How to Hang New Sheetrock Around a Shower Unit
Installing sheetrock around a shower unit is a simple task, but there are a few steps to advance your work to a professional level. It is important to shim the transition from the nailing flange of the shower unit to the 2-by-4 walls. Installing the drywall properly will keep the corners square and the sheetrock from cracking. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Utility knife
- T-square
- Drywall shims (or wood)
- Screw gun (or drill with a drywall tip)
- 1 1/4-inch drywall screws
- 3d finish nails
Instructions
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Install shims and Sheetrock
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1
Nail drywall shims (or rip shims from a 2x4) to the wall with 3d finish nails to flush the nailing flange of the shower unit with the studs. Drywall shims are purchased at your local lumber yard or drywall supplier. They are about 3/32 of an inch thick, 1 1/2 inches wide, 45 inches long and made of hard cardboard that can be split into different thicknesses. The nailing flange is the area along the top and sides of the shower unit where the shower unit is attached to the wall and the drywall overlaps. For the front flanges, install shims to the corner or to the next one or two studs. The nailing flange of the shower unit often sticks out 1/4 inch from the wall. If you try to install sheetrock over the flange without nailing shims to the wall, the sheetrock may break and the corners will not be square.
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2
Cut the back piece of sheetrock 1/4 inch less than the actual width and height. Sheetrock is cut by scoring it with an utility knife, applying pressure to the back of the sheet with your knee or hand and then snapping it back again or finishing the cut with an utility knife. Screw the piece to the studs with 1 1/4-inch drywall screws spaced 6 inches apart in the corners or at the seams and no more than 12 inches apart in the center of the sheet. On an outside corner, eight inches apart is acceptable. Use a screw gun or a drywall tip in your drill that sets screws without ripping the paper. Ripping the paper may cause the drywall mud to break loose from the screws, which often shows up as blisters after the wall is painted.
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3
Cut the next two pieces and attach them with drywall screws. If installed, remove the shower head so the piece will go straight on without additional cuts.
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Tips & Warnings
Protect your tub with cardboard to prevent damage while installing sheetrock. It is easy for screws or tools to fall, often scratching the shower unit.
