Bathroom remodel

I'm about to remodel my bathroom and would include removing a fiberglass tub/shower and replacing it with a tub/shower door enclosure. I'm going to tile the floor and shower enclosure. A couple of questions?

1. What is the best way to remove a fiberglass tub/shower?

2. Can I add cement board on top of the drywall behind the tub/shower? If so, what thickness of cement board?

3. The bathroom has vinyl flooring, but 3/4 plywood underneath, should I add cement board on top of the plywood?

4. Should I get the new tub in place before adding the cement board?

5. Lastly, can you give my your preference on tub material (fiberglass versus acrylic)

 

ch0we,

1. You will have to cut the drywall above and to the sides of the enclosure since it is attached by nailing flanges to your wall studs.
If the unit is a 1 pc unit, break out a sawzall and cut it in easy handling pcs. Cover the floor drain with duct tape first. You can cut the fiberglass around the drain and then deal with the drain. ***ON THE FAUCET/SHOWERHEAD WALL - DO NOT CUT ON THIS WALL EXCEPT IN THE CORNER TO AVOID CUTTING ANY WATER SUPPLY LINES.***

2 and 3. I have attached links to your questions. This eliminates unnecessary commentary since the links are complete.

4. Tubs or showers are installed first before doing your walls - see the attached links.

5. Either product is good based upon application. Depending on the manufacturer, units can be manufactured from either fiberglass backed acrylic, or thermal plastic such as A.B.S., Centrex or Endural.

A large percentage of acrylic fiberglass shells will delimitate within ten years regardless of the quality of the workmanship. Subsequently, newer types of material like the thermal plastics such as, A.B.S., Centrex or Endural have been used more and more. Although, they are not as rigid as fiberglass. Therefore, the best units to buy have fiberglass backing due to it's strength then an acrylic finish surface. Products that have the A.B.S. and acrylic seem more flexible and caution must be taken in the installation and care. I am a Lasco or Kohler advocate unless we start talking about whirlpools/spas.

http://interiordec.about.com/gi/dyna...2Fdoityour.htm

http://web.archive.org/web/200108022...ers/index.html

http://www.tileshopsuperstore.com/installation/

http://www.johnbridge.com/mortar_bed_shower_floor.htm

http://www.floorstransformed.com/backerboard.html

http://www.cgcinc.com/gypsum/cement.dur/welcome.htm

http://www.hardibacker.com/hardibackerinstall.htm

http://www.askbuild.com/cgi-bin/column?253

Hope this all helps!