Installing a sterling shower surround can be a fairly straightforward process, but it’s important to take your time and make sure you follow the instructions carefully. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to get your new shower surround installed:
1. Begin by removing the old shower surround. Unscrew the screws and brackets that hold it in place and carefully set them aside.
2. Before you start installing the new one, clean the wall and other areas of the shower to make sure all surface dust, dirt and debris is gone.
3. Measure carefully to make sure your new surround will fit in the same space as the old one. If you’re using a different size or model, you’ll want to make any necessary adjustments before the installation process.
4. Take the new surround and mounts and begin to secure it to the wall using the provided screws and brackets. Follow the instructions carefully, making sure the mounts are secure and level.
5. If the surround includes a shower liner, attach it and caulk it for an extra secure hold and better waterproofing.
6. Once everything is installed, check for any leaks by running water over the surface with the shower liner in place. Make any adjustments as needed.
7. To complete the job, place the handles and showerhead into the slots or on the wall where specified.
With a bit of patience, you can have your new sterling shower surround installed in only a few steps. And don’t forget to finish the look with a fresh coat of paint.
Should you caulk sterling shower walls?
Yes, it is a good idea to caulk sterling shower walls. Caulking is an important part of protecting your shower walls and preventing water damage. It helps to keep water from seeping into cracks and gaps between the wall and other materials, and can even improve the seal of shower doors.
When caulking a sterling shower wall, use a high-grade sealant specifically designed for use in showers, such as a silicone sealant, and follow directions carefully on the package. Make sure to clean the surface where you will be applying the caulk and use a caulking gun for a professional-looking finish.
Additionally, when sealing the corners, do not skimp; force some extra caulk into the corners to ensure a nice, tight, waterproof seal.
Can I install a shower surround myself?
Yes, it is possible to install a shower surround yourself. This can be a do-it-yourself project, but there are some tips and tricks you should follow to ensure a successful installation. First, you’ll need to make sure you have the proper materials such as backer board and appropriate wallboard, caulking, sealers, tile adhesive and grout.
After evaluating your shower space, measure and mark the walls for the proper positioning of the wallboard. Once the backer board is installed, you can place tiles on the walls. Make sure to use grout to fill in all the spaces between the tiles.
Finally, use a high-quality sealer to ensure the tiles are waterproof. With patience and attention to detail, it is possible to install a shower surround yourself.
Do shower surrounds go over drywall?
Yes, shower surrounds can indeed go over drywall, but it is important to make sure that there is enough support available to ensure the shower surround stays in place. Depending on the type of shower surround you are installing, you will likely need to ensure that there is some sort of studding in place that is able to handle the weight of the shower surround.
Additionally, you may need to install some additional pieces such as backer boards or padding to ensure that the surround is securely in place. Furthermore, it is also important to make sure that the drywall itself is in good condition and sealed so that moisture doesn’t seep through and damage it.
Finally, before installing a shower surround, it is always recommended to consult a professional to make sure the job is done correctly.
What goes behind a shower surround?
When installing a shower surround, there are some important steps to take to ensure that the installation is sturdy and secure. The first step is to attach a moisture barrier to the wall behind the surround.
This helps to prevent water from damaging the wall behind the shower surround. Additionally, waterproof drywall can be used to provide extra water protection. Once the moisture barrier has been installed, it is important to frame the wall where the surround will be located.
This should be done with wood framing or wood sole plates (depending on which type of material you are using) and secured with nails and glue. Once the framing is in place, the wall should be insulated with a spray foam insulation product, to help keep the shower area warm.
Finally, backer boards should be attached to the framing (if using a tiled surround) for added stability and to provide a base for the tiles.
How do you fill the gap between shower surround and drywall?
The gap between a shower surround and drywall is often an area that gets overlooked but needs to be filled in order to provide a waterproof seal. The best option to fill this gap is to use a waterproof flexible caulk such as silicone or polyurethane.
Start by removing any old caulk that may already exist in the gaps. Then, use a caulk gun to apply the caulk to the gap. It is important to apply the caulk in even lines and to ensure it is securely attached to both the shower surround and the drywall.
Once the caulk is applied, use a wet finger or a caulk tool to smooth it out and create a seal. Allow the caulk to dry for several hours before using the shower.
Do I need an electrician to fit a shower?
In most cases, it is recommended to hire an experienced electrician to install a shower. Depending on the type of shower you are installing, it may require extensive wiring, as well as proper material and water fixtures.
In addition to wiring, a professional electrician is also needed to ensure the shower is safely connected to the mains electricity supply and properly grounded, particularly if the shower is fitted in a wet area, such as in a bathroom or kitchen.
An electrician is also the best option for installation of GFCI outlets and circuit breakers near the shower to protect against possible electric shocks. If the shower has a pump, an electrician must also determine the correct power source and wire the switch.
If any wiring or plumbing has to be moved, an electrician is needed to ensure it is done safely. Additionally, electricians are also better equipped to diagnose any potential problems that may arise during the installation process.
Overall, an electrician is the best option for installing a shower and avoiding any potential injuries that may occur when the work is not done by a qualified professional.
Are shower wall panels easy to install?
Yes, shower wall panels are generally quite easy to install. They are often made up of a few key components, like a waterproof polymer core, acrylic or melamine backing, and an aluminium or vinyl trim piece.
Depending on the panels you have, installation will vary according to the instructions; however, usually it’s as simple as eliminating any existing ‘framework’ you may have on the wall, then measuring, cutting, and securing the panels in place.
You’ll want to make sure that your walls are leveled, clean, and dry before you begin, and make sure you use the correct supplies for installation. Most shower wall panels do not require grouting, and generally can be installed with basic tools, like a tape measure, drills and screws, and some silicone adhesive.
What is the easiest shower to install?
The easiest type of shower to install is likely a prefabricated unit. Prefabricated showers are already assembled and typically require minimal plumbing. They include the base, walls, and faucet, and come in a range of sizes and styles.
Installing a prefabricated shower simply involves connecting it to the water supply, attaching it to the surrounding walls, and completing the plumbing connections. With these showers, installers don’t need to line the shower walls with tile or even make other modifications.
A prefabricated shower is ideal for beginner DIY projects, as there is no need for extensive modifications or specialized construction skills. Some models even come with instructions for assembly and installation, making them an ideal choice if you don’t have access to a contractor to perform the job.
How much does it cost to have a shower surround installation?
The cost of having a shower surround installed will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of the shower space and the materials being used. Generally, the average cost of a basic shower surround installation ranges from $750 to $2,000.
For a more high-end custom installation, the cost can increase substantially. Other factors that can contribute to the overall cost of the surround installation include the type of tile being used, the number of fixtures necessary, such as drain and curb installation, and if any additional plumbing will be required.
It is important to consult a professional to get more accurate cost estimates.
Is it cheaper to tile a shower or use a surround?
The cost of tiling a shower versus using a surround will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of tile or surround used, the size of the shower, and the complexity of the installation job.
Generally speaking, installing a tile shower may be more expensive than using a surround, especially if the tile must be installed in a curved or tightly curved configuration or the shower is large. This is because shower tile installation is a more labor-intensive and time consuming job than installing a surround, which often involves just gluing or attaching it to the walls.
On the other hand, tile can be more affordable than some high end surrounds, so overall cost will depend on the quality and quantity of the materials used. Ultimately, it is best to compare the cost of the various options in order to choose the best one for your budget.
What is the labor cost to install tile in a shower?
The labor cost to install tile in a shower will depend on a few factors, including the complexity of the job itself, the size of the shower, the type of tile being used and the labor rate in your area.
Complex jobs such as tiling with curves or sloped walls, or incorporating decorative accent pieces will take longer and result in a higher labor cost. The larger the size of the shower, the more time it will take to install the tile, driving up labor costs.
Additionally, certain types of tile require more time to lay due to their size or shape and this can result in additional labor costs. Finally, the average labor rate in your town or local area can impact how much you will need to pay a professional to install tile in your shower.
It is recommended to obtain at least three bids from tile contractors in order to get a better idea about what your labor costs will be for your particular project.
How do you attach a tub surround to the wall?
Attaching a tub surround to the wall can be done in several ways. First, you will want to prepare the wall before attaching the surround. Depending on the type of wall you have, check the manufacturers installation instructions for any special wall preparation requirements.
You can use silicone caulk to help seal around pipes before attaching the surround.
Once the wall is prepared, use construction adhesive such as Liquid Nails Bathroom & Kitchen Adhesive, to attach the panels. Match up the pattern lines on the panels, and check that the sides are even and plumb.
Use a level to make sure the panels are level and secure. Nail the panels into the studs in the walls for extra support. Use a caulking gun to apply a bead of caulk around the edges of the panels to seal them to the wall and seal between the panels.
Apply grout between the tile and the backerboard.
Be sure to clean up any excess adhesive, caulk and grout before it dries. The last step is to apply caulking along the edges of the tub to create a finished look.
Can I glue tub surround to drywall?
Yes, you can glue a tub surround to drywall, but it is important to use the right type of glue. First, you will need to make sure the drywall surface is clean, dry and free of dust, dirt, and old paint.
Then you will want to use a high-strength latex adhesive specifically designed for tub surround installation. This adhesive is typically applied with a caulk gun with a tube nozzle to allow for easy manipulation into every corner.
The adhesive may also need to be applied in multiple thin layers for added strength. Once the glue is applied, you should immediately press the tub surround firmly against the drywall for 30 seconds to ensure a secure bond.
After the adhesive dries completely, you should caulk the outside perimeter of the tub surround to finish the installation.
What kind of glue do you use for tub surround?
The type of glue you should use for a tub surround truly depends on the type of tub surround you are installing. If you are installing a fiberglass tub surround, then you should use a construction adhesive that is specially made for bonding fiberglass.
This type of adhesive is typically a urethane adhesive that is solvent-based and provides superior adhesive strength. Another option is to use an acrylic construction adhesive. This type of adhesive works well when bonding the panels of a tub surround to the wall and can be used on many other surfaces as well.
When applying either of these adhesives, you should read the instructions carefully to make sure you are following the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure you have adequate ventilation when working with adhesives, and check the expiration date to ensure you are using a product that is still effective.
Whichever type of adhesive you use, it is important to use the correct amount of pressure and proper application techniques for best results.