How to Install a 3-Piece Bathtub Surround | Step-by-Step Guide

How to Install a 3 Piece Bathtub Surround

A bathtub surround is a great way to add style and protection to your bathtub. It can also help to make your bathroom look more spacious. If you’re handy, you can install a 3 piece bathtub surround yourself. This guide will walk you through the process, step-by-step.

We’ll cover everything you need to know, from choosing the right surround to measuring and cutting the tiles. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to install a beautiful and functional bathtub surround that will make your bathroom look amazing.

Step	Instructions	Image
1	Measure the bathtub and the surround to make sure they are the correct size.
2	Prepare the bathtub by removing the old surround, if there is one.
3	Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the edge of the bathtub.
4	Attach the surround to the bathtub using the provided screws or adhesive.
5	Seal the seams between the surround and the bathtub with silicone caulk.

How to Install a 3 Piece Bathtub Surround

1. Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, gather all of the materials you will need to install your new bathtub surround. This will include:

• 3-piece bathtub surround kit. This kit will include all of the necessary components for your installation, including the bathtub surround itself, the faucet, the drain, and the hardware.
• Measuring tape. You will need a measuring tape to measure the dimensions of your bathtub and the area where you will be installing the surround.
• Level. A level will help you ensure that the surround is installed level.
• Pencil. You will need a pencil to mark the location of the new surround on the wall.
• Tape measure. A tape measure will help you measure the distance between the studs in the wall.
• Combination/socket wrench. You will need a combination/socket wrench to tighten the screws that hold the surround in place.
• Drill. You will need a drill to drill holes in the wall for the screws.
• Saw. You may need a saw to cut the drywall around the bathtub.
• Safety glasses. Safety glasses will protect your eyes from flying debris.
• Work gloves. Work gloves will protect your hands from the sharp edges of the drywall and the screws.

2. Prepare the Surround Area

Before you can install the new surround, you will need to prepare the surrounding area. This will include removing the old surround, if necessary, and cleaning the area around the bathtub.

Removing the Old Surround

If you are replacing an existing bathtub surround, you will first need to remove the old surround. To do this, you will need to:

1. Turn off the water supply to the bathtub.
2. Drain the water from the bathtub.
3. Remove the faucet and drain.
4. Remove the screws that hold the surround in place.
5. Carefully pry the surround away from the wall.

Cleaning the Area Around the Tub

Once the old surround is removed, you will need to clean the area around the bathtub. This will help to ensure that the new surround is installed properly. To clean the area, you will need to:

1. Remove any debris from the area around the bathtub.
2. Wipe down the walls with a damp cloth.
3. Allow the area to dry completely.

Marking the Location of the New Surround

Once the area around the bathtub is clean, you will need to mark the location of the new surround. To do this, you will need to:

1. Measure the dimensions of the new surround.
2. Mark the location of the surround on the wall using a pencil.
3. Make sure that the surround is level.

3. Install the New Surround

Now that you have prepared the surrounding area, you can begin installing the new surround. To do this, you will need to:

1. Cut the drywall around the bathtub.
2. Install the backer board.
3. Install the fiberglass surround.
4. Install the faucet and drain.
5. Caulk the joints.

Cutting the Drywall

If necessary, you will need to cut the drywall around the bathtub to make room for the new surround. To do this, you will need to:

1. Use a utility knife to score the drywall.
2. Use a hammer and chisel to break the drywall away from the wall.

Installing the Backer Board

Once the drywall is cut, you will need to install a backer board behind the surround. This will help to prevent the surround from cracking or breaking. To install the backer board, you will need to:

1. Cut the backer board to size.
2. Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the back of the backer board.
3. Press the backer board into place against the wall.
4. Secure the backer board to the wall with screws.

Installing the Fiberglass Surround

The next step is to install the fiberglass surround. To do this, you will need to:

1. Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the back of the surround.
2. Press the surround into place against the wall.
3. Secure the surround to the wall with screws.

Installing the Faucet and Drain

Once the surround is installed, you can install the faucet and drain. To do this, you will need to:

1. Follow the instructions that came with your faucet and drain.
2

How to Install a 3-Piece Bathtub Surround

Installing a 3-piece bathtub surround is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the surround is installed correctly and that the bathtub is watertight.

Tools and Materials

To install a 3-piece bathtub surround, you will need the following tools and materials:

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Level
• Combination square
• Saw
• Drill
• Screwdriver
• Caulking gun
• Silicone sealant
• Tub and tile adhesive
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves

Step 1: Prepare the Surround

Before you begin installing the surround, you will need to prepare it by removing the old surround, if necessary, and cleaning the area around the bathtub.

To remove the old surround, you will need to remove the screws that hold it in place. If the screws are rusted or difficult to remove, you can use a heat gun or a chisel to loosen them. Once the screws are removed, you can carefully pry the surround away from the wall.

Once the old surround is removed, you will need to clean the area around the bathtub. This will help to ensure that the new surround is installed properly and that there is no water damage.

Step 2: Mark the Location of the Surround

Once the area around the bathtub is clean, you will need to mark the location of the surround. To do this, you will need to measure the width and height of the bathtub and then mark the corresponding measurements on the wall.

It is important to make sure that the surround is level before you mark its location. You can use a level to check the level of the wall. If the wall is not level, you will need to shim it before you install the surround.

Step 3: Install the Surround

Once you have marked the location of the surround, you can begin installing it. To do this, you will need to assemble the surround according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once the surround is assembled, you can install it to the wall using the screws that are provided. It is important to make sure that the screws are tight enough to hold the surround in place, but not so tight that they damage the surround.

You will also need to caulk the joints between the surround and the wall. This will help to create a watertight seal and prevent water from seeping behind the surround.

Step 4: Finish the Installation

Once the surround is installed, you can finish the installation by installing the faucet and other plumbing fixtures. You will also need to fill the bathtub with water and test for leaks.

To test for leaks, fill the bathtub with water and let it sit for a few hours. If there are any leaks, you will need to repair them before using the bathtub.

Tips for Installing a 3-Piece Bathtub Surround

Here are a few tips for installing a 3-piece bathtub surround:

• Make sure the surround is level before you install it.
• Use a sealant to prevent water from seeping behind the surround.
• Caulk the joints between the surround and the wall to create a watertight seal.
• Test the installation for leaks by filling the bathtub with water.

By following these tips, you can install a 3-piece bathtub surround correctly and ensure that your bathtub is watertight.

Installing a 3-piece bathtub surround is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that the surround is installed correctly and that the bathtub is watertight.

By following the tips in this guide, you can install a 3-piece bathtub surround correctly and enjoy your new bathtub for years to come.

Q: What are the tools and materials I will need to install a 3 piece bathtub surround?

A: You will need the following tools and materials:

• Tape measure
• Level
• Pencil
• Combination square
• Saw
• Drill
• Sander
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Caulk
• Silicone sealant
• Grout
• Tile sponge
• Tile trowel
• Mud pan
• Notched trowel
• Sponge brush

Q: How do I prepare the bathtub for the surround?

A: To prepare the bathtub for the surround, you will need to:

1. Remove the old bathtub surround, if there is one.
2. Clean the bathtub thoroughly with a degreaser and a sponge.
3. Apply a coat of waterproofing sealant to the bathtub.
4. Allow the sealant to dry completely.

Q: How do I install the backer board?

A: To install the backer board, you will need to:

1. Cut the backer board to size.
2. Apply a bead of construction adhesive to the back of the backer board.
3. Press the backer board into place against the bathtub.
4. Use a nail gun to secure the backer board to the wall.

Q: How do I install the tiles?

A: To install the tiles, you will need to:

1. Cut the tiles to size.
2. Apply a thin coat of thinset mortar to the back of the tiles.
3. Press the tiles into place on the backer board.
4. Use a rubber mallet to tap the tiles into place.
5. Allow the thinset mortar to dry completely.

Q: How do I grout the tiles?

A: To grout the tiles, you will need to:

1. Mix the grout according to the package directions.
2. Apply the grout to the joints between the tiles.
3. Use a grout float to spread the grout into the joints.
4. Wipe away any excess grout with a damp sponge.
5. Allow the grout to dry completely.

Q: How do I seal the bathtub surround?

A: To seal the bathtub surround, you will need to:

1. Apply a coat of silicone sealant to the edges of the surround.
2. Allow the sealant to dry completely.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when installing a 3 piece bathtub surround?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when installing a 3 piece bathtub surround include:

• Not preparing the bathtub properly.
• Not using the right tools and materials.
• Installing the backer board incorrectly.
• Installing the tiles incorrectly.
• Grouting the tiles incorrectly.
• Sealing the bathtub surround incorrectly.

By following these tips, you can avoid these common mistakes and install a beautiful and durable bathtub surround that will last for years to come.

Installing a 3-piece bathtub surround is a relatively simple project that can be completed in a few hours. By following the steps in this guide, you can be confident that you will have a beautiful and functional new bathtub surround in no time.

Here are the key takeaways from this article:

• Before you begin, make sure you have all of the necessary tools and materials.
• Carefully measure and mark the area where you will be installing the surround.
• Use a level to ensure that the surround is installed evenly.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching the surround to the bathtub.
• Seal the seams between the surround and the bathtub to prevent leaks.

By following these steps, you can install a 3-piece bathtub surround with confidence.

Here are some additional tips for a successful installation:

• Use a waterproof sealant around the perimeter of the bathtub to prevent leaks.
• Apply a bead of caulk around the top of the surround to create a watertight seal.
• Use a stud finder to locate the studs behind the wall where you will be attaching the surround. This will help you to ensure that the surround is securely installed.
• If you are not comfortable with DIY projects, consider hiring a professional to install your bathtub surround.