How to Remodel a Shower
Have you ever wanted to remodel a shower but feel intimidated by what it entails? Its not as hard as you think! Heres the step by step to get you from the gut to the tile on 2 different style showers!
First up, a shower with a tub surround! Heres what it looked like before.
We pulled out all the old tile and drywall. Ripping it down to the studs gives us a fresh start. Typically builders tile right over drywall which almost always results in mold. So we prefer to get it all out and do it right! Not to mention a complete demo isn't any harder than partial demo.
Next up, we install cement board as our new shower surround because its durable as well as mold and mildew resistant. Just like drywall it screws into your studs. *Make sure to sink the screws under the surface so they don't interfere with your tile.
Using cement board tape and mortar you then tape and mud all your seams. We want a complete surface that water cant seep through.
Now, one last waterproofing measure is to use a paintable waterproof membrane such as AquaDefense or RedGaurd. It goes on like paint and dries like plastic which completely seals the cement board.
Finally, you can tile!
Lets do another! Here is a standing shower with no tub. Aside from installing a shower pan (which we hired out) the process is the same!
First install the cement board
Next, mud and tape the seams
Then apply the waterproof membrane
and tile!
Do you think you could tackle a remodel now?
Resources for this project:
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Comments
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After seeing your project, I think I can do it. Just need to get hubby on board.
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We’ve renovated bathrooms many times. I really don’t think this is an easy project for a novice. Granted you make it look easy, but it takes a lot of skill and hard work. Not everyone is that handy
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Did you install or hire out the glass shower enclosure? You did a really great job.
On the tub remodel, did you leave a strip of drywall at the very top and then tile over it?