How can I update my hideous shower stall?

Question

Does anyone have any tips for my ugly bath/shower stall? I'm thinking of tiling, because the doorway is far too narrow to fit one of those new tub inserts in. I've tried to include pictures to show that the surface is bubbled and scratched. It is in a mobile home, and I think it's particle board with some type of coating over it. I would like to tile it, hopefully right over the existing material. I'd be grateful for ANY ideas!

Carmen · Answer

I would be very careful about tiling it, because if as you suspect it is some type of  particle board and not properly tiled and sealed you can get mold behind the tile and not be aware of it. Mold can be a dangerous health issue. 
 I've no knowledge or experience this is just an idea that popped into my head. Maybe you can refinish the current wall, by first removing the metal surround, clean well with vinegar or bleach, let dry completely (maybe a day or dry with a blower). Prepare wall with Zinsser Mold Killing Primer (or similar product). Rustoleum has refinishing paints for out door decks that repair and smooth out the texture this might work on your shower walls, smoothing out the bumps, sealing the wall and water proofing. Then add back your metal surround and caulk edges with something that is both water proof and mildew resistant. Let dry at least 24+ hours before letting area get wet. Maybe as an additional protection use Never Wet products. All these things are toxic so if even just considering this make sure area is well ventilated, use respirator mask, eye protection, long sleeves and gloves.

Jean · Answer

There are places like Menards that have Mobile Home and Manufactured home replacement pieces. I would not keep that stuff in your bath, save the moulding if you can...just in case you can't find a replacement and you can use backer board if you have proper support to tile. It's pretty light and mold resistant. There are fiberglass inserts that come in pieces you can look at to see if you can bring them through the doorway as well. Good luck with the project!

Lisa · Answer

I agree with the tile backerboard. Also mapei aqua defense membrane. Then you can use an ultra-lite thinset for the tile and use a grout boost additive with the grout.

Moxie · Answer

You can get the shower surrounds in briken down pieces so yhey will fit through the door to

Lindcurt · Answer

The current panel board would probably not support the weight of tile. Tile is usually applied to a cement backer board that is screwed directly to studs. It's a gut job. There are plastic panels available at most lumber yards that can be cut with an Exacto knife and applied with construction adhesive. It would look better but probably be a temporary fix. A permanent fix would be to demo and use a heavier weight backing board.

Debi53 · Answer

We had countertops & shower surrounds that were in good condition, just really ugly. We had a company called Miracle Method come out and coat them. It is a chemical bonding spray. It has been 4 years & they still look brand new. I'm sure there are other companies that do the same thing. You can customize your color. Ours looks like stone with flecks in it. They do the process in 2 days-one for prep & painting, one for sealing. When they leave, there is no mess. Your shower is ready to use the next day.

Joy Peters Kurtz · Answer

tear off all the tile, clean any mildew, paint with waterproofing and use a thin set made for showers

How can I update my hideous shower stall?

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How can I update my hideous shower stall?

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