Chloe Zhang
Replacing a plastic shower with tile can be a challenging but rewarding DIY project. It is important to plan the project properly, allowing adequate time for each step and enlisting the help of friends to speed up the work. Before starting, it is recommended to consult local building codes and choose tiles made from waterproof materials like glass or porcelain. The process involves removing the existing plastic shower, repairing any damage, waterproofing the area, and installing a new tile shower. This may include marking the tile layout, installing a cement board, applying mortar, and sealing the tile joints. With careful planning and execution, homeowners can achieve a beautiful and durable shower space.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | DIY project that requires time, patience, and specialized tools |
| Preparation | Plan everything properly, allocate time for each step, and consider asking for help |
| Demolition | Remove drywall, plumbing fixtures, and accessories; turn off the water source |
| Surface | Install a cement board, moisture barrier, and vapor barrier; ensure proper waterproofing |
| Installation | Measure and mark layout, cut and fit tiles, apply grout and sealant |
| Finishing | Attach showerhead and faucet, test plumbing, and allow time for drying |
| Tips | Choose waterproof tiles, ensure proper drainage, and select slip-resistant floor tiles |
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What You'll Learn
Planning and preparation
Research and Education:
Before starting any physical work, it is important to conduct thorough research and educate yourself about the process. YouTube is a great resource for visual step-by-step guides, with creators like Isaac Ostram and Sal Diblasi offering valuable insights. Additionally, online forums like the John Bridge tile forum provide a wealth of information and community advice. Understanding the process, potential challenges, and solutions will help you plan effectively.
Select Appropriate Tiles:
Choosing the right tiles is crucial. Ensure that the tiles you select for the shower walls are made of waterproof materials such as glass or porcelain. Avoid porous tiles like natural stone. For the shower floor, safety should be a top priority. Opt for tiles designed to be slip-resistant when wet, as indicated by the tile manufacturer's DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) rating. This information will help you make an informed decision about the tile's suitability for a wet environment.
Gather Tools and Materials:
Before beginning the project, ensure you have all the necessary tools and materials at hand. This includes items like a utility knife, pry bar, hammer, chisel, wire cutters, a hole saw, backer boards, cement or Hardie board, fiberglass mesh tape, thinset mortar, grout, silicone sealant, and, of course, the tiles of your choice. Having everything ready will streamline the installation process and prevent delays.
Prepare the Work Area:
Clear the work area by removing all shower accessories and hardware, including valve handles, the showerhead, and the drain hardware. If possible, leave the shower pan in place and cover it with a blanket or towel to prevent damage. Make sure to turn off the water supply to the bathroom to avoid any accidental water discharge during the renovation process.
Plan the Layout:
Take the time to plan the layout of your tiles before starting the installation. Mark the tile layout on the walls, considering the center points and horizontally marking the first row off the top edge of the shower pan or base. This step ensures that your tiles are evenly spaced and aligned correctly, creating an aesthetically pleasing and functional shower space.
By following these planning and preparation steps, you'll be well on your way to successfully replacing your plastic shower with tile, creating a beautiful and durable showering environment.
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Removing the plastic shower
Removing a plastic shower can be a challenging task, and it is important to plan everything properly and allocate adequate time for each step. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove a plastic shower:
- Remove all shower accessories and hardware, including the showerhead, valve handles, and plumbing fixture trim. You may need to use a utility knife to cut through the seams along the drywall-fiberglass intersections.
- Turn off the water source to the bathroom.
- Remove the drain and drain hardware.
- Pry behind the plastic shower enclosure with a pry bar, starting from one side.
- Remove any remaining drywall and backer board down to the studs. You may need to use a hammer, chisel, pry bar, or wire cutters for this step.
- Clean up the demo debris and use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining tile and mortar dust.
- Inspect the framing to ensure it is structurally sound and adequately reinforced at the corners.
- Prepare the area for tile installation by installing a moisture barrier, such as paper or plastic sheeting, over the studs.
- Install a cement board or a Hardie board, matching the thickness of the existing drywall.
- For extra strength, use self-tapping cement backer board screws or apply a coating of thinset tile mortar to attach the cement board to the studs.
It is important to note that this process may vary depending on the specific characteristics of your shower and the condition of the underlying structure. Always consult a professional or seek advice if you are unsure about any steps or potential issues that may arise.
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Installing a new shower pan
Step 1: Floor Prep
First, you need to ensure that the subfloor area where the shower pan will be installed is completely flat and level. Check the subfloor from left to right and from front to back. If it is not level, apply a self-levelling compound following the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure to use a compound that adheres to the substrate you are installing it over (OSB, cement board, plywood, etc.). Run the compound up to the line you drew along the edge of the shower pan on the subfloor. If necessary, screw a piece of 1x2 along this line to act as a dam to contain the compound. Allow the compound to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Step 2: Dry-Fit the Shower Pan
Place the shower pan in the opening to ensure a proper fit. Check if the shower drain hole lines up with the existing shower drain.
Step 3: Install the Shower Pan
Drill 3/16-inch holes in the flange at each stud location. Test the pan and shower drain connection for leaks. Once you are sure there are no leaks, you can move on to installing the shower walls.
Step 4: Install the Shower Walls
This step involves marking the shower tile layout and installing a moisture barrier. Remove any drywall where the new tile will go and install a cement board. For extra strength, use self-tapping cement backer board screws to affix the cement board sheets. Use fibreglass mesh tape at the corners and seams, installing it with acrylic-modified thinset mortar. Measure the walls and mark centre points horizontally and vertically.
Step 5: Finalize the Installation
Caulk in all shower pan-wall intersection areas. Measure the shower base and purchase a fibreglass shower pan that matches the dimensions. Connect the plumbing components to the fibreglass shower pan drain.
Optional: Heated Floor
For a luxurious upgrade, consider installing a heated floor. This will not only provide a comfortable surface to step onto but also help dry the shower floor more quickly, preventing mould and mildew.
Remember to always plan and prepare adequately, and don't be afraid to seek professional help if needed. Good luck with your shower upgrade!
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Tiling the shower
Tiling a shower is a great way to upgrade your bathroom and create a beautiful, durable shower space. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tile your shower:
Prepare the Shower Area:
- Remove all shower accessories and hardware, including valve handles, the showerhead, and the drain hardware. You may also need to remove the drywall where the new tile will go.
- Cover the shower pan with a blanket or towel to prevent damage.
- If you are removing old tiles, use a utility knife to cut along the drywall-tile intersections and a hammer, chisel, or pry bar to remove the tiles and backer board down to the studs.
- Clean up the debris and use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any remaining tile and mortar dust.
Install the Backer Board:
- Install a moisture barrier, such as plastic sheeting or a 4-mil plastic vapour barrier, over the studs to prevent water damage.
- Install a cement board or a Hardie board, matching the thickness of the existing drywall. Use self-tapping cement backer board screws for extra strength.
- Mark the centre points for each wall and horizontally mark the centre points to guide your tile layout.
Prepare for Tiling:
- Apply a coating of thinset tile mortar over the backer board, keeping it as flat and even as possible.
- Tape joints prior to tiling and fill all joints with mortar.
- Apply waterproofing membrane paint over the entire surface you intend to tile, following the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the paint to dry between coats.
Tile the Shower:
- Choose tiles made of glass, porcelain, or other waterproof materials for the walls. Avoid porous tiles like natural stone.
- For the shower floor, select tiles that are designed to be slip-resistant when wet.
- Plan your tiling layout before starting. Use a tile spacer to ensure an even layout.
- Spread adhesive across the base using a V-notch trowel and press the tiles into place, following your layout plan.
- Allow the adhesive to dry, then seal the edges of each tile with silicone sealant.
Grout and Seal:
- Mix colour-matching grout to a medium consistency and apply it with a rubber grout float.
- Wipe excess grout from the tile's surface and allow it to stiffen. Wash the tiles with a sponge and clean water to remove the haze and any remaining grout.
- Allow the grout to dry for 24 hours, then attach the showerhead and faucet handles.
- Apply caulking around the tile-shower pan intersection and seal the tile and grout joints with a penetrating tile sealant.
By following these steps, you can transform your shower area and create a personalised and functional space. Remember to take your time, plan properly, and always refer to manufacturer instructions and local building codes.
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Sealing the tile
To seal the tile, you will need a penetrating tile sealant. Before applying the sealant, ensure that the grout is clean and free of any haze or residue. It is recommended to clean the grout with a sponge and clean water and allow it to dry for 24 hours before sealing.
There are different types of sealants available, and the application method may vary depending on the product you choose. One common method is to use a brush-tipped applicator to apply the sealant directly to the grout joints. Ensure that the sealant does not get on the tiles themselves, as this may affect the appearance of the tile.
It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific sealant you are using, as each product may have unique requirements for application and curing time. Some sealants may require multiple coats or touch-ups for effective protection.
Sealing your shower tile grout is a relatively straightforward and easy process, but it is time-consuming and requires careful preparation and execution. If you are unsure about the process or the type of sealant to use, it is recommended to consult a professional or seek advice from a tile specialist.
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Frequently asked questions
Replacing a plastic shower with tile can be a DIY project, but it requires time, patience, and some specialised tools. First, you'll need to remove the plastic shower. Then, you can install a new shower pan or shower floor and tile over it.
To remove a plastic shower, you'll need to:
- Turn off the water source to the bathroom.
- Remove plumbing fixtures such as the showerhead and valve handles.
- Remove the drain and drain hardware.
- Use a utility knife to cut a seam along all drywall-shower intersections.
- Pry behind the shower enclosure with a pry bar, starting at one side.
Before tiling a shower, you should:
- Cover the shower pan with a blanket or towel to prevent damage.
- Remove any remaining tile and backer board down to the studs.
- Clean up any debris and dust with a wet/dry vacuum.
- Install a moisture barrier or plastic sheeting over the studs.
- Install a cement board matching the existing drywall thickness.
- Install fiberglass mesh tape at corners and seams using acrylic-modified thinset mortar.
The tiles you use for a shower should be made of glass, porcelain, or other waterproof materials. Avoid porous materials like natural stone. For the shower floor, choose a tile that is designed to be slip-resistant when wet.
To attach tiles to a shower pan or shower floor, you'll need to:
- Measure the shower base and purchase a shower pan that matches the dimensions.
- Connect the plumbing components to the shower pan drain.
- Caulk in all shower pan-wall intersections.
- Measure the walls and mark centre points.
- Mark a first-row starter course off the top edge of the shower pan.
- Mix grout in a clean bucket and apply it with a rubber grout float.
- Wipe excess grout from the tile's surface.
- Allow the grout to stiffen and wash it with a sponge and clean water.
- Allow 24 hours for the grout to dry.
- Attach the showerhead and faucet handles and test the plumbing by turning on the water supply.
- Apply caulking and sealant around the tile-shower pan intersection and tile edges.
