Metal lath in bathroom tub walls

[Christoff]

Hello, I am in the middle of a bathroom reno, after I removed the tiles I have a massive amount of plaster. When I went through some of the plaster I came across metal lath.I don't see any metal studs behind the lath, am I to assume that I have to rip out all of the metal lath and install steel studs? This job is in a condo that was converted from a hotel into condos about 42 years ago.

 

[Terry]

I've seen metal lath over wood studs before.
There are people that still work with lath and plaster. Typicall with plasterers in their company name.
Or you could consider cutting it out and using some other form of backer.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Christoff]

I'm cutting the lath out tomorrow Terry, and I guess I will see what is back there. If there is no wood then I will have to use steel studs to rebuild it.

 

[Jadnashua]

Wear GOOD gloves and be careful...metal lath has lots of sharp edges, and can tear you up!

Without knowing all of the details, you may need to deal with fire ratings between the units, if that wall is against another unit. ANd, if it is, be careful installing anything, as pounding nails, etc., could damage tile and/ or plaster on the other side as could prying things. In those areas where you're down to the lath, you should be able to poke through and get an idea of what's there around it.

 

[Christoff]

Well there wasn't anything behind the walls but a small steel studs and the lath, so i had to remove the complete wall and install a metal stud wall.

 

[Jadnashua]

FWIW, floated walls for a shower is still considered one of the best ways to get them flat, plumb, and ready for tile. It also works well with a surface applied waterproofing system, should you want to go that route.