Can I put a shower wall surround kit directly on plaster?
Question:
Answers:
Unwise, in my opinion.
My husband has been a Home-Builder for 3o years and I will tell you that you should always install Hardi Backer Board or similar product before installing shower for protection from leaks and general sturdiness. This product can be purchased at Home Depot or Lowe's, etc.
Wishing you the best with you project.
Hope my opinion helps.
As long as it fits, yes
I pretty much agree with Franks wife, and have been in the trades a long time. Very often shower/tub surrounds are installed over drywall, and not always green board, which is pretty ineffective in that area anyway.
Best would be tear out the wall material and add new substrate...concrete backer board... Brand/trade Names not withstanding; considering possible problems after an install with the plastered wall behind.
You might also consider the Mil thickness of the surround. I opt for thick wall, as it is more sturdy, though not as flexible. That is my choice especially in surrounds that have soap shelves etc. molded into them.
Steven Wolf
Everyone seems to be giving you right answers. The fact of the matter is that in moisture prone areas such as the bathroom a moisture resistant substrate would be ideal but, I wouldn't replace all the sheet rock just to have it in that area. However, more then likely you will do significant damage to your walls removing the old tub surround and replacing it with moisture resistant sheet rock would be a good idea. As far as getting a thicker tub surround if you want soap dishes and such goes well, if your budget only allows or you prefer a thinner surround and it has soap dishes in it you can make them more rigid. You would do this by flipping the panels over that has the soap dishes on them and filling the spaces with an expanding foam such as 'Great Stuff". That will fill the void and make the soap dishes on a thin tub surround rigid. Just make sure you use an adhesive that is specifically designed for Tub Surround Installation.
More Related Questions & Answers...