Full Bathroom Installation

The steps for installing bathroom vary depending on the style you want.

Complete installation of a bathroom is a project that requires a little know-how in each of the three major fields of construction: carpentry, plumbing and electrical. The process of installing a bathroom varies depending on what type of products are going to be used. There are are many variables when it comes to building your bathroom, so if you are uncertain about how it should be done, it is best to consult with a professional.

Things You'll Need

• Framing lumber
• Wiring
• Plumbing
• Flooring
• Bathtub or shower
• Toilet
• Vanity
• Sink
• Faucet
• Medicine cabinet or mirror

Instructions

1. Frame the floors and the walls. Before anything else can be done you need the room to have a shape.

2. Run the electrical and plumbing. While the walls are still open, run all the wires and pipes in the bathroom. This will give the plumber and electrician open access to everything they need. Plumbers will need to run water lines and drains for the sink, toilet and shower. Electricians will need to run power for lighting, the bathroom vent and ground fault current interrupter outlets.

3. Install the shower or bathtub. Whether you do this step now or later depends on the type of bathtub you are using. If you are planning on installing a tub with a fiberglass surround, install the tub before the Sheetrock is installed. If you are installing a claw-foot tub, the tub can be one of the last items installed.

4. Install the drywall. Make sure to use a special Sheetrock, sometimes referred to as green board. Green board is specially made to resist mold and mildew. If you are installing any tiles on the wall use a concrete board instead.

5. Tape the walls and apply joint compound. You will need several coats with sanding between each coat to achieve a smooth surface.

6. Paint the walls. Painting the walls before the flooring and features are installed will make the painting process run smoothly. You will not have to worry about drips ruining the floor, you will have less to work around and cleanup will be much quicker.

7. Install the flooring. Make sure the subfloor is prepared for the flooring of your choice and install the hardwood, tile, laminate or vinyl flooring.

8. Install the toilet, vanity and sink. Installing after the floor is finished will minimize the amount of cutting for the flooring and will make the overall process run smoothly.

9. Install finish trim and accessories. These are the final touches aside from furnishing the bathroom and they should tie together all the elements you have introduced.

References

• Wickes: Planning and Installing a New Bathroom