Wall Water Features

How do I tile shower walls when existing fiber glass shower-tub is removed and metal tub is put in its place.?

The shower-tub is attached directly to the wood studs. when we remove it, there won't be any sheet rock attached to the studs. What do we use, sheet rock or something else to fill in the void. How do we make sure the walls will be water proofed before we install the tile? What's the best tile to use (size) and other features?

Public Comments

1. use dura rock or similar(green board if nec.) to fill the void.dont worry about waterproofing walls -the tile and grout does this.tile size is your choice but 4x6 or 6x6 will be less grouting than 4x4's----good luck!
2. cement board..under lament.....Go to your Home Depot tell them you are redoing your bathroom walls..they will show you different products...Do not use reg sheet rock ...it is not water proof...for tile....try Subway Tile...it is smaller and had a crisp clean look to it....do your homework first have all your materials and tools before you begin...order extra tiles...if you break or have to replace them....have a budget...this way you can know what you can spend....spend a little more on the faucets...brush nickle is good...show no water spots..
3. You should definitly use concrete board, not sheetrock. Some people use green board (water resistant sheetrock), but it is worth the little bit more money for water proof concrete board. Another option is if you wanted to use sheetrock for some reason, there is a product called ditra that you can attach to the sheetrock that will be your waterproofing, but it is more expensive than just using the concrete board in the first place. The size of tiles is up to you, and the look you are going for. I have used anywhere from 1x1 mosaic tiles (glass1x1's are beautiful, but usually expensive) up to 12x12 floor tiles on a tub surround, and everything inbetween. Most people prefer the least amount of grout lines as possible, and this can be achieved by using a larger tile. Many floor tiles can be used for a tub surround. You will want to use a coordinating bullnose for a finished edge. Or a trick I have used very successfully is to use a 4x4 tumbled marble to trim out the edges of a tub surround that has a 12x12 or 13x13 stone look ceramic or porcaline tile. It looks very nice, and provides that finished edge. Subway tile are beautiful (3x6, 4x6, or other brick shape), and will give that vintage look. Glass is very contemporary, but can mix well with other tiles as an accent. There are many beautifu natural stones, but I would reccomend sticking with a ceramic or porcaline (maybe trim with tumbled marble) for a do-it-yourselfer,as they are more difficult to install. Be sure to seal your grout (and if you use any natural stone, seal it too!) Good luck!