How To Install A Shower Surround Over Existing Tiles: Easy Process Of Installing A Shower Surround Over Tiles

Easy Process Of Installing A Shower Surround Over Existing Tiles

A shower surround is a kind of cover that makes an old shower look new. It is generally made from marine-grade plastics, making it extremely cheaper to install one of these devices in comparison to replacing tiled shower walls. In addition, you can also paint your surround any color as well as the finish you would like. Tiles generally last for a longer time period, however, if they are not maintained properly, they may begin to crack and grow mold, needing their removal and replacement. The good news is that you can speed up your bathroom makeover by placing or fixing a tub surround over your old shower tiles.

Step 1: Remove Plumbing Fixtures

First of all, pull out the faucet handle, face plate, spout, as well showerhead. Generally, screws secure or affix each of these items in place. Back out the screws with the help of a Phillips screwdriver and pull out the items from the shower wall. Place a drop cloth in the tub in order to safeguard its surface while you work.

Step 2: Rough Up Tile Surface

Scratch the tile using sandpaper in order to rough up the surface. This, in turn, will help the tub surround sealant a stronger hold. As you sand the tiles, there may be some loose tiles, which you need to remove with the help of a pry bar. Apply tile adhesive on the backside of any loose tiles before putting them back into place.

Step 3: Cut And Install Apron-Trim Pieces

Calculate or compute the tub's height, from the baseboard molding's top edge to the tub's top edge. Transfer this calculation to the supplied apron-trim piece before cutting it to length with the help of a hacksaw. Calculate the tub's width, and transfer this calculation to another supplied apron-trim piece before cutting it using the hacksaw. Peel off the apron-trim pieces' paper backing before sticking one to the wall next to the tub and the other over the tub on the tile.

Step 4: Level Vertical Apron-Trim Piece

Grasp, carry, or support a 4-foot level over the vertical apron-trim piece next to the tub. Adjust the level in a way that it is plumb. Outline a pencil line on the wall, using the level as a straightedge.

Step 5: Install Back Panel

Install or fix the shower surround's back panel first. Raise it up to the wall, line up its outer edge using the pencil line you made in Step 4, and place it so it is plumb. File some of the panel's underside edge off with the help of a belt sander, if necessary, in order to make sure that it fits plumb on the wall and there are no large gaps betwixt the panel's bottom edge and the tub's top edge.

Step 6: Apply Sealant And Position Panel

Flip the panel over before inserting the supplied sealant tube into a caulk gun. Spread a bead of sealant onto the panel, keeping it at least one inch in from the foam tape around the perimeter. Remove the paper backing from the foam tape on the back of the panel and place the panel over the tile. Rub your hand across the panel, up as well as down, to press it smoothly against the tile.

Step 7: Position Side Panel

Test-fit the shower's side panel before sanding away part of the bottom edge, if necessary. Calculate the length of the wall and divide by two. Put a mark on the tiles at this location. Calculate the length of the panel and divide by two. Put a mark on the panel at this location. Repeat Step 6 before adjusting the panel in place on the tiles, lining up the two center marks.

Step 8: Make Cardboard Template

Trim a piece of the cardboard exactly the same size as the front panel, this is where all of the fixtures will originate. Calculate the placement of each fixture on the wall before transferring these calculations to the cardboard. Use a utility knife in order to cut out each hole. Take hold of the cardboard template up to the tile shower wall in order to check that your calculations match up.

Step 9: Trace Template Cutouts On Panel

Put or place the cardboard template onto the front panel. Find out the circular cutouts onto the panel. Cut out the tracings with the help of a jigsaw and a 1-inch bit. Double-check in order to make sure that the cutouts match the fixture placements.

Step 10: Apply Sealant To Panel & Reinstall Fixtures And Seal

Put or spread beads of the supplied sealant to the back of the panel as well as around each cutout. Press the panel onto the tiles before reinstalling the face plate, faucet, spout, and showerhead. Run a bead of silicone caulk along the corner as well as the underside seams where the panels link up with each other and where the panels meet the tub's top edge. Smooth the caulk with the help of a damp finger.