How Do I Prepare Walls & Install a Tub in a New Bathroom?

Alcove bathtubs are one of the most common types of bathtubs on the market. Alcove bathtubs fit between three walls in a bathroom. The walls create an alcove around the tub, hence the name. Once installed, the walls surrounding the bathtub need to able to withstand excessive moisture. You must properly prepare these walls for the installation of a new tub and wall tile.

• 1

  Slide the bathtub into the alcove walls with a partner. Check the proper fit of the tub within the walls and check the existing plumbing lines up with the new tub.

• 2

  Place a level on the top of the tub. Slide wooden shims under the edges of the tub until the level indicates that the top of the bathtub is level.

• 3

  Mark the top of the bathtub nailing flange on each of the wall studs with a pencil. Secure the bathtub by screwing the exterior grade screws through the nailing flange of the bathtub and into each of the wall studs.

• 4

  Connect the drain and water supply pipes. Fit and connect the overflow drain. Pull the slip connection over the drain pipe and tighten the nuts with a wrench. Wrap plumber's putty around the drain, and twist the drain into place. Tighten the strainer cap on the drain with a wrench.

• 5

  Cover the walls surrounding the bathtub with cement backer board. Screw the backer board directly to the wall studs with exterior grade screws. Cover the seams between pieces of backer board with thin set mortar and fiberglass mesh. Let the thin set mortar dry completely.

• 6

  Cut tiles to size with a tile saw. Spread thin set mortar over the cement backer board with a notched trowel. Begin at the bottom of the walls, directly above the tub.

• 7

  Press the tiles into the thin set mortar. Work from the bottom of the wall to the top of the wall, placing tile spacers between each tile. Let the thin set mortar dry overnight.

• 8

  Spread grout into the tile joints with a grout float. Wipe away excess grout with a damp grout sponge. Let the grout dry overnight.

• 9

  Caulk the space between the tiles and the tub. Install the bathtub spout per manufacturer directions.