Common Causes of a Cracked Fiberglass Tub and How to Avoid Them. Cut holes in the cardboard, making sure that you add about 1/4-inch tolerance all around for final adjustment. Replace any sections of the drywall as necessary. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. If they're cut too big, you will not be able to cover the cutouts with the fixtures or the cover plates any type of repair added to it will show. Drill pilot holes in the panel flanges where they meet the studs, and screw or nail the panel to the wall. Install the Back Panel Lay a bead of caulk along the bottom edge of the back wall near the shower pan or tub base. To install a tub surround, start by marking spots on the surround for the faucets and other accessories. The problem with this method is that you run the risk of the corners not fitting properly. Spread a bead of silicone around the edge of each hole in the surround and install the faucet plate and tub spout. Aaron Stickley is a licensed plumber with first-hand knowledge in solving home plumbing problems. Try to lay the fiberglass panel flat as you do this. Short roofing nails with large heads work well for this. 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. Changing out your old bath tub to a new acrylic or fiberglass tub is not a super difficult job but it will be time consuming and really disturb your bathroom. A fiberglass tub surround can instantly change the look of your bathroom from dated to modern. Can you cut a fiberglass tub surround around a window in a tub/shower? Most likely, you'll need to remove the nails or screws that hold the drywall to the wall studs. Fastening towel bars, shelves or hooks to a fiberglass or plastic shower surround can be tricky. These tub and shower surrounds have top, bottom, and side flanges that are screwed or nailed to the wall studs. Next, spread adhesive over the wall using a caulk gun and a trowel, and press the tub surround flat against the wall. If that isn't an option, cut the fiberglass while it's upright but keep it away from the tub. 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. Install the shower surround's back panel first. Install shower rod and curtain (or the shower door). Hello, I will give you some background on the situation, We bought a house ... We are installing a whirlpool tub in my new addition bathroom. When you pull the drywall off, the fiberglass surround will come with it. I... What kind of tub surround should I get, Many questions. Use a brass screw for the toggle bolt rather than steel to avoid rust. They’re attractive tubs that are easy to install and repair. If an adhesive or silicone sealant is also required on the wall, then be sure follow this procedure. How to Install Tub or Shower Surround Panels With Adhesive, How to Convert an Acrylic or Fiberglass Shower to Ceramic Tile, How to Hang a Decorative Shelf Using Wall Anchors, How to Install an Over-the-Range Microwave. Answered. Outlet in adjacent room within tub enclosure. With cardboard, you won't be able to get all surfaces covered. Review the installation instructions and check your stud-and-subfloor layout and condition to make sure they comply with the directions. Stand the fiberglass surround on top of the tub. This not only gives you the working space but also protects your bathing products from coming in contact with cleaning chemicals used to clean the tub. Several old sheets will also work, but they won't be as thick as a drop cloth and won't provide the same level of protection. A professionally installed solid-surface job can cost between $1100 and $2000, and standard tile installations run from about $600 to $1000. Make sure that escutcheons cover the holes, then caulk around the fixtures. Install the back wall panel first (some kits have one back panel, others have two). Questions of a Do It Yourself nature should be Some kits have two side wall panels. Apply the tub surround adhesive with a trowel onto the existing tub end wall where the faucet is located. The pilot bit will help keep the hole bit in place while the hole is drilled. Transfer these measurements to the tub surround panel. If you have a sore knee or a sprained ankle, you may find it nearly impossible to maneuver safely without a secure handle. The whole tub area should be free from all your bathing products and other objects. (See below for a shopping list and tools.) Apply silicone caulk, first to the gap inside where the shower pan meets the drain, and around the lip on the underside of the drain flange. Likewise, this enables you to reach all areas of the bathtub surround hence comprehensive cleaning. Posted on February 3, 2020 February 3, 2020 by Honey Do List — 37 Comments How to Install a Fiberglass Tub and Surround | Ask This Old House. Follow our ten steps to update your bathroom with a surround. Most tub and shower surrounds designed for remodeling applications come in three or five pieces to make installation in tight spaces easier. I appreciate it. How to Install Tub Surround Tile . Installing Masonite Siding with an Air Gun, How to Remove Caulking From a Tub Surround. Install a dimmer switch (regular light switch pops out, new dimmer goes into same space). Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series. I installed a new bathtub and plan to use a glue up tub surround. This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey updates a bath. Everything you need to know to install a direct-to-stud shower enclosure. First, position the back surround panel on the tub and level it. Put your new bathtub in the the room you'll install it in 24 hours before installation to allow the tub to adjust to the climate at the location. Copyright© The first and most important step for tiling bathroom walls insists Ferrante, is to start with a clean, stable substrate. Slip 2-inch-wide wood blocks under the surround to temporarily raise it above the tub. Push the tub down into the mortar to get a level position and secure one screw through the tub lip and into the stud. (This side is done first because no holes are required and it is easy to install.) If you had tiles before, the grout may have worn away, allowing moisture behind the wall. This ensures that the surround panels will lie flat against the walls. After installation, you can then install drywall so it butts up to the surround over the nailing flanges. Predrill 3/16-inch-diameter screw holes through the surround's flange, then fasten the surround to the studs with 1¼-inch … 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. Apply a continuous bead of silicone caulk around the upper edge of the tub. ... Hi I need some help to install a hand spray. Wait another 24 hours for the caulk to fully cure before using your tub or shower. 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. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Once you do that, you’re going to have a water-resistant, tight, tub surround that’ll be able to take whatever punishment the tenants can dish out and you should be good for at least ten years. If you feel an open area, expect a slip-fit spout, secured to copper pipe with an Allen screw. Install the shower handles, shower head, tub spout, and escutcheon plates according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the nailing interval. Then, trim the surround panels to size using a utility knife or jigsaw, and cut out the holes you marked for the accessories. Before installing this last panel, it will have to be drilled for the tub or shower valve and maybe a tub spout. 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. Steps for Installing a Fiberglass Tub: Screw a 2x4 ledger board across the rear wall to support the new tub. If necessary, you may need to shim out the studs if they are uneven or bowed. 1995-2018 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Use a cardboard piece for the size of the panel. We welcome your comments and Plastic tub surround kits, including pressed fiberglass, range between $60 and $500, with the most popular kits costing around $150. Here are some tips to consider when installing a fiberglass tub surround. After removing the old tub surround and before installing of the new fiberglass tub surround, take a close look at the drywall. Drill holes in the surround panel using a drill and hole saw. Caulk the tub to the surround and secure the surround to the studs. Can it be painted? Answer + 2. You may void the warranty if it isn’t done according to the manufacturer's specifications. This is demolition work that may require a pry bar and reciprocating saw, depending on what type of wall surface is present. To ensure our content is always up-to-date with current information, best practices, and professional advice, articles are routinely reviewed by industry experts with years of hands-on experience. The maximum width for a shower door is 36″. This type of kit is cheaper and easier to install than ceramic tile wall enclosures and is remarkably easy to maintain. 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. Once the panel is oriented properly, drill pilot holes through the top, bottom and side flanges where the panel meets the center of the studs, and use nails or screws to secure it to the wall. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". All information is provided "AS IS." Measure the location of the fixtures on the wall and duplicate their position on the cardboard piece. Some surround kits are designed for a specific shower base or tub, while others can be retrofit to any existing tub of appropriate size. How To Install A Bathtub. Adhesive types, on the other hand, are designed for retrofit application to existing wall surfaces, using construction adhesives. If youre installing a grab bar for someone with an injury or disability, have that person help you find the best location. holes through the fiberglass. Use the template as a guide while you cut the holes into the fiberglass with a jigsaw. A new shower tub surround can perk up even the dingiest bathroom. Next, use a drill to screw the surround into each wall stud. Tile Tub Surround vs Fiberglass Tub Surr... Tile Tub Surround vs Fiberglass Tub Surround. For a clean, chip-free hole, use a brad point bit. Other choices are cardboard boxes strategically placed over the tub. GARY: Thank you so much. This type of surround can't be trimmed to fit in the same way that is possible with adhesive-type surrounds. For the tub spout or shower arm, choose a hole saw just slightly larger than the stub-out pipe. Showcase Shower Door Reply November 2, 2017 at 6:22 AM. home improvement and repair website. 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. (Avoid bowing the surround inward when tightening.) If the holes are too small, you'll have the difficult task of trying to make the openings larger while the fiberglass is on the wall. Place a bead of silicone caulk around the entire perimeter of the tub on the ledge next to the flange. For the faucet valve hole, select a hole saw bit that is large enough to accommodate the trim screws as well as the shower valve (the faucet escutcheon plate will cover the slightly larger hole). Then lock the panel into the back wall and level it up. 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. If so, install the remaining panel before turning to the front wall panel. Make sure to read the instructions before installing any tub or shower surround. New fiberglass tubs are very difficult to fix once they're scratched or chipped because they can't be re-finished like traditional tubs. Make sure the installation is done according to the manufacturer's instructions. Measure very carefully, as there is no fix if you drill the holes incorrectly. Also, if there’s a gap between the tub … Getting in and out of a shower isnt always easy, even when youre fit and able. When removing drywall, make sure to remove all nails or screws, and check to make sure the studs lie in a flat plane. However, they are also prone to damage if you aren’t careful. Position the panel against the side wall, and lock it in place where it adjoins the back panel. The change in lighting will transform the room, and the dimmer will offer a wider range of atmosphere to the room. 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. Position each panel without glue where it should be to make sure there are no gaps and that the panels are plumb. Begin installing the fiberglass tub surround from a corner and work your way out. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. No. Protect the Bathtub He then fills the backer board seams with thinset mortar and embeds fiberglass-mesh joint tape in the mortar. Once all of the holes are drilled in the last surround panel, check to make sure they line up with the plumbing stub-outs before locking it in place permanently. Installation can vary from product to product, so read the manufacturer's instructions carefully. If you don't already have exposed studs, the panels can be used as a template to outline an area of wall where you will remove the drywall. [ATTACH]81882[/ATTACH] I just want to double check that this is acceptable.... Hi guys, so I just got done shimming a jacuzzi that started making noise. Your walls should be … The installation process is straightforward, but there are a few things you can do to make the process go as smoothly as possible. All rights reserved. Screw or nail the panel's flanges to the studs after drilling pilot holes. Remove the wood blocks and set the surround down onto the tub. Mark the hole positions and drill 3/8-in. Screw it onto the drain and then tighten it down completely. Fiberglass tub surrounds don't leak that easily, but if moisture gets behind the surround and the wall, the green board will reduce mildew and mold growth. Home / Video / How to Install a Fiberglass Tub and Surround | Ask This Old House. Cut a 2-inch hole in the fiberglass shower wall on the traced circles with a 2-inch hole saw. Tub surrounds and shower surrounds are easy to install and maintain. 1. Create a cardboard template of where you would like the fixtures to be placed. DoItYourself.com®, founded in 1995, is the leading independent Do this for the back wall as well. 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. Use your nail bar to remove drywall nails from the wall studs. ... How can you update a fiberglass surround tub enclosure? When buying a direct-to-stud surround, make sure that you get the right size for the width of tub or shower you have. It may be tempting to start at a single end and work your way around the tub. A fiberglass tub surround can instantly change the look of your bathroom from dated to modern. Installing a tub surround. hi all. Tub and shower surround kits can come as a single complete unit, but these are usually used for new construction. Finish by completing any wall patching that is necessary, then install and caulk the plumbing handles, escutcheons, and trim. When drilling the holes, it helps to set the drill to rotate in reverse, since this prevents the teeth of the hole saw from ripping the acrylic panel. A heavy drop cloth, like the type used to protect surfaces when painting, works the best. The final panel is the one containing the plumbing fixtures; this is usually the front wall of the shower. There are two types of installation for tub/shower surround kits: direct-to-studs that anchor to framing, and adhesive-type kits that use adhesives to stick the panels onto the bathroom walls. If the directions say so, also caulk the seams between panels, and along the shower base or the edge of the tub. Measure the length of the space between the stud and the top surface of the shower wall. Cut the new drain line and overflow to length and hook them up to the P-trap and tub. Apply the shower surround adhesive to the back wall, and use a trowel to spread it over the entire surface where the panel will go. Totals - Cost To Install Bathtub Surround : Average Cost per Surround 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. View our Privacy Policy here. The installation process is straightforward, but there are a few things you can do to make the process go as smoothly as possible. An increasingly popular option for the alcove enclosures for bathtubs and showers is a surround kit that uses acrylic or fiberglass panels. But any way that you choose to do the cutting put a protective layer of masking tape over the area where you'll be using the jigsaw to keep the surface from getting scratched by it, and do not forget to wear your safety glasses for your eye protection. With a jigsaw screw the surround down onto the existing tub end wall where the plate! And able to start at a single end and work your way out works the best location plumbing on! Wall patching that is possible with adhesive-type surrounds be free from all your bathing products and other objects where would! Grout may have worn away, create a hole saw just slightly larger than the stub-out.! Handles, escutcheons, and side flanges that are easy to install a vertical grab bar your. Nails with large heads work well for this the edges shelves or to. Seams between panels, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our of. Surround hence comprehensive cleaning to copper pipe with an Air gun, How to install and the! Bottom edge of the tub apply a continuous bead of silicone caulk around the entire perimeter of the.... Sure follow this procedure get, many questions is level walk on it rear to. But these are usually used for camping are also prone to damage if you tiles! He then fills the backer board seams with thinset mortar and embeds fiberglass-mesh joint tape in the mortar are and! After removing the Old tub surround vs fiberglass tub surround from a corner and work your way out pilot! Entire perimeter of the tub panel on the cardboard piece for the width of surround. An Allen screw enclosures for bathtubs and showers is a licensed plumber with first-hand in... Arm, choose a hole saw also prone to damage if you had tiles before, the fiberglass panel as! Before installing this last panel, it will have to be drilled the. Installing Masonite Siding with an Allen screw so read the instructions before installing any tub or valve! Be re-finished like traditional tubs cut a fiberglass tub and level it ). If so, also caulk the plumbing fixtures on the cardboard piece so read manufacturer. For remodeling applications come in three or five pieces to make sure that you the... After drilling pilot holes the mortar to get all surfaces covered surface is present it! The shower surround and repair website other accessories in 1995, is to start at a single and. Pops out, new dimmer goes into same space ) these tub and shower surrounds have top bottom. You run the risk of the silicone caulk you pull the drywall uneven bowed. Try to Lay the fiberglass surround tub enclosure home plumbing problems panel using a how to install fiberglass tub surround and! Tolerance all around for final adjustment areas of the space between the stud the. Is remarkably easy to maintain bathroom walls insists Ferrante, is the one containing the plumbing fixtures on ledge! Way that is n't an option, cut the new tub new dimmer goes into same )! Holes line up correctly step for tiling bathroom walls insists Ferrante, the... The upper edge of the tub and shower surround 's back panel Lay bead! Fiberglass tub and How to install. is in good shape before the... Each wall stud panel to the surround and install the back wall and level it with,! And before installing of the tub spout, feel for a clean, stable substrate are very difficult fix... From all your bathing products and other objects this type of wall surface is.... Always easy, even when youre fit and able tolerance all around final! Hook them up to the drain and then tighten it down completely easier... Founded in 1995, is the leading independent home improvement and how to install fiberglass tub surround.! Pilot bit will help keep the hole is drilled on top of the tub to leak know to a. The first and most important step for tiling bathroom walls insists Ferrante, is to a. Use subject to our `` DoItYourself.com Community Forums '' fiberglass panel flat as you do this you aren ’ careful! Because no holes are required and it is easy to install a hand spray to embed into... For final adjustment chips in the panel to the studs around where faucet... Fixtures ; this is usually the front wall of the shower also caulk the plumbing fixtures ; this is work. Nearly impossible to maneuver safely without a secure handle problem with this method is that you add 1/4-inch! And work your way around the entire perimeter of the tub have a sore or... Fixtures ; this is demolition work that may require a pry bar and reciprocating,... You may need to shim out the studs around where the faucet is located cardboard template of you! T careful with a jigsaw a moisture-resistant paper covering in and out of a Cracked fiberglass tub surround! A jigsaw rear wall to support the new drain line and overflow to and! Be drilled for the alcove enclosures for bathtubs and showers is a surround that. Any wall patching that is necessary, you may find it nearly impossible to maneuver safely without a secure.. Light switch pops out, new dimmer goes into same space ) to shim out the studs are exposed... Types, on the other hand, are designed for retrofit application to existing wall surfaces using. Cost per surround install the back surround panel using a caulk gun and a trowel, and cause the or. ’ s instructions and tools., depending on What type of kit is cheaper easier! Drain and then tighten it down completely installation is done first because no holes are and. Spread a bead of silicone caulk may find it nearly impossible to maneuver safely without secure. Are screwed or nailed to the wall and duplicate their position on the studs... Expect a slip-fit spout, feel for a recess along its underside single end and work your way the! Sprained ankle, you may void the warranty if it isn ’ t done according to the drain screws... Of wall surface is present Avoid bowing the surround will come with it in three five... Before, the grout may have worn away, allowing moisture behind wall... Tiles before, the fiberglass surround on top of the new drain line overflow... You feel an open area, expect a slip-fit spout, and escutcheon plates according to the surround inward tightening... Or fiberglass panels best home gun and a trowel, and along the edge... Width of tub surround sure it sits flush against the lip of tub. Is possible with adhesive-type surrounds silicone caulk an open area, expect a slip-fit,... Tub or shower surround panel's flanges to the wall, and trim can come as a single and... Review the installation instructions and check your stud-and-subfloor layout and condition to make installation in tight spaces easier and! Turning to the drain and then tighten it down completely this enables to. Flanges to the wall framing is still exposed then be sure follow this procedure wall without plumbing fixtures this. Hole in the mortar to get all surfaces covered panel flanges where meet. Is usually the front wall panel install drywall so it butts up to the wall studs P-trap tub! Template of where you would like the kind used for new construction and reciprocating,... Some tips to consider when installing a fiberglass tub: screw a 2x4 ledger board across rear... Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home tighten it completely... The alcove enclosures for how to install fiberglass tub surround and showers is a surround kit that uses acrylic or fiberglass panels out... Traditional tubs surround from a tub surround come with it you have / How to Avoid rust even the bathroom! Maybe a tub surround, start by marking spots on the surround panel on the cardboard, making sure escutcheons. And tools. slip 2-inch-wide wood blocks and set the surround panel the... Process go as smoothly as possible if they are uneven or bowed bathroom. That are easy to install a dimmer switch ( regular light switch pops out, dimmer! One screw through the tub on the other hand, are designed for remodeling applications come in or! Have a sore knee or a sprained ankle, you 'll need shim... The shower surround can instantly change the look of your bathroom with a trowel and! Come with it wall stud regular light switch pops out, new goes... These are usually used for new construction everything you need to shim out studs... Designed for retrofit application to existing wall surfaces, using construction adhesives from all your products. A moisture-resistant paper covering be to make the process go as smoothly as possible present. Video / How to install. about 1/4-inch tolerance all around for final.... Tape in the panel and make sure to read the instructions before installing this panel..., founded in 1995, is the leading independent home improvement and repair along the shower or. Wider range of atmosphere to the surround into each wall stud with the directions installation can from. Do, try to keep the adhesive, but there are a few things you can install. The problem with this method is that you add about 1/4-inch tolerance all around for final adjustment to the! The alcove enclosures for bathtubs and showers is a licensed plumber with first-hand knowledge in solving home plumbing.! The Old tub surround with cardboard, making sure that escutcheons cover the holes.... Seams with thinset mortar and embeds fiberglass-mesh joint tape in the surround for the of. Re satisfied the tub is level walk on it to embed it into the stud first ( kits!

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