Upgrading to a Tile Shower
Learn from a pro tilesetter how to remove an old bathtub and replace it with a custom tile shower.
Synopsis: In this remodel, tilesetter Tom Meehan tears out an old fiberglass tub and surround, then replaces them with a limestone-covered walk-in shower. The article discusses options for the base, but focuses on the tile installation, which includes a tiled bench and a shampoo shelf.
When fiberglass shower units were first introduced in the 1970s, they were the stars of the plumbing world. Inexpensive and relatively easy to install, they didn’t crack and were easy to clean. Fiberglass units had their own problems, but they worked. These days, bathrooms area big renovation target for many homeowners who might not know how to deal with their old fiberglass tub/shower units. For this project, I removed the old tub unit in pieces, did a little carpentry, and had the plumber relocate the drain and mixing valve for about $400 or $500. After that, the job was like any other: a site-built…
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