When installing a new shower there are two major options.
Replacing plastic shower with tile.
The point of having a shower pan is one part versatility and one part convenience.
They fit on the floor inside the shower and act like a tub keeping water off the floor.
This article sets out 7 viable options other than tile for your shower.
Diyers may choose a middle option.
Wear skid proof shoes kneepads gloves.
Steps to replacing a shower pan.
Tiling a shower is a diy project that you can usually accomplish in a few days with the right tools and equipment.
Install tile in any pattern or design in place of the old shower to create an entirely new look.
Cut old acrylic shower surround with a reciprocating saw and remove the surround.
However it s not the only option.
If your shower has a shower pan replacing just the pan is possible but not always advisable.
Shower pans are made to work with fiberglass shower surrounds and tiled walls.
If necessary build out studs with inch plywood strips so pan clears any.
Removing and replacing prefabricated showers with tile stalls gives the entire bathroom a face lift.
Material costs include 4 5 8 7 overage commonly needed for on site fabrication and future repairs.
There are several alternatives to tile in the shower.
A shower enclosure also known as a shower surround is available in a huge variety of colors shapes sizes and textures.
Buy a prefabricated shower enclosure or have a tile shower custom built.
Install a cement board matching the existing drywall thickness.
Custom tile showers are almost always more expensive than pre fabricated shower units.
Saw through drainpipe connected to old shower pan.
Shower tile replacement cost estimates may require an onsite inspection.
Mating a fiberglass acrylic shower pan with tile walls.
Tile is the most popular material for shower walls.
Install a moisture barrier paper or plastic sheeting over the studs.
Usually these estimates will be free.
Set new acrylic shower pan on floor and check its fit against the studs.
More details for each project are provided below.
Use fiberglass mesh tape at corners and seams.
Replacing a fiberglass shower with tile over a weekend is a challenging task that will require a few long days and a lot of physical labor but it is entirely possible if you have basic.
Then pick your shower tile and use this guide for step by step instructions on how to tile a shower.
When constructed with a custom tile shower pan this is a difficult project for most diyers and a lengthy labor intensive project for pros.
You should expect any estimate to be presented with an in depth sales pitch presentation.
Remove drywall where the new tile will go.
For extra strength use self tapping cement backer board screws to affix the cement board sheets.
