Skip to Content

Can you install a tub surround directly to studs?

Yes, you can install a tub surround directly to studs. This is typically accomplished by creating a support frame, with studs spaced around 16” apart. Prior to beginning installation, it is important to make sure the frame is square and level.

Once the frame is in place, you will use a special adhesive to secure the panels to the wall. It is also important to leave a ½” gap between the edge of the panel and the framing, to ensure proper expansion and contraction of the panel.

Once all the panels are installed, you may need to seal the seams where the panels meet. Additionally, it is important to use the proper screws to secure the panel to the wall framing. This will ensure that they are properly anchored and can handle the weight of the panels.

Can you install a direct to stud tub surround over drywall?

Yes, you can install a direct to stud tub surround over drywall. To do so, you first need to remove all the drywall from the area that the tub surround will cover. Be sure to wear a proper respirator and safety glasses to avoid inhaling dust and debris.

Next, you’ll need to mark and measure the area you will be cutting out for the tub surround. Once the measurements are taken, use a drywall saw to cut out the drywall. Once the drywall is removed your studs should be exposed and ready to be prepped.

You want to make sure that any water that may make contact with the tub surround is able to evacuate properly and not cause any water damage. Therefore, be sure to check that the studs are level and in good condition for mounting the surround.

After ensuring that the studs are level and ready, use metal fasteners appropriate for the surrounding material and begin to attach the surround. Once all the pieces are in place, you can place silicone caulk around the edges to fill in any gaps.

The final step is to tile the surrounding area around the tub or you may opt for applying a water resistant wall covering such as cement board.

Do you need drywall behind tub surround?

Yes, drywall should be installed behind a tub surround in order to add extra protection to the walls. Drywall is a sheet material used to create walls and ceilings in a home and is composed of gypsum board, a mineral, and paper on both sides.

Installing drywall behind a tub surround helps to protect the walls from moisture and will provide additional insulation against sound. Additionally, when tile is installed on the walls around the tub, the drywall will provide a more stable surface for the installation.

If the drywall is not installed, it may cause the tile to come loose over time due to the lack of support. It is also important to ensure that the drywall material behind the surround is waterproof to ensure it does not become damaged from moisture over time.

Overall, installing drywall behind a tub surround is highly recommended and will provide the walls with a better level of protection.

How do you attach a fiberglass tub to a stud?

Attaching a fiberglass tub to a stud requires the use of special equipment and could be a tricky process. To start, you will need a framing drill and some lag screws, which are specially designed for tubs.

You will also need a drill bit with a Phillips head.

First, you will need to create pilot holes along the outer edge of the tub for the lag screws. To do this, use the drill bit fitted with the Phillips head to cut small, even holes into the edge of the tub at the same depth.

Each hole should be spaced out evenly along the edge.

Next, you will need to mark the area where the lag screws will be placed on the framing as accurately as possible. Once the lag screws are in place, you can attach the tub to the studs. Make sure to use the framing drill to securely hold the lag screws in place.

This will ensure the tub is firmly and tightly attached to the wall studs.

Finally, you will need to make sure the tub is level and plumb. To do this, use a spirit level to check the surface of the fiberglass tub and make sure it is perfectly even and not tipping in any direction.

Once the tub is secure and level, you can begin doing the finishing details around it.

How to install Delta direct to stud shower surround?

Installing a Delta direct to stud shower surround is a relatively easy process that can be accomplished in just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:

1. First, shut off the main water supply and drain the lines to the shower.

2. Drill pilot holes into the studs and mark the location of the brackets on the shower walls.

3. Place the brackets onto the wall and fasten them to the studs using appropriate hardware.

4. Place the Delta shower surround onto the wall and secure it to the brackets using appropriate mounting hardware.

5. Connect the hardware for the shower head, spout and valves, ensuring that it is connected to the correct water supply.

6. Turn the water supply back on, check for any leaks and test the shower to ensure the installation was done properly.

By following these simple steps you can easily install a Delta direct to stud shower surround.

How do you secure a shower base to studs?

Securing a shower base to studs is an important part of installing a shower. Before you can secure the shower base, it’s important that you attach blocking between the two studs. Blocking should be two pieces of wood that are screwed together in the studs so that the shower base can be mounted securely.

Once the blocking has been placed, use plastic or composite anchors to attach the shower base to the wall. Color-matched screws should be used to secure the shower base to the blocking. Ensure that each screw is strong and does not pull out of the wall, as it will cause leakage in your shower.

After the base is secured to the blocking, install a shower pan liner over the base and up the walls. The liner should overlap the base onto the surrounding wall and be fastened securely to the blocking.

Following these steps will help ensure a secure fit.

What do you put under a shower surround?

When installing a shower surround, it is important to properly prepare the surface. Start by scraping off any loose material, cleaning any mildew or mold, and patching any blemishes on the wall. After the wall is prepped, you may want to use a vapor-resistant wall panel membrane to increase the shower’s water resistance.

It is recommended to install the panels prior to tiling, as the panels will provide a smooth surface and more protection from water infiltration.

After the wall is prepped and you’ve added the panel membrane, you may want to add a layer of sheet membrane such as Schluter Kerdi or Hydroban, to further prevent water from entering the walls. This sheet membrane can be applied with adhesive and sealed with waterproof tape at all seams and joints.

You can then apply thinset or other adhesive to the walls to add your shower surround.

Finally, use waterproof grout for wall and floor tile installation. This will ensure your shower enclosure is sealed, creating a watertight barrier against water infiltration.

Can you put shower panels straight onto plasterboard?

It’s possible to put shower panels straight onto plasterboard, although it’s not necessarily recommended. This is because depending on the type of plasterboard and the amount of weight it has to bear, the boards could become damaged over time.

If the shower panels are fitted with the appropriate fixings, are installed directly over joists, and the weight of the panels is spread evenly across multiple joists then this is more likely to be successful.

Generally it’s best to use plywood as a backing instead, however if plywood isn’t available then many shower panel manufacturers recommend using a high strength tile adhesive as well as special bonding strips to ensure optimal adhesion between the shower panels and plasterboard.

In addition, it’s important to make sure that the plasterboard is securely fixed and stable before attempting to attach the shower panels.

Ultimately the best way to ensure that shower panels are installed correctly onto plasterboard is to use an experienced and qualified tiler who can assess the plasterboard and decide how best to prepare it and fit the panels to ensure that they are securely in place and able to withstand the weight.

What kind of screws to attach shower pan to studs?

The type of screw that should be used to attach a shower pan to studs depends on the construction materials that are being used. For example, fiberglass-reinforced polymers may require a different type of screw than other materials, such as plywood or particle board.

Generally speaking, for most applications, a #8 or #10 stainless steel screw with a self-tapping type point is recommended. It is important that the screws used are rated for exposure to moisture and humidity, especially when securing a shower pan to the studs.

Also, for best results when attaching a shower pan, drill pilot holes for the screws before drilling them in; this will help reduce the chance of cracking or damaging the material of the pan.

Do shower surrounds go over drywall?

Yes, shower surrounds can go over drywall. This is quite a common installation, as they are easy to install and create a great look. When it comes to the installation process, it’s important to tape the seams of the drywall and give them a full coat of waterproof sealant.

This will ensure that no water can seep through the drywall, which can cause mold, mildew and other issues. You should also make sure that the drywall is securely fastened to the framing or studs. Once these steps have been taken, you can then measure and cut the shower surround panels according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

It’s important to use a level when installing the panels to ensure that the surround is straight and level. Finally, you should be sure to caulk the seams of the panels to create a waterproof seal. This will ensure that your shower surround is properly sealed and provides a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing look.

Are glue up tub surrounds good?

Glue up tub surrounds are a great alternative to tile tub enclosures, as they are generally more affordable and easier to install. Their main benefit is that they can be installed quickly, with minimal mess and disruption, often in as little as one day.

However, it’s important to note that there are some drawbacks to using a glue up tub surround. First, because many are made from plastic, they won’t last as long as traditional tile installations. Additionally, glue up tub surrounds don’t provide the same water resistance and steam protection as tile enclosures, meaning you will more easily experience issues such as water damage, staining, and mold growth.

Furthermore, glue up tub surrounds are not as customizable as tile installations and come in only a few different colors and styles. Finally, adhesive used to secure them to the walls may deteriorate over time and require frequent reapplication.

All things considered, while glue up tub surrounds are relatively easy to install and generally more affordable than tile, there are some important cons to consider before making your final decision.

How do you fill the gap between shower surround and drywall?

To fill the gap between a shower surround and drywall, you will need caulk and either backer rod or packing foam. First, clean the surface of the shower surround and the surrounding drywall to ensure that both surfaces are clean and free of dust and debris.

Next, use the backer rod or packing foam to fill the gap, pushing it into the gap to ensure that it is even and flush with the wall on either side. Once the backer rod or packing foam is firmly in place, use a caulk gun to apply a quality silicone or latex caulk to the gap.

Once the caulk has been applied, let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Finally, wipe away any excess caulk with a damp rag and allow the caulk to completely dry before using the shower.

Following these steps will help ensure that the gap between the shower surround and the drywall is filled and that no water will be able to make its way through.

What is the backer board to use in a shower?

Backer board is used to create a waterproof base in showers when installing tiles. It is typically made of lightweight cement-based or fiber cement panels that are highly water-resistant and easy to install.

When used in a shower, backer board is installed behind tiles to protect the wallboard underneath and to provide a level, even surface for the tiles to adhere to. Backer board is also an important part of creating a waterproof seal that prevents water damage.

It also helps to cushion the hard tiles and make them more comfortable to stand on. When installing backer board in a shower, be sure to use backer board specifically designed for wet condition applications.

Common types of backer board include cement-based or fiber cement panels, foam boards, or waterproof membranes. Such as the easy installation, waterproofing benefits, and cushioning of the hard tiles.

How do you install a non weight bearing shower?

Installing a non weight bearing shower is a relatively straightforward process. Here are the steps you need to take to successfully install a non weight bearing shower:

1. Choose the right location for your shower. The best location is typically in a bathroom where available space is limited, such as a corner. Make sure the drain line is close by as well.

2. Gather the necessary supplies. In addition to the shower unit, you will also need mounting hardware, a drain line, and a waterproofing membrane.

3. Prepare the area. The area needs to be properly leveled and all cracks or joints in the walls must be sealed. The membrane will help protect the walls and floor from moisture, so it is important to install it before proceeding.

4. Install the mounting hardware. The mounting hardware should be securely attached to the wall studs or the walls themselves. This will ensure that your shower unit will be well-supported.

5. Place the shower unit. Place the shower unit in the space you’ve prepared and attach it to the mounting hardware.

6. Connect the drain. Connect the drain line to the drain before attaching it to the drain inlet. Make sure it is securely mounted and sealed.

7. Test it out. Make sure everything is securely connected and all the connections are sealed before testing the new shower. Once everything is installed and in working order, you can enjoy your new non weight bearing shower!.

What should I install behind my tub surround?

When installing a tub surround behind your tub, you want to ensure that it is correctly and securely installed to prevent any water damage. The best way to do this is to use a plywood or cement backer board as a base, which should be attached to the wall studs with screws.

Once the backer board is in place, you can then install a waterproof membrane and, if desired, a vapor barrier. Once this is all in place, you can now move on to the tub surround itself. This typically involves attaching pieces of waterproof panels to the wall and the backer board with either silicone caulk or adhesive.

Once the panels are in place, you can finish them off with moldings and caulk. Additionally, make sure that all panels, seams, and corners are sealed with silicone caulk to prevent water seepage. After the tub surround is in place, you should then caulk the seams between the tub and the wall to prevent any future water leaks.

Finally, it is important to remember to always check for leaks after installation, just to make sure everything is installed correctly.