Setting a Shower Surround

The areas around a shower-bathtub combo are subject to a lot of water, both directly and through humidity levels. If you just have drywall or plaster up on the walls, over time, you may have problems with mold and mildew. A pre-made tub surround can be installed directly over this material and will provide a waterproof barrier that will protect your walls. In addition, these pre-made surrounds come with pre-drilled holes for your fixtures, making the installation process much easier. Tub surrounds are usually sold in entire pieces, or they may come in separate panels for each side of the shower-bathtub combo.

Dish-washing soap
Cloths
Low-volatile-organic-compound, construction-grade adhesive
Trowel
Pipe wrench
Silicone caulk
Caulk gun

Instructions

- 1
  Clean all dirt and debris from the surface of the wall around the shower-bathtub combo using soapy water and a cloth. Rinse with a damp cloth and let the walls dry completely before proceeding.
- 2
  Squeeze the adhesive out onto the wall and trowel it smooth, holding the trowel at a 45-degree angle.
- 3
  Apply adhesive to the back of the surround and trowel it smooth, holding the trowel at a 45-degree angle. Let the adhesive set for five to 10 minutes.
- 4
  Press the surround into place, applying enough pressure to get a good grip on the adhesive. Install the remaining panels if necessary.
- 5
  Install the shower head and faucet, or faucets, through the pre-drilled holes in the tub surround. Tighten the connections with a pipe wrench.
- 6
  Load a tube of silicone caulk into a caulk gun. Lay down a bead 1/4-inch wide over all seams and around the shower head as well as the faucet and handles. Let this cure for at least 24 hours before using the tub.

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Bathrooms