FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Stronger shower surround walls

WillieWonka | Posted in General Discussion on November 2, 2007 06:13am

I have a customer that likes to lean against the shower walls in the AM while they wake up in the shower. They asked for a shower stall that has strong shower surround walls so that when they lean up again it the surround walls don’t move or are otherwise not stressed. Pretty bizarre request.

Anyone know of a good strong product that resists movement that is a shower surround? I dont’want to put blocking behind the wall because often the surround protrudes from the wall studs about 1 1/2 inches or so. Wondered if there was just a product that was stronger.

If at first you don’t succeed, try using a hammer next time…everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time.  -ME
Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. cynwyd | Nov 02, 2007 07:31pm | #1

    From the Brynes tile book for tile work he specs exterior ply, floated with roof cement covered with felt, then cement board.

    It isn't clear to me if this a prefab surround or tile job, but the ply is a start.

  2. User avater
    McDesign | Nov 02, 2007 07:33pm | #2

    <a customer that likes to lean against the shower walls in the AM while they wake up in the shower>

    Did they turn red when they asked you that?  Did you snicker?

    No, really, to do it right, I think you'd need to be able to get to the sides and back from the other side  of the wall after the surround was installed, and add blocking stubs then, protruding from studs to the back of the surround.

    Or fill the cavity with lots of great stuff.

    Forrest

    1. jimk | Nov 02, 2007 07:56pm | #4

      I actually know someone whose tenant broke the surround in the shower  "leaning against the shower wall while waking up... " with his girlfriend ;).

       

      I agree the best way is to go in from the other side of the wall if possible.Add studs to lessen the span,add horizontal blocking.I've used Great Stuff before behind a surround on a relatively small area where the surround met the tub that was flopping around and not able to caulk.It stiffened up nicely and posed no further problems,but to do a whole surround that way would take a lot of cans.What about icynene?I'm not familiar with it but its seems like it would help stiffen the wall.Maybe too expensive/overkill?

       

       

       

       

      1. rondon | Nov 02, 2007 09:15pm | #5

        We have use corian shower surrounds for years and have never had an issue with them being flimsy.  1/4' panels siliconed the 1/2" drywall with no problem

  3. DanH | Nov 02, 2007 07:44pm | #3

    You have to define what sort of shower surround is being used.

    Fiberglass units vary by about a factor of ten in stiffness, depending on the thickness of the FG and the amount of extra reenforcement that was added during manufacture. Acrylic units, on the other hand are going to be of limited, fairly uniform, thickness/stiffness.

    Certainly to any unit one could pre-install stiffeners on the back, though the method of application must be carefully chosen.

    Or just use Corian (if a synthetic surround is desired) and back it up with doubled cement board or whatever.

    If your view never changes you're following the wrong leader
  4. saulgood | Nov 03, 2007 09:13pm | #6

    I installed a product called "Swanstone" for a client - it was like something like corian and came in 1/2 inch thick sheets which we glued to the substrate (either wonder board or hardi backer screwed to studs).

    The tip with thin sheet materials is to make sure there is plenty of fastening. A !/4 " hardibacker panel, for instance, will flex a lot if only "tacked" at the corners - but every screw added (to a point) will tighten the surface like a drum head.

    Same too with adhesives between substrate and surround walls. Intermittent (spot) gluing will support the weight, but to make a fim unyielding laminate you need as much surface to surface adhesion as you can get.

    The tricky part of the Swanstone install was the glue up. We used mainly silicone and a lot of temporary bracing (2"x"2" poles from opposite walls) plus some "dots" of contact adhesive for an instant grab.

    The whole bathroom was off limits for a night, but once the adhesive was dry the walls were plenty firm.

    1. WillieWonka | Nov 04, 2007 03:32am | #7

      Thanks. There is a swanstone shower surround product available in Lowes. It's not 1/2" thick panels, though, but do yoiu think it is the same thing and you had the thickness wrong? Just wondering.If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time.  -ME

      1. caseyr | Nov 04, 2007 05:57am | #8

        One of the houses I lived in had a full shower surround of Corian, appeared to be a full 3/4" thick. It was definitely rigid, but it was also rather cold to lean up against first thing in the morning - it would definitely help with the waking up, however. If I really wanted to lean against such a surround, I think I would seriously give some thought to having either hydronic heat or an electric grid behind it.

      2. saulgood | Nov 04, 2007 09:29am | #9

        I was just guessing at the thickness (it was a while ago) but whatever the actual, the final result was a ridgid surface when installed as described by the the product literature. Starting at the bare studs through the substrate it went on just like a tile job, but installing the surface material was MUCH less work than tiling and grouting. Personally I prefer the look and feel of tiles, but my clients are happy with the Swanstone and they like the simplicity and low maintanence.

        1. WillieWonka | Nov 04, 2007 03:54pm | #10

          Ok thanks, that was still quite helplful.If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time.  -ME

      3. 43Billh | Nov 04, 2007 03:56pm | #11

        Willie...

        I did Swanstone in my house. Full size shower base and floor to ceiling sheets on the walls, sheets were 1/4" thick and fairly heavy.

        I prepped and glued per manufactures instructions. My panels came with some 1" wide double sided foam tape designed to hold it still until the glue set up. It's powerful tape too! 

        The only thing I would do differently is the adhesive.

         Next time around I would use a 3/16 or 1/4 notched trowel and get full contact for the adhesive.

        As it stands now I have a couple loose spots that will move if you lean on them. Don't think the stuff will fall off any time soon ( it's 2 1/2 years old now ) but still kind of annoying.

        Bill 

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper

Look closely at these common locations for hazardous materials in older homes.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 693: Old-House Hazards, Building Larsen Trusses, AI in Construction
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding Hazardous Materials in a Fixer-Upper
  • A Classic Paint Sprayer Gets a Thoughtful Refresh
  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data