat more difficult than tiling floors, and careful layout of the tile job is essential in the tight space of a shower alcove. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Cutting panels can be done with a circular saw or by scoring and snapping the panels. Simple and chic, subway tile never goes out of style. Leave a 1/4-inch gap between the tile and the shower pan, which will serve as the caulk seam. Over the plastic water barrier, standard waterproof cement board backer panels are installed, with the cracks between panels sealed with waterproof joint tape and thin-set adhesive. Installation of ceramic tile on the walls of a shower alcove is much like tiling any wall surface, but because these areas are subject to constant moisture, you need to take special precautions to seal the wall against moisture penetration. Sold under brand names such as Denshield, these products have a waterproof membrane built into the panels. Seal the grout joints with a grout sealer, using a foam brush as an applicator.