what does it take to remove a tub and put in a shower ??

Question

i know the basics on tile setting etc.
but i hear you need to lay down a pan???
what is to keep me from ripping up the tub putting a concrete slab down and then tiling it?

Answer 1

If you are building a custom shower then you will need to build it with a shower pan. The pan as you see in the link below will keep water form getting in the walls and floor and ruining them, it also directs the water to the drain. If you just put a concrete slab with out the pan, the concrete will still hold water and not drain to the drain.
As mentioned before you could get a fiberglass shower unit, then you would not need the shower pan.
http://www.ontariotile.com/preslope.html

Answer 2

You need a product called shower pan material. It is sold at plumbing and hardware shops by the lineal foot just like carpet. It is a thick rubber thicker than swimming pool liner. You lay that down first as a water proof lining cut to the size you are making your shower stall.
There is a special shower drain you need that seals the drain by sealing the rim around the opening of the liner cut for the drain opening. That guarantees the water will not sit in a pool and cause problems. Even with the cement base you need this. Then you tile.
To take out a tub it depends on what type of material the old tub is. If it is cast iron you need to take a blanket or sheet and put it over the tub and then break it into pieces with a sledge hammer as they are impossible to pull out it one piece. The sheet keeps the fragments from flying all over the place and possibly hurting the person while they are hitting the tub.
A reliable hardware or plumbing store should know all about this and if not shop elsewhere.
DO NOT just put down a concrete slab without this material. And by the way it should be about $ 4.00 a foot at least that is what I charge my customers.

Answer 3

A pan? What is that? You will probably need to buy a 3 piece shower enclosure since a one piece won't fit through doorways. It sounds like you know to use wall material that is waterproof, but greenboard under the tile is recommended. What you are thinking of tilling is a mystery.

Answer 4

I tried it the cheap way and believe me dont do it. Spend the money on a pan, size it right then worry about buying or making the shower walls

Answer 5

i am toying with the idea of replacing my old tub with a one piece and thought about removing the siding and several studs on the outside wall, removing old tub, prepping everything and slipping one piece in through the open wall and then put everything back as it was.. maybe if your tub is on an outside wall it would work for you...

Answer 6

buy a fiberglass or acrylic shower base and you will only have to tile the walls

Answer 7

you can do what you wish it is your home, the idea of using a "pan" is to simplefy the job and make sure of the sealing around the drain.