| Throughout a series of articles, I am going | | | | airtight seal.o Pre-cut the cement backer boards |
| through the steps involved for remodeling a | | | | to fit around the tub surround. Allow the backer |
| bathroom. In this article, we are going to discuss | | | | board to sit ¼ inch off the bathtub deck.o |
| the preparation process after the bathroom | | | | Measure and mark for the pipes that need to be |
| demolition is complete. | | | | cut out. Drill the holes using a carbide hole saw. Drill |
| What do you do now? I outlined the steps | | | | the holes a ¼ inch wider than the pipes.o |
| involved for tile installation. | | | | Screw the backer boards to the studs with |
| Step 1: | | | | corrosion resistant screws as per the |
| · Clean the bathroom.o Remove any | | | | manufacturer's recommendations.o Tape the |
| screws or nails in the wall that are exposed.o | | | | joints with seam tape made for backer boards. |
| Vacuum the floor to remove any construction | | | | This tape can be bought at your local building |
| debris left from the demolition.o Check exposed | | | | supply store. It is usually located in the drywall |
| framing for any water damage or rotting wood. | | | | supply section or tile section and is labeled for |
| Repair any framing as needed.o Check exposed | | | | cement backer boards. Follow the manufacturer's |
| framing for plumbness. Any framing out of square | | | | recommendation for mixing the thinset mortar.o |
| will affect the tile and or bathtub. Repair any | | | | Apply mortar over the tape and let dry for 24 |
| framing as needed. | | | | hours. |
| Step 2: | | | | Step 4: |
| · Install bathtub.o Slide the bathtub into | | | | · Prepare floor for tile.o Pre-cut the |
| place; be sure to check that the bathtub is level. | | | | cement backer boards to fit the floor layout.o |
| Use plastic shims to level the bathtub, if needed. | | | | Dry fit the backer boards to ensure they will fit |
| Once the bathtub is level, mark the top of the | | | | properly. Leave a 1/8 inch gap between backer |
| nailing flange.o Remove the bathtub and install 2x4 | | | | boards and 1/4 inch gap between the walls and |
| ledger boards to the wall studs. The bathtub will | | | | bathtub.o Remove the backer boards.o Install a |
| rest on the ledger boards once the bathtub is in | | | | thin layer of mortar (approximately 1/8 of an inch |
| place.o Some bathtubs need to be set in thin set | | | | thick) with a notched trowel onto the subfloor. |
| to help support the bottom. Mix the thin set as | | | | Firmly press the backer boards onto the thin set. |
| you would for tile and apply a solid base where | | | | Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for |
| the bathtub will be placed. Be sure to read and | | | | mixing the mortar.o Start on the inside of the |
| follow the manufacturer's recommendation for | | | | room and work your way out. Only spread |
| installing your bathtub.o Make sure the tub is still | | | | enough thinset mortar on the floor for the size of |
| level when placed on the ledger board and on the | | | | the backer board you are laying down. Keep the |
| thin set, if needed. If the bathtub is not level, | | | | backer board in as large sections as possible.o |
| adjust the ledger boards and thin set as | | | | Screw the backer board to the subfloor with |
| necessary.o Connect the drain pipes and overflow | | | | corrosion resistant screws as per the |
| valve.o Connect the nailing flange to the framing | | | | manufacturer's recommendations.o Tape the |
| studs. Follow the manufacturer's | | | | joints with seam tape made for backer boards.o |
| recommendations. | | | | Apply thin set mortar over the tape and let dry |
| Step 3: | | | | for 24 hours. |
| · Prepare shower surround for tile.o The | | | | Step 5: |
| framing studs should be exposed where the tile is | | | | · Prime and paint the walls and ceiling.o |
| going to be installed in the shower. Any necessary | | | | Repair any drywall damage with joint compound.o |
| framing repair should be completed.o Vacuum the | | | | Prime both ceiling and the walls.o Paint ceiling and |
| bathtub out as necessary to remove any | | | | the walls.o I prefer to paint at this point because I |
| construction debris.o Protect the bathtub with | | | | do not have to worry about getting paint on |
| drop cloths.o Create a vapor barrier between the | | | | newly set tile. You also have the option to paint |
| framing studs and backer boards. You can use | | | | at some point later in the remodel. |
| asphalt felt roofing paper, or plastic sheathing as a | | | | Now you are ready to set your tile. The |
| vapor barrier. Attach the felt paper to the | | | | bathroom remodel at this stage is about half way |
| framing studs with staples. Overlap the felt paper | | | | complete. |
| 6 to 8 inches vertically and 2 to 4 inches | | | | Check and double check to make sure everything |
| horizontally.o Allow the felt paper to overlap the | | | | is done correctly! If at any point you are not |
| nailing flange on the bathtub.o Apply a bead of | | | | comfortable, take a step back and higher the |
| silicone sealant on the bathtub nailing flange and | | | | proper professional. Always follow the local and |
| between the felt paper.o Push the felt paper to | | | | national building codes. |
| the sealant on the nailing flange to create an | | | | |