Sometimes the small preparation items make all the difference in the end success of a Job. Follow along with Plumber John In “Shower Stall Preparation”. The second chapter of a Bathroom Remodel. This Week in “Tales From The Jobsite”

I Start Shower Stall Preparation by Adding Solid Wood Backer Boards & Wall Studs

It is important that all walls are properly supported. I start the shower stall preparation by adding studs in the corners where they are missing. Then I take measurements for the rough location of my grab bar. I mount the grab bar backer boards, make notes on their location and save the notes in my job file. A grab bar is useless without the proper backing in the wall to support it. After that, I add studs at the edge of where I will install the wall tile for backing support of the oil rub bronze aluminum tile trim edge.

Patch Shower Stall Subfloor, Fire Caulk Cracks & Piping Penetrations

Because I am changing a tub to a shower base I will need to patch the subfloor where the tub drain overflow assembly used to be mounted. Then I fill cracks and shower valve piping penetrations with fire caulk. It is important in shower stall preparation that the floor is patched, level, and sealed.

Exterior Shower Stall Wall Preparation

The rear wall of the shower is an exterior wall. Exterior walls require extra steps for proper shower stall preparation. After I have added studs to support the oil-rub bronze tile trim, I then reset the insulation and vapor barrier.

In Conclusion: These small details will make a large difference in the finished shower. Shower stall preparation is worth the time spent

The Information in this blog post is in no way an instruction manual. Many of the procedures described require a licensed plumber to perform.