Mansfield Shower Surround (2024)

FAQs

What is the best material to use behind shower walls? ›

Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints. Don't use paper-faced backer board, i.e., paper-faced drywall, behind seamed tub and shower enclosures.

A high-quality glass shower enclosure should probably last about 20 to 30 years if properly maintained, but there are many nuanced details that can affect this general lifespan.

You should be able to source a new shower enclosure exactly the same size as your existing and, provided that you have a good plumber / bathroom fitter, they should also be able to fit this directly over the existing holes in the walls where your old shower screen was fixed.

Apply the shower surround adhesive to the wall, and use a trowel to spread it over the entire surface where the panel will go. As you do, try to keep the adhesive inside the lines. Press the back panel onto the wall. Press it firmly against the wall to make it adhere properly.

Cement backer board, such as HardieBacker and Durock, is a popular choice due to their exceptional durability and resistance to moisture. It's made from a cement and fiber mixture, making it perfect for wet areas like showers.

The short answer to the question is, “It's not recommended.” However, this answer only really only suffices if you're converting a room that was never a bathroom into a wet space. Drywall on its own is not suitable for use in bathrooms because it is prone to absorbing moisture and thus losing structural integrity.

The overall cost of installing tile walls is higher than acrylic wall surrounds when considering factors such as mortar, grout, and special tools. Keeping your tile shower walls clean can also be labor-intensive.

When you're taking about a shower, water gets everywhere. If the tile doesn't go to the ceiling, the section of the shower with paint and drywall will get wet. Paint and drywall is not water proof, so, overtime you may have problems with mold and decay.

The average cost range for tiling a shower is between $1,800 and $5,000, with most people paying around $2,700 for a 3' x 4' shower with 8' walls tiled in ceramic with a running bond pattern and mosaic floor.

Other than a good finish material and a waterproofing base, caulking probably plays the most important role in preventing water damage to your beautiful shower enclosure.

How do you finish the edge of a shower surround? ›

Finish the installation by mudding and sanding the bead. Now remove the tear-off strip for a clean finished edge. Finally, to prevent moisture intrusion, caulk the gap between the Shower Bead and the shower/bath unit.

Loctite Power Grab Tub Surround Interior Construction Adhesive has been specifically designed to bond most bathroom and shower enclosures. It resists moisture, steam, water, heat or cold when fully cured. Loctite Power Grab Tub Surround has very low odor and requires only soap and water to clean up.

The insulation behind the tub or shower should be equivalent to the insulation in the rest of the exterior walls and should be covered with an air barrier of cement backer board, rigid foam insulation, or non-paper-faced drywall that is sealed at the edges and seams to provide a continuous air seal.

3Waterproof the shower walls

Paint a coat of waterproofing where your reinforcing membrane will be installed. Then put the membrane on the still wet area. Now apply another coat over the top, flattening the membrane with your brush as you go.

Tile is a highly durable and water-resistant material used in rooms with a lot of water exposure such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry/mudrooms. There are many different materials used to make tiles including ceramic, porcelain, glass, marble, and granite.

Acrylic panels

A completely non-porous and waterproof material, it can be used to cover a full wall or as a decorative wainscoting wall accent. Acrylic is one of the most cost-effective materials for your bathroom.