| Old, dilapidated walls of tile or other material make a bathing area
look dated and unattractive. Make it attractive and easy to clean by adding
a new tub/shower surround to the bathing area. Lowe's is happy to provide
this information as a service to you.
You can install a shower/tub surround kit over any material that is
solid, flat and in good structural condition. This includes tile, plaster
and drywall. If you're using drywall, make sure it is the moisture-resistant
type (often called "greenboard") made specifically for use in
damp areas. Prime any new drywall with moisture-resistant latex primer.
Tools
- Small Screwdriver
- Pencil
- Utility knife
- Tape measure
- Level
- Jig saw or hole saw
Materials
- Tub/shower surround kit
- Adhesive with proper applicator
- Coarse sandpaper
- Caulk
Every brand of kit will have its own specific installation directions.
Be sure to read them carefully before you begin and follow them closely.
The directions below are general guidelines.
- Remove the spout, faucet handles and any accessories (soap dish,
grab bar, etc.). If you are missing accessories you'd like to have,
now is the time to add them.
- Repair any damaged spots in the walls. If you're installing the surround
over ceramic tile, scuff the tile with coarse sandpaper to improve the
grip of the adhesive.
- Clean the joint between the tub and the wall and re-caulk if necessary.
- Using the tub/shower surround carton for a template, mark the location
of the faucet handles, spout and any other items that will protrude
through the wall. Cut out the holes and use them to mark the locations
of the holes on the tub/shower surround panels.
- Use a hole saw or a jigsaw to cut out the holes in the panels.
- Hold the panels in place, paying attention to the order of installation
prescribed by the manufacturer, and make sure the holes are in the right
places.
- While a helper holds the panels in place, mark the location of their
top and side lines on the wall, and make sure the panels will be level
and plumb. If you need to cut a panel, consult the manufacturer's directions
for what tool to use. In many cases, a sharp utility knife will work,
but some materials may call for a jigsaw.
- Apply adhesive according to the directions. Pay attention to any
instructions that call for exposing the spread-on glue to air for a
time before affixing the panels. If you don't allow the adhesive to
set up this way, the bond will not be as strong.
- Attach the panels to the walls in the order instructed by the manufacturer
and let the adhesive dry according to the directions on the package.
If you do not let the adhesive dry properly before using the tub/shower,
the panels may not stick to the wall properly.
- Replace the faucets handles, spout and other hardware.
- Seal all the joints with caulk. Let the caulk dry as directed before
you use the tub or shower.
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