| Small-Bathroom Renovation -- Shower Installation, Part 1 |
From "Bathroom Remodeling"
episode DBR-103 |
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With the bathroom drywall installed, and the new toilet in place, the next major project in the bathroom renovation is the installation of the new shower. Homeowner Sarah Smith, with some help from her father, has attached most of the green-board in her new bath, but before she can finalize this job, she'll need to install the shower unit. Not all the walls in Sarah's new bathroom will be green-board. The shower unit she selected has hard plastic walls that attach directly to the wall-studs. They sit on what's called a neo-angle base. The rest of the kit includes glass walls and a door across the angle. This shower kit is contemporary in appearance, cost effective and relatively easy to put together. Earlier, Sarah's dad cut the hole in the floor for the shower drain, and Sarah installed cut tiles around the drain hole. Steps: - At the suggestion of her plumber, Sarah applies a layer of drywall compound directly onto the tiles where the neo-angle base will sit (figure A). Once this dries, it gives the base a solid foundation.
- With the compound applied to the tiles, the shower base is moved into position( figure B).
- With the shower base installed, Sarah can begin attaching the shower walls. Even though the walls are made of hard plastic, they are fragile and must be handled carefully. The first set Sarah brought home were cracked and had to be returned. In addition to the base and walls, the kit contains glass walls and a door for the front of the shower stall. It is not obvious how all of the parts fit together, so it is particularly important to consult and follow the directions provided by the manufacturer.
- Note: As they bring the shower base into position, Sarah and her dad make a mistake resulting from failing to follow the manufacturer's directions fully. A strainer and length of drainpipe is supposed to be installed in the drain hole at the time of the installation of the shower base. Sarah and her father failed to do so. Once they have set the base into the compound and it hardens, they will have to figure out another way to attach the drain to the rough plumbing under the house. Fixing that mistake will have to come later.
- The first wall includes the corner piece and goes up on the right side (figure C). The nails are fastened through indentations on the flange of the wall. It's a simple job but care must be taken to have the first wall in the exact position.
- The second wall piece needs holes for the showerhead pipe and valve. This is one situation where absolute accuracy is a must. There will be just one chance to get these holes properly positioned and drilled. If they make a mistake, the walls will have to be replaced. Careful measurements are taken (figure D) and transferred onto the plastic wall (figure E).
- For the upper hole, Sarah's dad uses a three-quarter inch boring bit. A piece of 2x4 is placed under the section of wall at the point where the drill will go through. This will keep the plastic from vibrating and possibly splitting or cracking. The larger hole can be drilled with a space bit (figure F). Again, place the wood underneath and proceed slowly.
- Now that the holes are drilled, the second wall is carefully positioned to place.
- After making sure the water is off, Sarah removes the iron pipe nipple where the shower head-pipe will attach (figure G).
- This section slides pretty easily into place. It's connects with molded plastic fittings (figure H) and is secured to the wall studs just like the other side.
- Now Sarah can put up the last piece of green-board (figure I). She had to wait until the shower walls were nailed in because it fits over the plastic flange — creating a clean, even seam.
- Now it's time to sand over the joints Sarah taped a few days ago. For this, she uses a sponge-filled sanding block (figure J). One side is slightly coarser than the other. It can be used dry or — to make the wall as smooth as possible — get it wet for the final finish.
- Once the drywall is sanded smooth, the next important step is preparing it for the final finish. Since Sarah has no plans to tile any part of the walls, she can use primer to cover the wall-board (figure K). She has selected a product that's effective in covering stain. It's especially useful in remodeling situations like this one where old metal plaster-mesh or nail-heads that can rust through drywall mud. The primer let's Sarah cover the walls with just one coat of paint if that's what she chooses, and it also helps wallpaper bond. Further, it makes it possible to strip the paper easily the next time Sarah or a new owner decides this bath needs another makeover.
In the segment that follows, Sarah and her father complete the shower installation, putting in the shower fixtures and glass enclosure.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Book of Kitchen and Bathroom Renovation
Time Life Books
Website: www.timelife.com
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