Looking at a little side project.
I have a bathtub with surround (32″ x 58″), set into the bathroom in such a way that there is about 5″ of drywall extending out on both sides. To the left of the tub enclosure is a closet, and on the right is the front wall of the bathroom.
The drywall above the tub surround is taking water damage from the showerhead. While just painting it would probably fix it up, the wife wants to tile this area, from the top of the surround to the ceiling (about 21″).
While I’m attempting to downgrade her choice of tiles (first draft is $625 just. for. the. tile!), I have a concern about backing for the tile work itself.
I know I need to install backer-board: the question is: Is there a thin backer-board I can install OVER the drywall, or do I have to REMOVE the existing drywall and replace it with the backer-board.
thanks,
-TJ
Replies
what kind of surround do u have? a "lick & stick"?
Surround looks to be a one-piece, attached to the studs, with the drywall OVER the flange about the edge of the surround. Most of this is conjecture, but I find no vertical seams in the surround.
-TJ
Surround looks to be a one-piece, attached to the studs, with the drywall OVER the flange about the edge of the surround
If your conjecture is true, I agree w/ cag.... take old dw off, replace w/ cement bd.... cement wont deteriorate w/ moisture.
I'd remove the old drywall and start with 5/8 cement board
I rather expect this to be the popular suggestion, but it does raise one additional point: How to transition from the new cement board to the old drywall?
Just treat the intersection as a regular sheet-to-sheet joint - mud & tape?
thanks,
-TJ