Installing a Tub Surround Over Drywall: The Complete Expert Guide
Hey there! If you‘re reading this, chances are you‘re looking to upgrade your bathtub area with a fresh new surround but don‘t want to take on the massive project of gutting and replacing your existing drywall. I‘ve got good news for you – installing a tub surround directly over drywall is entirely possible with the right materials and techniques.
In my 10+ years as a home renovation contractor, I‘ve helped dozens of clients install beautiful, water-resistant tub surrounds over existing drywall. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll walk you through everything you need to know to do it yourself and avoid expensive callbacks due to water damage.
Below I‘ve compiled my tried-and-true steps, pro tips, product recommendations, and even some handy tables and checklists to ensure your project goes smoothly from start to finish. Let‘s get started!
Table of Contents:
- The Pros and Cons of Installing Over Drywall
- Selecting the Right Tub Surround Material
- Preparing and Waterproofing the Drywall
- Step-by-Step Surround Installation
- Finishing Touches – Caulk and Trim
- Caring for Your New Surround
- Helpful Tables and Checklists
The Pros and Cons of Installing Over Drywall
Installing a new tub surround over existing drywall rather than replacing it with cement board does offer some nice perks – you‘ll save money on materials and labor, and the install can typically be completed in a day or two.
However, I‘d be remiss if I didn‘t mention a few potential downsides to this route as well:
Pros:
- More affordable – drywall is 50-75% cheaper than cement board. Saves $$$.
- Much faster installation time – no tearing out drywall and replacing.
- Don‘t have to fully re-drywall or paint the area.
Cons:
- Risk of water damage if drywall isn‘t properly sealed and waterproofed.
- Unable to install very heavy surround materials that require cement board backing.
- May eventually need replacing if moisture issues arise down the road.
Here are some statistics on the costs and installation times:
Drywall vs. Cement Board Costs
| Material | Cost per 4×8 Sheet |
|---|---|
| Drywall | $8 – $12 |
| Cement Board | $17 – $25 |
Tub Surround Installation Time
| Type | Approx. Installation Time |
|---|---|
| Over Existing Drywall | 1 – 2 days |
| Over New Cement Board | 3 – 5 days |
As you can see, the savings are significant! In my experience, as long as the correct waterproofing steps are taken during prep, installing over drywall can absolutely work and provide a fresh new look for at least 5-10 years.
Selecting the Right Tub Surround Material
To ensure a successful and long-lasting installation over drywall, it‘s critical to choose the right tub surround material:
Recommended
- Acrylic or fiberglass surrounds – lightweight, include a waterproof gel coat finish
- PVC/vinyl surrounds – extruded for water resistance
Avoid
- Natural stone – too heavy without cement board
- Ceramic tile – requires heavy mortar bed
My top tub surround brand recommendations are:
- Swanstone – stone-look acrylic surrounds with vapor barrier attached
- Fiberglass Unlimited – lightweight custom-molded fiberglass
- Aquatic Bathware – affordable and durable PVC surrounds
These options are built to be water-resistant and have either a vapor barrier backing or gel coat finish built in. This is critical to a successful installation over drywall.
Preparing and Waterproofing the Drywall
Before installing any tub surround, it‘s vital that you properly prep and waterproof the existing drywall to prevent moisture damage down the line.
Here is my step-by-step process for prepping drywall for a tub surround installation:
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Remove existing tile, metal or fiberglass surround – get down to the bare drywall.
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Inspect drywall closely for any damage, soft spots, or mold. Repair as needed.
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Clean surfaces thoroughly then apply a mold-resistant drywall primer/sealer. This seals the drywall and prevents future mold growth.
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Waterproof drywall seams and corners with seam tape and silicone caulk.
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Install a vapor barrier such as Tyvek, overlapping seams by 6 inches.
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Make any final drywall repairs if needed. It‘s now ready for the surround.
I recommend using a user-friendly all-in-one drywall sealer and primer like KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Interior Latex Primer. It checks all the boxes for sealing the drywall and preventing moisture damage.
Step-by-Step Surround Installation
Once your drywall is fully prepped and waterproofed, you‘re ready to install the tub surround. I‘ll walk you through it:
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Carefully measure your tub recess length, height, and depth per the surround manufacturer‘s instructions.
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Use a utility knife to cut your surround materials to size if needed.
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Apply a silicone-based tub surround adhesive using a 1/4" V-notch trowel.
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Press surround into place, pushing out any air pockets. Use shims if needed to ensure flush contact.
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Secure surround with panel clips anchored into wall studs every 12 inches around the perimeter.
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Run a bead of silicone caulk along all seams and let cure 24 hours before use.
I recommend using a panel adhesive made specifically for bath surrounds like Henry® Next Gen® Bath Surround Adhesive. It bonds firmly yet allows for some readjustment during installation.
For an extra-secure installation, use both adhesive and mechanical fasteners like Z-Clips. The combination provides a water-tight hold.
Finishing Touches – Caulk and Trim
Once your surround is securely installed, it‘s time for the finishing touches:
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Caulk the seam between the surround and tub with silicone caulk. This prevents water migration behind the surround.
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Install color-matched caulk between any seams in the surround panels.
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Add trim pieces in the corner joints and where the surround meets the ceiling using silicone adhesive. This gives a built-in look.
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Fill any gaps in the trim with caulk for a watertight seal.
Caring for Your New Surround
With the proper prep work and installation, your acrylic, PVC or fiberglass surround should last for many years over drywall. Here are my top tips for keeping it looking fresh:
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Use a squeegee or towel to wipe down the walls after showering to prevent soap scum buildup.
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Clean the walls weekly with a non-abrasive tub and tile cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads.
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Re-apply caulk if you notice any cracked or compromised areas. It‘s cheap insurance!
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Immediately address any areas of moisture or possible leaks. Early intervention prevents major damage.
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Consider re-sealing the surround every 2-3 years in high-use bathrooms.
Helpful Tables and Checklists
I hope this guide gives you all the details you need to tackle an over-drywall tub surround installation with confidence. Below I‘ve included a few handy printable resources to use during your project:
Tub Surround Prep Checklist
- [ ] Remove old surround and adhesive
- [ ] Repair any drywall damage
- [ ] Apply drywall primer/sealer
- [ ] Waterproof seams with seam tape
- [ ] Install vapor barrier
- [ ] Make final drywall repairs
Installation Equipment Checklist
- [ ] Tub surround materials
- [ ] Tub surround adhesive + trowel
- [ ] 100% silicone caulk + caulk gun
- [ ] Surround panel clips
- [ ] Trim pieces
- [ ] Utility knife
- [ ] Tape measure
- [ ] Level
- [ ] Shims
Post-Installation Caulking Guide
- Perimeter seam between surround and tub
- All corners and seams between surround panels
- Gaps between trim pieces
- Any compromised caulk areas
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help. Your new tub surround is going to look amazing.
