Upgrading your bathroom with a stylish new shower surround is an excellent way to increase your home‘s value and functionality. However, ensuring it is properly installed over existing drywall requires careful planning and expertise.
As a home renovation specialist with over 10 years of experience, I have helped countless homeowners successfully install shower surrounds in their bathrooms. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share my proven techniques to help you upgrade your space like a pro.
Benefits of Installing a Shower Surround
Before we dive in, let‘s look at some of the great benefits a new shower surround provides:
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Increased Home Value – According to data from the National Association of REALTORS, bathroom remodels offer a 70% return on investment. An attractive surround can boost your home‘s value.
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Improved Functionality – Surrounds add space, storage, and often better shower heads for an upgraded experience.
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Enhanced Durability – Tiled or specially engineered surrounds are waterproof and easy to clean, lasting for years.
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Aesthetic Improvements – From sleek subway tiles to dramatic stone designs, surrounds can enhance your style.
With proper planning and by following the steps below, you can gain all these impressive benefits in your own home. Let‘s get started!
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Before beginning, I always recommend turning off the power and water supply to the area you‘ll be working on to avoid any accidents. Safety first!
Gather the Right Materials
You‘ll want to have all your materials ready before starting. Here‘s what I recommend:
- Cement board – Provides a durable, waterproof backing for tile
- Drywall screws or cement board screws (1 1/4 inches long)
- Waterproofing membrane – Applied between layers for moisture protection
- Thinset mortar – For adhering tile; look for a polymer-modified version
- Tile designed for wet areas
- Grout
- Silicone caulk and sealant
- Joint compound and fiberglass mesh drywall tape
- Wood blocking or furring strips – For reinforcement
- Tools – Utility knife, screw gun, notched trowel, grout float, caulk gun, etc.
Having these supplies on hand will make your install much smoother. Don‘t forget safety gear like gloves and eye protection too!
Clear the Installation Area
To start, you‘ll need to clear away any existing drywall or surrounds from the installation area. Here are the steps I follow:
- Use a utility knife to carefully score the drywall along the edges where you want to remove it.
- Break the drywall along the scored lines. You can use a drywall saw for long cuts.
- Pry the drywall off the wall using a pry bar. Watch for any wiring or plumbing.
- Remove remaining drywall screws and any insulation or vapor barriers.
- Inspect the exposed studs for level and check for plumb. Address any issues.
Taking the time to properly prep the area will pay off later in the process.
Locate and Mark Studs
Now it‘s time to find the studs within your wall so you can secure the cement board properly.
- Use an electronic stud finder to locate studs. Mark their edges with a pencil.
- Confirm stud locations by drilling a small pilot hole or knocking to find solid points.
- Mark the center of each stud to align your cement board screws later.
Finding all the studs now means your surround will be sturdily supported.
Install the Cement Board
Cement board forms the ideal base for shower surrounds. Follow these tips when installing it:
- Measure and cut boards to fit your space. Use a utility knife and straightedge.
- Apply waterproofing membrane to the wall area first per manufacturer instructions.
- Lift boards into place and align with stud center markings.
- Pre-drill holes for the cement board screws. This prevents cracking.
- Secure the board to studs using screws at least 1 1/4 inches long. Space every 8 inches.
- Tape seams with fiberglass mesh tape and thinset mortar. Fill any gaps. Allow to fully cure.
Getting the cement board properly secured and seam-taped is crucial for strength and waterproofing. Don‘t rush this part!
Set the Tile
Now the fun part – it‘s finally tile time! Follow these steps closely:
- Mix up thinset mortar as specified on the package. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Use a notched trowel to spread it evenly across the surface, creating ridges.
- Press tiles into place, using spacers between them for even grout line spacing.
- Push tiles firmly to set them into the thinset. Check for full coverage.
- Allow thinset to fully cure according to manufacturer directions before grouting.
I like to start tiles near the top and work down for the best results. The key is getting full thinset coverage and letting it fully harden before moving on.
Finish Up with Grouting and Sealing
You‘re in the home stretch! Finish strong with these last steps:
- Mix the grout and apply it smoothly into the tile joints. Diagonally swipe away excess.
- Once grout has cured per package instructions, seal the grout lines and tile edges.
- Use joint compound and fiberglass tape to finish drywall seams around the surround.
- Apply silicone caulk at all edges and joints for waterproofing.
- Let all materials fully cure for 1-2 weeks before using the shower.
Taking your time with grouting and sealing will give you a flawless finished look. Enjoy your new surround!
Helpful Tips and Tricks from a Pro
With 10 years as a professional contractor, I‘ve picked up some helpful tips for getting expert shower surround results:
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Use wood blocking for reinforcement – Nail wood blocks between studs underneath cement board for extra support.
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Check screw heads are flush – Any protrusions under the tile can lead to cracks.
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Allow proper thinset drying times – Rushing leads to loose tiles. Be patient for full curing.
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Match grout and tile colors – Contrasting grout can look sloppy. Choose a coordinating shade.
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Avoid putting joint compound under tiles – Only use it to finish drywall seams around the tiled area.
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Silicone caulk is essential – Use it anywhere the surround meets another surface to prevent moisture issues.
Follow these tips and you‘ll gain a professional-looking, long-lasting shower surround that boosts your bathroom functionality and style.
Common Questions
If you‘re tackling your first shower surround install, chances are you have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common ones I get:
What‘s the best cement board thickness for shower surrounds?
I recommend using 1/2" thick boards as they provide ample sturdiness. Some brands offer 5/8" but 1/2" is fine for residential surrounds.
Which is better, drywall screws or cement board screws?
Cement board screws are ideal as they have threads along their entire shaft for superior holding power. Make sure they are corrosion-resistant.
Can I use plastic surround panels instead of tile?
Yes, plastic or fiberglass surrounds are user-friendly options. Just make sure they are properly caulked and sealed to be waterproof.
What are signs I don‘t have proper waterproofing?
Look for loose tiles, gaps between surfaces, leaks, and moisture damage like warped boards. Address any issues immediately.
How long does thinset and grout need to cure?
Check the product packaging, but most thinsets take 16-24 hours to cure before grouting. Grout then needs 72 hours before getting wet.
Still have questions? Reach out anytime! I‘m always happy to help both DIYers and pro contractors with their shower surround projects.
Transform Your Bathroom with a Stunning New Shower Surround
As you can see, with the right materials and game plan, installing a shower surround over drywall is totally achievable. Carefully follow the techniques I outlined above and take your time at each step, and you‘ll gain a stunning, watertight surround that upgrades your bathroom for years to come.
I hope this comprehensive expert guide gives you the confidence to tackle this project on your own. Part of my passion is equipping homeowners with the knowledge they need to improve their homes with professional-quality results.
If you have any other questions or need help with your specific bathroom remodel, please reach out to me at JDSurrounds.com. I offer virtual design consultations and am always happy to lend my expertise. Here‘s to successfully installing your dream shower surround!
