How to Replace a Fiberglass Shower With Tile as a Weekend Project

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Bathrooms are one of the most often-used and highlighted areas of a home, and fiberglass showers are one of the first things that may require updating in this key area. Clean, sparkly tile shower walls update an old, outdated fiberglass surround.

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A DIY tile shower weekend project is achievable as long as you plan everything properly and allocate adequate time for each required step. Asking for a friend's help — especially in removing the fiberglass surround — can help speed up the work.

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How to Replace a Fiberglass Shower With Tile

Step 1: Remove the Fiberglass Shower Surround

Remove the fiberglass shower surround. Use a utility knife to cut a seam along all drywall-fiberglass intersections. Turn off the bathroom's water source. Remove plumbing fixture trim, such as valve handles and the showerhead. Remove the drain and drain hardware.

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Pry behind the fiberglass shower enclosure with a pry bar, starting at the left or right side. Solicit the aid of a partner or friend to wedge and pry the fiberglass enclosure away from the walls. Carry away and properly dispose of the fiberglass enclosure.

Step 2: Install a Moisture Barrier

Mark the shower tile layout. Remove drywall where the new tile will go. Install a moisture barrier paper or plastic sheeting over the studs. Install a cement board matching the existing drywall thickness. For extra strength, use self-tapping cement backer board screws to affix the cement board sheets. Use fiberglass mesh tape at corners and seams. Install the fiberglass mesh tape with acrylic-modified thinset mortar.

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Step 3: Install the Shower Pan

Measure the shower base. Purchase a fiberglass shower pan that matches the shower base dimensions. Connect the plumbing components to the fiberglass shower pan drain. Caulk in all shower pan-wall intersection areas.

Step 4: Lay the Tile

Measure the walls. Mark a center point for each wall. Horizontally mark the center points. Mark a first-row starter course off the fiberglass pan's top edge. For example, make a 4-inch mark if using 4-inch tile, an 8-inch mark if using 8-inch tile and so forth. Mix latex-modified thinset mortar in a bucket.

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Start laying tiles at the center of the wall and move up. Cut corner pieces with either a wet saw or hand-guided tile cutter. Use tile nippers or a 4-inch grinder for cutting out rough plumbing. Allow 24 hours for the tile to dry.

Step 5: Apply the Grout

Mix a color-matching grout in a clean bucket. Mix the grout by hand to a medium consistency. Apply the grout with a rubber grout float. Wipe excess grout from the tile's surface, using a grout float. Allow the grout to stiffen and wash it with a sponge and clean water. Allow time for the grout to dry and develop a slight haze on the tile. Clean the haze and any remaining grout with a sponge and clean water. Allow 24 hours for the grout to dry.

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Step 6: Install the Plumbing Fixture Trim

Attach the showerhead and faucet handles and test the plumbing by turning on the water supply. Apply caulking around the tile-shower pan intersection. Seal the tile and grout joints with a penetrating tile sealant.

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