The original plan for the bathroom was only to replace the tub and vanity. But the existing plumbing and electrical throughout the house was in bad shape, so we decided to open up walls and floor to replace it. And while were at it I ended up building a shower, including the plumbing, waterproofing, and tiling. I also added insulation to the exterior wall, ceiling, and the walls separating the bedrooms on either side. Overall I ended up doing more work in this room than any other in the house.
The original bathroom.
Getting the cast iron tub out was tricky. It probably weighed 300lbs and we had to get it down the stairs. We decided the easiest way was to slide it down on a tarp, with its enamelled lip down to protect the stairs. I tied a cord to a crow bar on the other side of the overflow drain hole, and my partner and I lowered it from the top while my dad eased it down from below. He was prepared to jump out of the way if anything went wrong, because there was no stopping it if we lost control. It would have probably gone right through the wall at the bottom of the stairs.
At this point we were still planning on getting a new tub, hence the tape marks. Here we had opened up the walls for the electrical rough in. Once all the walls were out privacy became a bit tougher!
Once the rough plumbing and electrical was done, I replaced the toilet, insulated the walls, and put up vapour barrier and moisture resistant drywall.
I had to bring the exhaust line for the extraction fan down below the ceiling, so I put it next to the stack which we had to build a small enclosure for anyways.
Shower mixer valve hooked up to the water supplies, and tested for leaks before covering it with drywall, mortar and tile. I also removed and replaced the existing floorboards (which had a lot of wear and water damage) with plywood sheets as a stronger and more even sub floor for the shower.
I used a fabric waterproofing product for the walls and floor.
The base is a fabric lined piece of polystyrene with an appropriate slope for drainage, but it was too small for the entire shower so I extended it with cement (which I also waterproofed).
Installing the 2’x2’ tiles with 1/8” spacers, trying to make sure everything is flush.
Wall tile complete!
Planning out the orientation and placement of the floor tiles.
Everything cut and dry-placed on the floor and curb.
Applying mortar and laying tile one section at a time.
Fully set in the mortar.
Adding the grout.
Finished and cleaned up after 4 long days of work. It is especially exhausting working with both the time pressure of drying mortar and the finality that comes with the hardening.
Installed the fixtures and getting ready for the glass pane.
