[alfamale]

Right now I have a fiberglass shower and I'am wanting to replace that into a tile shower. I really don't know how to go about taking the current shower out and installing tile. Quess that I need a lot of help. This is my first project in my new home and need some good advice/pointers.

[KBC]

At the top and the edges of the stalls are lips where the unit is nailed to the studs,you will need to remove the wall area around the tub,just the area around the units perimeter.(about 1 1/2 - 2 inches)

Disconnecting the drain will require a few nuts to be removed below the floor, there should be access to the drain(and trap)

Most drains will thread out like a screw,if there is a cross in the drain opening(across the middle of the drain itself),use a pair of pliers (handle in the cross),to hold the drain top from moving while someone else turns the pipe below.This is just speculation on my part,not seeing the exact shower.

The water lines will be accessed through the wall somewhere also,shut off the water to the shower(and replace the shut-offs when installing the new,better to do now than when they fail,which most do eventually)

Once all accessories are removed,the unit should slide out in one piece(if it was a one piece)

Making the new area ready for tile will require new greenboard for the walls,whatever tub you are going to install will dictate how much greenboard, see MFGR specs.

A new trap would also be a good idea,again,better now than later.

A call to a plumber to look over your work would be advisable as this is your first attempt.

If you run into a problem and can't quite figure it out,have a contractor handy to seek a pro's help.

[mtconc]

Kbc that is some good advice..
alfamale you may consider using cement board above the tub area..
You don't have to but I would suggest it.. keep us posted we love to help

[pattyg2]

Just did one and we use a dewalt rotary tool with a ceramic tile cutting bit. Set the depth of the bit to the depth of the drywall and keeping the guide on the tool to follow the edge of the surround is perfect to reveal the flange of the surround. Use a 5 in one tool to cut through the caulking and peel the drywall off the flange. Once the flange is exposed you can cut through the fiberglass and remove in sections. Just keep the depth of the bit to the depth of the drywall on the flat surfaceces and increase it to cut out the corners.

http://www.toolfetch.com/Category/Po...ters/DW660.htm


If it's an exterior wall insulate it and use a vapor barrier. Also use cement backer board for your tiles.
http://www.roomzaar.com/rate-my-spac...esi?oid=539170
Also consider getting a preformed shower floor so you don't have to build one out of mud. Swanstone has some and you can get the model number and have Home Depot order it for you to save some money.
http://swanstoneproducts.com/mm5/mer...gory_Code=SWFN