Completely re-doing a tub surround, using 3×6″ white subway tile. Need to put in a soap dish (and towel bar). Having a bad case of brain lock.
The soap dish is about 5×7″ and has a 4×4″ lug on the back, so obviously it is meant to overlap the field tiles. I’ll leave out a space a bit larger than 4×4 … and that’s where the brain goes into hibernation.
Should I grout the filed tiles first, then attach the soap dish with PL and caulk, or what’s the best method?
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell’em “Certainly, I can!” Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
Replies
You are correct Sir! I would use some thinset myself--What is you backer? Please don't say DW. Set it on -tape it to the wall-which is dry grout and caulk around when set. Don't try to grout this joint. It won't last.
BTW Soap on a rope doesn't need a dish. LOL Mike
The tile is being set on 1/2" hardiebacker over a membrane over 1/2" sheetrock.
BTW, the client has complained about the master shower leaking and damaging the kitchen ceiling below. And the ceiling is really a mess ... obvious water damage. When this bath is finished, I get to tear out the master and completely re-do it. Anyway, the master shower backs up to the tub surround that I am doing now. The plumber and I looked at the backside of the shower, and we can't see any shower pan liner at all. No wonder the ceiling is damaged.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt
After doing my own custom shower pan and getting excellent results, I have been showing it to some friends and potential clients. There is some interest. I don't want to get into anybody's business or hijack this thread, but, I would be interested in what the going rate is for this type of work.Les Barrett Quality Construction
For a custom shower demo, rough out, plumbing fixes, pre-slope, membrane, setting bed, and tile: About $4K plus, depending on tile selection and design.
Its the most expensive square footage in the home.
Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
Thanks. I had thought it would be somewhere between three and seven. It was an awful lot of work and my biggest worry was that I would get something wrong and have to redo.Les Barrett Quality Construction
Never ceases to amaze me how some stuff is done, what is even more incredible is that is acually works--at least for a while.
Sounds like you have it all under control--Glad it's working out for you . Mike
Poke a couple of 1 1/2" holes in the substrate. Set the soap dish with a large blob of well placed modified grout on the back. The grout will smush through the holes and bite the substrate.
You may have to hold it for several minutes until the grout sets well enough to clean up. While you are holding it, remove excess with other hand.
Eric
I Love A Hand That Meets My Own,
With A Hold That Causes Some Sensation.
When we redid our upstairs bath it was recommended to attach the soap dish and towel rod ends with silicone bathtub caulk. This is what we did. It's been about 12 years, and no problems so far.