Bath remodel recommendations

[valkyrie_grrl]

I am planning to remodel my seriously outdated bathroom. The bathtub/shower area is currently ceramic tile with a half wall opposite the side with the shower/tub fixtures. This side has a piece of glass held in by almuminum, which we will be removing. The current ceramic tile that is old with noticeable repairs, but the walls, etc. are sound. I don't have any tiling experience, so I feel more comfortable using a prefab shower surround.

I am considering putting a shower surround over the tiles without removing them. Has anyone done this with success? Also, I'm wondering if I will be able to cut one of the surround walls in order to accomodate a half wall on one side of the shower area or if this will end up letting in a lot of excess moisture. I am considering using glass block to fill the area that currently has aluminum/glass.

Thanks in advance,
Angie

valkyrie_grrl@yahoo.com

 

[Jimbo]

First, most manufacurers of acrylic of fibreglass surrounds do not recommend putting them over tile, for various reason.

Second, surrounds are somewhat of an entry-level product. Look pretty good, have to be careful with cleaning products, could give 10 to 15 years of service if carefully maintained. I like to think of a bathroom remodel as a project with a 25 year lifespan. Ceramic tile is a lot more labor, but if you do the work yourself, the $$ cost in materials is similar to a surround product. Any of the home stores have frequent classes on how to do tile. It is something which I do feel is DIY friendly. Just keep asking lots of questions. You will want to get good advice on how to waterproof behind the tile , and especially the cap of that stub wall which will have the glass blocks on it. Visit the tile forum www.johnbridge.com for excellent help in these areas.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[JULIE23]

Hi:

I am currently redoing my OUTDATED bathroom and trust me you do not want to cover up any old tile with somethin new. I started my project not day too soon. Perfectly good tile (or so I thought) was rotted major under the tile with black mold etc. Take it all down to the studs. The deeper you dig the more you will see on what needs to be replaced.

This has been my experience. Tile is NOT water proof it leaks and you will be shocked to see what is under there. Ewe!

 

[valkyrie_grrl]

Thanks for the information. I am hacking things up in there right now. All the tile is down now, so it's on to bigger and better things.

Hopefully it's gorgeous when I'm done, but now it looks seriously scary. Ha, ha, ha.

Thanks again!!!!

Angie

 

[Jadnashua]

Go over to www.johnbridge.com and they can guide you through any tiling questions you may have...good place!