Mike C's "second" bathroom remodel w/ pics!

[Mike Clark]

Okay guys, I need some help. I decided today to tear out the old shower surround and replace it with a nice new tub, and hardi/tile the surround. I'm glad I am doing it this way, because it gives me a chance to re-do all the plumbing with all new assemblies, plus I think the tile job will look 10x nicer than the plastic surrounds..
Before the tear out.....


The old valve that needs replacing.


My question is this, the new tub is one of those acrylic "Vikrell" ones, and it has a grid patterning on the base, with little pedestals to hold it flat. Do I(Or should I) spread a small layer of thinset on the wood floor before setting this to give it more stability? Or should I just make sure it is flat and screw it to the wall? Here's a pic of the back side to give more of an idea....It's setting up against the wall in this pic.


My other question is on the vapor barrier, since I forgot since the last shower. Does it go down the wall and up on the lip of the tub, or just all the way to the floor behind it?

Thanks guys, I am going to try to get the plumbing done tomorrow and hopefully set the new tub! Any helpful hints on these would be great, as this is sort of new to me.

Mike C

[kezug]

Mike, very nicely done.

Can you post a pic of your floor now that you have the toilet and sink in place? I want to see how your mosaic piece matched up with the center of the floor.

[Mike Clark]

Sure, here's a few pics. I originally feared that the huge vanity would cover most of the mosaic, but it turned out fine.

I absolutely LOVE the toilet, it's the quietest I have heard, and smooth. Now my problem is the 60" gap for the tub to fit in is SO SNUG, I am going to have to shave down the studs to make it fit.


It took my dad a good couple of hours to get the plumbing to work out. We had a leak and had to basically start over. Here's a shot of the finished plumbing for the new fixture.


Can anyone answer about the mortar bed for the tub???

Mike C

[Mike Clark]

Well it's been about a month since I updated this thread. A lot has changed since then, mainly that now I am a proud father of a little boy! Here's a quick pic of how my life changed dramatically:

Nathan Michael Clark, born April 5th.

Anyways, that definitely slowed me down on my fast paced tub remodel, but I think it is coming to an end now. I finished grouting tonight, so the only thing left is caulking, sealing, and painting the drywall on the outside edge of the tub. Here's the pics:
Far wall:

Inside wall with fixtures:

A couple showing the niche, the same tiles as in the center of the floor, framed with travertine chair railing:




So far I am really happy with the job, but I fear the caulking part. The outside trim is some type of travertine chair railing from Lowe's as well. Gives it a sort of ancient greek look. I just need to decide on what to use to seal the grout and travertine now, any suggestions???

[dcousins]

How is it called? I saw texture like this in homes near Cleveland Ohio but do not see it here in NC. I would like to replace my popcorn ceilings with a different texture.

[Chris H]

man that's a lot of work and it's turned out really nice. i see two things that jump out at me though:

1. looking at the pics of the hardi being installed, there doesn't appear to be any thinset underneath the hardi. am i wrong?

2. that's not teflon tape on those pipe joints is it? i'd be scared it could leak down the road after i covered it up.

[v4Brad]

Your work is inspiring Mike. And you get it done so quickly. It took me two weeks to do a bathroom floor. I've got a family room / kitchen to do and I'm afraid of how long that will take.