How to Cut a Shower Surround Wall
Fiberglass shower surrounds are an inexpensive and fairly speedy method to change completely the entire look of a shower and bathroom. The system typically consists of three wall panels that attach directly to the walls of the shower. The most challenging part of the installation process is cutting the shower panel to accommodate the faucet, handle and shower head fixtures. The keys to success are precise measurements and a special saw attachment. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Tape measure
- Saw horses
- Plywood (optional)
- Dry erase marker
- Safety goggles
- Drill
- Hole saw bit
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Instructions
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Step inside the shower and face the wall containing the plumbing fixtures. Stretch a tape measure from the back corner of the wall out to the center of the shower head. Write down the measurement. Then place the tape measure at the base of the wall, where the bottom of the surround wall will rest. Measure up to the center of the shower head and write down that measurement.
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Repeat the measuring process for the faucet and both handles.
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3
Lay a wall panel on top of two saw horses, or place it on an old piece of plywood if saw horses are not available.
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Refer to the measurements for each of the plumbing fixtures, and draw them on the panel using a dry erase marker and the tape measure.
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5
Don safety goggles and install a hole saw bit into a drill. The diameter of the bit must be 1/8 to 1/4 inch smaller than the diameter of each plumbing fixture. A 2- to 3-inch drill bit works for most fixtures.
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Align the edges of the hole bit with the marks and squeeze the trigger of the drill to cut out the hole in the surround panel.
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Hold the wall panel up to the actual wall and position the holes over the plumbing fixtures.
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Tips & Warnings
If you feel unable to transfer measurement accurately from the wall to the panel, create a template out of paper. After measuring the plumbing locations, draw them on the paper and cut them out. Hold the template up to the wall to ensure they fit properly and then lay it on top of the shower panel before cutting.
