QA

Question: How To Install A Tub And Shower Surround

Do you put drywall behind a shower surround?

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. Consequently, enclosures are typically installed on the bare studs.

What should I install behind my shower surround?

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.

Can you put a tub surround over existing tub?

A bathtub liner (and tub surround) fit right over the existing tub and walls, and don’t require you to remove anything except the knobs on the plumbing fixtures. You can still use all of the existing plumbing, and the whole thing can usually be installed in a day.

How much does it cost to put in a tub surround?

Cost To Install Tub Surround The average cost to install a tub surround is $600 to $1,800 for the materials and labor. The labor cost to replace a tub surround is $300 to $600. Basic acrylic and fiberglass tub surrounds cost $200 to $1,000, while solid surface surrounds cost $600 to $2,000, plus installation.

What type of drywall goes behind a shower?

Look into cement board if you need waterproof drywall. This type of waterproof drywall is designed for wet areas such as showers and bathtub surrounds. Be cognizant that cement board requires a moisture barrier behind it, which makes the installation process longer than moisture-resistant drywall.

Do you put drywall behind cement board?

Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board. Instead, first, remove the existing surface material, then install the cement board over the studs and membrane, as applicable.

What is behind a shower wall?

The insulation behind the tub or shower should be equivalent to the insulation in the rest of the exterior walls and should be covered with an air barrier of cement backer board, rigid foam insulation, or non-paper-faced drywall that is sealed at the edges and seams to provide a continuous air seal.

What is the best material to use behind shower walls?

Acrylic is the best system to use for shower walls because it is the safest, least high maintenance, and easy to install, meaning your shower could be done in as little as one day. Acrylic is one of the most durable materials used in the shower construction industry, and for good reason.

Do you put insulation behind 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 do you install a tub surround over existing tile?

How to Install a Shower Surround Over Existing Tiles Step 1: Remove Plumbing Fixtures. Step 2: Rough Up Tile Surface. Step 3: Cut and Install Apron-Trim Pieces. Step 4: Level Vertical Apron-Trim Piece. Step 5: Install Back Panel. Step 6: Apply Sealant and Position Panel. Step 7: Position Side Panel.

Can you put shower panels over existing tiles?

Can you put bathroom wall panels over tiles? Yes, you can install wall panels over your existing tiles. While tiles are waterproof, panels are completely water-resistant owing to their PVC finish or laminate coating. This also protects your walls from a build-up of condensation, which can lead to mould and fungus.

How long do tub surrounds last?

How long do tub surrounds last? It depends on the quality of the material used. Solid surface materials like marble, stone, and tiles could last 30 plus years.

What can I use for a tub surround?

In some bathrooms, the surround can include virtually all wall surfaces. Although typically made of ceramic tile, other materials can also be used for bathtub surrounds, including sheets of acrylic or polyester, or sheets of solid-surface material.

Can Greenboard be used in a shower?

It means “Greenboard” can still be used in bathrooms (and other areas), it just cannot be used as a backer for tile in a shower or tub surround. It can be used in areas not subject to direct water exposure (tub/shower surround), and areas of noncontinuous high humidity (bathrooms).

Do you need green board behind shower surround?

In a shower area, unless it is covered by an approved waterproof membrane, you don’t want to use drywall or greenboard. And, if you were going to use a waterproof membrane (or waterproof surround), then drywall would still work.

What type of drywall is used for bathroom walls?

Green. Green drywall is a type of drywall that’s mold resistant and is used in applications where moisture can be an issue—so most commonly, bathrooms. To maximize the mold resistance, use mold-resistant drywall mud, aka joint compound. Green drywall generally costs about 20% more than regular drywall.

Do you need backer board for drywall?

Waterproof tile backing board is only necessary for walls and floors that will be directly exposed to running water, such as in a shower. A backer board is not required for all wall tile. For instance, a tile backsplash in your kitchen can be installed over standard drywall.

Can you just screw down cement board?

Screw and Joints Do not use drywall screws as they are not recommended to be used to hold the backer board in place. All of your backer board pieces should be cut before they are placed on​ the floor. It is important to highlight that screws shall not be installed all the way down to the floor joists.

Is a vapor barrier necessary behind cement board?

You should NOT place a vapor barrier BEHIND the backer board. Where, pray tell, would any such collected vapor/water go? Answer:There’s nowhere proper for such moisture to egress. The current best practice is to place waterproofing OVER the backetboard and just UNDER the tile.