How to Replace My Shower

Take down the existing shower surround by cutting into the surround walls with a reciprocating saw. Tear out the surround walls and drywall with a handheld crowbar. Cut the drainpipe underneath the tub with the saw, and pull the tub out of the shower area. Sweep the area clean with a large broom.

Set the replacement shower pan into the showering area. Fill all gaps between the shower pan and the wall framing with furring strips. Screw the strips to the wall with wood screws and a screwdriver, as necessary.

Slide the shower pan back out. Put the shower pan drain in the shower pan's drain hole. Secure the nut on the bottom of the drain with a large wrench. Slide the shower pan back in place, level all four sides with a carpenter level, sliding shims under the shower pan as necessary. Screw the shower pan to the wall framing with wood screws and a screwdriver.

Install drywall on the wall framing, with drywall screws and a screwdriver, leaving a 1/8-inch gap between the shower pan and drywall's bottom edge. Measure and cut a hole for the shower faucet fixture, using a tape measure and drywall saw, before fitting the drywall panel on the wall with the shower faucet fixture.

Measure the location of the faucet fixture with a tape measure, transfer the measurement to the shower panel that goes on the wall with the fixture, and cut out a hole for the fixture with a hole saw. Apply construction-grade adhesive to the backs of the shower panels, press them against the wall after lining up the bottom edge and interlocking it with the shower pan. Each model varies in how the panels interlock, so consult your installation manual for exact details. Pull the panel off the wall, then press it up against the wall again to form a final bond.