What Kind Of Drywall Goes Under A Tub Surround?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

Can you install a tub surround over drywall?


Adhesive surround kits can be installed over just about any flat wall surface

in good condition, including tile or drywall. But because the panels are glued, the walls need to be clean so that the adhesive will make good contact. Walls that are damaged will also need to be patched first.

Can you put tub surround over drywall?

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.

How do you install a tub surround on drywall?

  1. To install the panels, be sure to use an adhesive specially designed for glue-up tub surrounds. …
  2. Apply it with a caulk gun in a zigzag pattern across the entire section you need to seal.
  3. Then use a notched trowel to spread it around evenly on the wall. …
  4. Do not apply the adhesive to more than one section at a time.

How do you finish drywall around a bathtub?

If your gap is smaller than

1/8 inch in

width, use regular caulk; fill gaps larger than 1/8 inch with a sanded caulk. Make sure the gap is clean and dry, then squeeze a thin, even bead of caulk into the space. To get the best coverage, cut the tip of the caulk tube so the bead that emerges completely fills the gap.

What is the best backer board for a shower?


Cement board

is a good, reliable backer board that works well on both floors and walls. Keep in mind that most tile setters err on the side of caution and brush a waterproofing membrane on top of cement board when it is in wet areas like showers or tub surrounds.

What material is best for tub surround?


Acrylic

.

Acrylic

is an exceedingly popular choice for bathtub surrounds—and for good reason. Unlike expensive natural stone or tile that comes with high-maintenance grout lines, acrylic features a smooth surface that pairs well with any aesthetic and is a breeze to keep clean.

Do you install shower before drywall?

If you’re unsure whether the drywall in your bathroom has such a membrane,

it is important to install one before you install your shower surround over drywall

.

How do you fill the gap between shower surround and drywall?

Shower stalls usually have a flange that gets nailed to the studs, and its outer edge gets covered when you install drywall. This leaves a gap between the edge of the drywall and the stall that you have to fill with

silicone caulk

, using a caulking gun.

What goes behind shower walls?

Rigid air barrier materials for use behind showers and tubs include

fiber-cement, fiber-reinforced gypsum, glass mat gypsum

, or fiber mat-reinforced cementitious backer panels.

How do I repair drywall next to shower?


Apply drywall mud to the seams

and screw holes, then apply drywall tape over the mud. Smooth out the tape and mud with a drywall knife, squeezing the excess out from under the tape. Apply a thin coat of mud over the tape, smoothing the edges. Allow the mud to dry to the touch and sand with the drywall sandpaper.

How do you cut around a tub surround?

  1. Place the tub surround’s cardboard carton or a large sheet of cardboard over the top of the tub and mark the areas to trim, such as around the faucet and spout, with a pencil.
  2. Cut out the areas marked for the faucet and spout on the cardboard carton with a pair of scissors.

How do you trim around a bathtub?

  1. Measure the length of the base of the tub. …
  2. Clean the area around the base of the tub with soap-scum remover and water, instructs Floor City. …
  3. Cut the tip off a tube of plastic trim adhesive at a 45-degree angle with a utility knife. …
  4. Press the baseboard into place along the bottom edge of the bathtub.

Which is better durock or Hardibacker?

Durock is too abrasive and can damage vinyl, porcelain, and enamel.

HardieBacker

does not contain any course materials, so it is the preferable choice. It has a warranty that extends over the use of vinyl tile applications. Durock does not.

Can I use green board in my shower?

So what does all this mean? It means “Greenboard

” can still be used in bathrooms

(and other areas), it just cannot be used as a backer for tile in a shower or tub surround. It can be used in areas not subject to direct water exposure (tub/shower surround), and areas of noncontinuous high humidity (bathrooms).

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.