- First, you’ll need a plan. Measure your space and find the tub and shower surround that suits your needs.
- Next, time to demo. Most tub and shower surrounds require direct-to-stud installation, which means you’ll have to remove existing drywall in order to access the studs. ...
- Once your drywall is cut, work your way from back to front. ...
- Move on to the sides. Install the next side without plumbing on it. Lock this into the back wall panel you just set and level it in place. ...
- Head to the opposite side (the side with the plumbing) and measure carefully to drill spaces for the tub or shower valve and spout, if needed. ...
- Install the final wall by lining up the holes you’ve just drilled with the plumbing fixtures and lock it into place, being sure it’s leveled. ...
- Finish the project by reinstalling plumbing fixtures as needed and caulking the plumbing trim to prevent leaks.
How to find studs through a fiberglass shower?
- Vertical entrance bar should go close to the shower door jamb.
- Horizontal bar should go along the side wall, 34-36 inches above the floor.
- Vertical bar on the faucet end wall should go near the faucet handles.
How to install a sterling modular shower?
- Use water-resistant green board to finish any exposed walls. ...
- Leave a 1/8-inch gap for caulk. ...
- Install the handle, shower arm and showerhead according to the manufacturer’s instructions. ...
- Finally, add a shower curtain or install shower doors to complete the enclosure.
What tools are needed to install shower units?
- Attach the diverter that routes water to the shower head to the shower arm and hand-tighten.
- Screw the fixed-mount shower head onto the end of the diverter in a clockwise direction and hand-tighten.
- Attach the hand-held unit mount to the shower per the manufacturer’s directions.
How to install drywall in your shower?
Prepare the Shower Area
- Before attempting tub surround installation, check that your shower alcove is framed properly and in good condition. ...
- Measure the width and depth of your alcove, and make sure the dimensions are correct for the shower you’re putting in.
- Check the entire subfloor with a level. ...
Can you install direct to stud shower over drywall?
The short answer to the question is, “It's not recommended.” However, this answer only really only suffices if you're converting a room that was never a bathroom into a wet space. Drywall on its own is not suitable for use in bathrooms because it is prone to absorbing moisture and thus losing structural integrity.
How do you install a direct tub stud shower combo?
InstructionsPrepare the Walls. Unless the studs are already exposed, installation starts by stripping the walls down to the studs around where the surround will sit. ... Install the Back Wall Panel. ... Install the Side Wall Panels. ... Prepare the Front Wall Panel. ... Install the Front Wall Panel. ... Complete the Installation.
What does direct to stud for a shower mean?
Most tub and shower surrounds require direct-to-stud installation, which means you'll have to remove existing drywall in order to access the studs.
Do shower inserts have drywall behind them?
0:111:28Do You Drywall Behind Tub & Shower Enclosures? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI do this behind the enclosure all the way up to get myself a nice level wall. And it works perfectMoreI do this behind the enclosure all the way up to get myself a nice level wall. And it works perfect and I get no water penetration ever in my bathtubs.
How do you drywall a direct to stud shower surround?
3:425:27How To Install a Direct-To-Stud Shower Enclosure - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSet the side panel in place and make sure that it engages properly in the pan screw the panel to theMoreSet the side panel in place and make sure that it engages properly in the pan screw the panel to the studs at the top. And along the side carefully measure the location of the valve.
What goes behind shower walls?
Rigid air barrier materials for use behind showers and tubs include fiber-cement, fiber-reinforced gypsum, glass mat gypsum, or fiber mat-reinforced cementitious backer panels.
Do I need mortar under shower pan?
0:094:09Using Mortar Under Fiberglass Shower or Tub - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the reason you want to do that is because if you get too much flux in the bottom particularly onMoreAnd the reason you want to do that is because if you get too much flux in the bottom particularly on cheap tubs. Or really large surface area tubs you can get damaged and leakage.
Should shower walls go to ceiling?
As a whole, most experts agree that shower tiles should go to the ceiling. Tiling all the way up to the ceiling keeps the areas surrounding the shower clean and dry. It also has some visual benefits such as making shower space feel larger and more modern. Floor-to-ceiling tiles may not be right for every bathroom.
What do you put under shower base?
Mortar is recommended to use under all shower pans. Mortar reduces the risk of your pan slipping or cracking from an uneven surface.
Do you need cement board behind a shower insert?
Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints. Don't use paper-faced backer board, i.e., paper-faced drywall, behind seamed tub and shower enclosures.
Do I need cement board for shower walls?
Shower walls must be backed with a waterproof backing board. Drywall is not an acceptable backer board. Even moisture-resistant drywall (green or blue varieties) will not hold up in showers. Use a true cement backer board, or try a shower backer board kit like this one.
Do you need insulation behind interior shower walls?
Insulating behind shower walls improves moisture control, which in turn reduces the chances of mold growth. Apart from retaining heat and minimizing condensation, insulating behind shower walls also provides better acoustics by reducing annoying sounds from outdoors or between rooms.
How many pieces are needed for a shower surround?
Most tub and shower surrounds designed for remodeling applications come in three or five pieces to make installation in tight spaces easier. The surround kits designed for attachment to studs are usually made ...
What is the final panel of a shower?
The final panel is the one containing the plumbing fixtures; this is usually the front wall of the shower. Before installing this last panel, it will have to be drilled for the tub or shower valve and maybe a tub spout. Take measurements off of the back wall to the center of the valve, and off of the tub or shower base to the center of the valve.
What is an alcove shower enclosure?
An increasingly popular option for the alcove enclosures for bathtubs and showers is a surround kit that uses acrylic or fiberglass panels. This type of kit is cheaper and easier to install than ceramic tile wall enclosures and is remarkably easy to maintain. There are two types of installation for tub/shower surround kits: direct-to-studs ...
Can a direct to stud shower surround be trimmed?
You may void the warranty if it isn’t done according to the manufacturer's specifications. When buying a direct-to-stud surround, make sure that you get the right size for the width of tub or shower you have. This type of surround can't be trimmed to fit in ...
Do you need a pry bar for demolition?
This is demolition work that may require a pry bar and reciprocating saw, depending on what type of wall surface is present . Often, it is best to cut out an area of wall slightly larger than the surround, because this makes it easier to anchor the flanges to the studs.
Can you install drywall after it is installed?
After installation, you can then install drywall so it butts up to the surround over the nailing flanges. When removing drywall, make sure to remove all nails or screws, and check to make sure the studs lie in a flat plane. If necessary, you may need to shim out the studs if they are uneven or bowed.
How to Install a Direct-to-Stud Shower Enclosure
Learning how to install a shower surround directly to wall studs is a project many DIY homeowners can do themselves. Panels formed as a single moulded unit fit in the bathtub or shower enclosure and are typically used in new construction.
Check Out the Finished Project
A bathtub and shower combo is a great addition to your bathroom, and installing a direct-to-stud shower surround is a project that you can complete in under one day. Take careful measurements, dry fit your shower surround to ensure the right fit and then install the panels.
Prepare the Shower Area
Before attempting tub surround installation, check that your shower alcove is framed properly and in good condition. Walls should be square in both corners and plumb all the way around. Use a level to confirm this.
Pre-Fit the Shower
Dry fit your shower enclosure to make sure it’s sized properly for your space. Carefully place the shower base into the alcove. Use a level to make sure it’s even on all sides, and add shims if necessary to level it out. Place a piece of cardboard in the shower base to protect the finish.
Mark and Drill Holes for the Valves
Before dry-fitting the remaining wall, you’ll first need to cut holes for the plumbing.
Marking and Removing Panels
The flange is the part of the enclosure on the top and sides that will be attached to the studs.
Install the Base
To make leveling easier and provide additional reinforcement, place 3 or 4 mounds of gypsum plaster or bricklayer’s mortar on any low spots in the subfloor.
Insert and Attach the Back Panel
Before putting in the back and side panels, consider adding insulation and a vapor barrier. This is especially important if you live in a cold climate. Insulation will help deaden any noise made by the plumbing and insulate the outside walls from the cold.
Insert and Attach the Side Panels
Insert the side panel and make sure it is seated properly on the shower base.
Is a bathroom a DIY project?
Bathrooms are the most common home renovation project tackled by homeowners. They’re also one of the most expensive and risky projects to DIY. If you are moderately skilled in home improvement projects and willing to take on a challenge, we’re here to help guide you through. Here are a few tips on how to install a direct-to-stud tub ...
Do you have to cut drywall for shower surround?
Most tub and shower surrounds require direct-to-stud installation, which means you’ll have to remove existing drywall in order to access the studs. 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. Once your drywall is cut, work your way ...
Pros: Glue Up
The glue-up installation helps to achieve a flatter wall with less variance and less warping. It is also generally easier to install once prepared- we’ll discuss this in a while.
Pros: Direct to Stud Shower Surround
Direct to stud shower surround can be installed really fast. No preparation is needed as opposed to glue-up installation. You also don’t have to worry about water affecting what is behind it. The underlying materials are basically waterproof to keep the walls dry.
Glue Up Shower Surround: Installation Variations
With this option, shower wall panels may be designed or molded into a U-shape as a single unit for use in new construction.
Direct Up Shower Surround: Installation Variations
In a regular remodeling project with a direct-to-stud-kit, you first install a shower base or bathtub and then finish the wall with the surround kit. Attach the panels directly to the studs. Note that you don’t need a drywall cement board as in the case of glue up install.
Key Differences Between Glue Up And Direct To Stud Shower Surrounds
To know what’s different and whatnot, you need to know the foremost basic outlook of these two shower surroundings.
Which Shower Surround Is The Best Choice for Your House?
We already provided all the details of all the prime factors between Glue Up and Direct to Stud shower surrounds.
Pros And Cons Of Glue Up And Direct To Stud Shower Wall Surrounds
Some significant pros and cons comparison between Glue Up Vs Direct to Stud shower wall surrounds will help ease your leftover confusion.
