In this tutorial you’re going to learn how to remodel your shower from start to finish – specifically if you have an alcove bathtub and shower combo. You’ll learn how to remove your old tile and bathtub, how to install your new bathtub, how to install plumbing fixtures and a shower mixing valve, and how to tile around your tub for a professional finish.
This video will give you a great overview of the entire project and give you an idea of how long it will take to tile your shower. I highly recommend you watch the video as it is much more detailed than this article is.
This is not a beginner project. It takes a lot of time, tools, and skills to pull this project off. However, if you’re patient, have lots of time, and are willing to learn, you can do this.
Tools and Materials
There are lots of tools and materials required to complete a shower/tub remodel – too many for me to list here. However, you can view my other tutorials on remodeling a shower to get a list of materials from there.
Step #1 – Demo the old shower and bathtub.
Once you’ve planned what you’re going to do and have purchased some materials, the first step in the project is to remove the old tile and bathtub.
Grab a hammer and either a chisel or a pry bar and start removing the tiles. If you are planning to re-use the tub, you’ll want to cover it so it doesn’t get damaged. You’ll also want to remove the the drywall behind the tile so you can see the wood studs. Just make sure not to remove too much drywall or you’ll have to patch it.
Once you’ve removed the tile, you can now remove the bathtub. To get an in depth tutorial of how to do this, watch this video which goes over bathtub removal and installation.
Step #2 – Flatten the Walls
To get a professional finish, you must make sure your walls are flat and plumb. If your walls are wavy, you’ll see it in the tile and it will look bad. So, take a planer and remove any high spots on the wood studs. You may also need to shim out parts of the wall so you create nice flat surface.
Step #3 – Install New Plumbing Fixtures
Before removing the old fixtures, shutoff the water to the your house. Then you can remove the old plumbing fixtures and install the new ones without flooding your house. Pay close attention to where your new bathtub is going to sit so the plumbing fixtures are aligned with the tub. Then, hook up the new mixing valve using copper pipes and soldering the connections.
Make sure to test your fixtures before moving on.
Step #4 – Install the New Bathtub
For a complete in depth video for this process, go to this page.
Step #5 – Install your tile substrate
I recommend using Kerdi-board, but there are lots of different methods of installing tile. Whichever method you are going to use, it’s time to install the boards that the tile will sit on. I’d recommend watching the video to see how this is done.
Step #6 – Seal the Shower
It’s important to create a water tight seal on all walls of the shower and where the shower meets the tub, otherwise you’ll get leaks which will cause mold and mildew. I recommend using the Schluter tile system to seal your tub surround, but there are several ways to do this. Watch the video to see how I’ve done it.
Step #7 – Install the Tile
Now, you’re finally ready to install the tile around the tub. This is a time consuming process, so take your time especially when planning the layout of the tile. You want to avoid having any really thin pieces of tile or any awkward seems of tile. Once you’ve planned your layout, you can use a thin-set mortar to “glue” the tile to the wall. Once the mortar dries you can grout the tile and caulk all of the inside corners to keep moisture from getting behind the tile.
Step #8 – Install Plumbing Fixtures
All the hard work is done at this point, now it’s just time to install the plumbing fixtures and you’re ready to use the shower.
Optional – Seal the Grout
It’s usually a good idea to seal the grout. It will keep it from staining, make it easier to keep clean, and make the grout last longer.
Then, sit back and enjoy your new shower!
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I am getting ready to re[lace my tub/shower and tile for the first time. I have never heard of Hydroban board. What makes it different than say Hardi Cement board or Schluter kerdi products? Is Hydroban Board more expensive? Does it last a long time? What do you recommend to use for a first timer? I know Schluter is very expensive and Hardi is good but its heavy and dusty cutting the cement boards, but trying to find a product that is easy to install and economical as well.