Shower Insert Questions

[tenhigh31]

I am about to remodel a bathroom and wanted some opinions on tub/shower inserts. The current bathroom has a tub but no shower head, and sheet rock from the tub to the ceiling. It also has a 2'X2' window centered in the wall above the tub. I plan to take out the sheet rock, run a pipe and shower head, then put up cement backerboard in place of the sheet rock all around.

I'd rather not tile the walls around the tub and I'd like to put in an insert that replicates tile. They're inexpensive and seem durable, but I don't have experience with them. Are they recommended? I'm also wondering if it's possible to cut out a window in the insert and get waterproof trim (vinyl?) for the current window, or do I need to eliminate the window all together?

This is a great forum and I appreciate the help!

JB

[jadnashua]

From what I've read, most inserts do not work well with cutouts. A solid surface one might work. Problem is keeping water getting in back of it around the cutout of the window. Plus, windows typically don't like moisture on the inside! You might want to change the window to a vinal one, then you wouldn't be rotting out the window, but again, it is tough to keep water from teh shower out of the wall. If you want tile ideas on this, check out www.johnbridge.com

[dubldare]

Also, if you decide to keep a window there, it should have tempered glass. That's a requirement around here.

[Lakee911]

I agree, tiling would be best. As for the window use a vinyl or aluminum window inside the shower area. I would think that trimming out the window with some sort of insert would look kind of shotty--and would probably void the warranty. I did my whole shower w/ 13x13 tiles and it looks nice. I have no window, but a shower niche. Really not too much work w/ big tiles though.

Good Luck

Jason