Are you tired of the dull, stained walls around your tub? It might be time to install drywall!
How to install drywall around tub can be a straightforward project if approached with the right tools and knowledge. This task is a crucial step in bathroom remodeling or construction, as it provides a smooth, durable surface ready for finishing with paint, tiles, or waterproof paneling. The key to success is ensuring a precise fit that accommodates the tub’s contours while also maintaining water resistance to prevent damage over time.
This guide will walk you through the necessary steps, from preparing and cutting the drywall to securely attaching and sealing the edges. Whether you are an experienced DIY enthusiast or a first-time renovator, following these instructions will help create a professional finish around your tub.
What Will You Need?
To install drywall around a tub, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Measuring tape
- Drywall panel
- Utility knife or drywall saw
- Straightedge/ruler
- Screwdriver
- Screws for attaching drywall to studs
- Drywall joint compound
- Joint tape
- Scraper/spatula
- Sandpaper/sanding block
- Paintbrush/roller (if painting)
All these items must be ready before beginning the installation process to avoid interruptions.
10 Easy Steps on How to Install Drywall Around Tub
Step 1. Prepare the Area
Begin by preparing the area around your tub. Ensure that the surface is clean and free of debris or old adhesive materials. Remove any fixtures or obstructions to create a smooth working area. This will ensure that the drywall fits snugly and adheres properly. Use measuring tape to take precise measurements of the wall space that requires drywall installation. Accurate measurements are crucial to avoid unnecessary cutting and waste of drywall material.
Step 2. Cut the Drywall Panels
With your measurements in hand, mark the drywall panel with a pencil to outline where cuts need to be made. Use a straightedge or ruler to ensure your lines are straight and precise. Depending on the fit required, you might need to cut sections to accommodate outlets, plumbing, or other fixtures around the tub. Carefully cut along your marked lines with a utility knife or drywall saw.
To avoid rough edges, score the surface lightly before making deeper cuts, and work slowly to maintain accuracy. Once cut, dry-fit the panels around the tub to confirm a proper fit. If necessary, make additional cuts or adjustments. Remember to check for consistency in alignment, especially at joints where panels meet. Properly cut panels are crucial for a seamless finish during installation.
Step 3. Attach the Drywall Panels
Once you have confirmed the fit of your drywall panels, it’s time to attach them to the wall studs. Position each panel snugly against the wall, ensuring it fits tightly against the tub and surrounding surfaces. Begin securing the panels by inserting screws through the drywall into the studs using a screwdriver. It’s essential to space the screws evenly, approximately every 12 inches, to provide sufficient support and stability. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can damage the drywall surface.
Ensure that screw heads are slightly recessed beneath the surface of the drywall, creating a smooth area that will be easy to cover with a joint compound later on. Continue the process for all panels, ensuring they align properly and the joints between panels fall directly over a stud whenever possible to maintain structural integrity.
Step 4. Apply Joint Tape
After all the drywall panels are securely attached, the next step is to cover the seams between the panels with joint tape. Begin by applying the tape along all joints, ensuring it lies flat against the surface without any wrinkles or bubbles. This tape bridges the gaps between panels and prevents cracking in the finish. Use paper or mesh joint tape based on your preference and the particular demands of your project. For corners, use specially designed corner tape that provides additional support. Careful application of joint tape will ensure a more durable and pristine finish.
Step 5. Apply Joint Compound
With the joint tape securely in place, the next task is applying the drywall joint compound, often referred to as “mud.” Using a scraper or spatula, spread a thin coat of joint compound over the taped joints. Ensure the compound covers the tape entirely and feather the edges to create a smooth transition onto the drywall surface. For best results, apply multiple thin coats, allowing the compound to dry completely between each application. As you use each coat, slightly increase the width to create a seamless finish.
Begin with a 4-inch knife for the first coat, then progress to wider knives—such as 6-inch followed by 8-inch—in subsequent coats. This method ensures a flat finish ready for sanding and painting. Pay close attention to corners and any imperfections or gaps, smoothing out the compound to achieve a flawless surface.
Step 6. Sand the Surface
Once the joint compound has dried thoroughly, the next step is to sand the surface to achieve a smooth and even finish. Use a fine-grit sandpaper or sanding block to sand the dried compound gently. Be cautious about sanding lightly over the seams to avoid damaging the drywall. Focus on smoothing out ridges or imperfections, creating a seamless blend with the surrounding drywall surface. As you work, frequently pass your hand over the area to assess smoothness and identify spots that may require further attention. Sanding is a crucial step to ensure that the wall surface is perfectly prepared for final finishes. Proper sanding will allow paint or other finishes to adhere smoothly, providing a professional-looking result.
Step 7. Prime the Drywall
After sanding and cleaning the drywall, the next essential step is to apply a coat of primer. Priming is crucial as it seals the drywall and creates a uniform surface that improves paint adhesion, ensuring a long-lasting finish. Begin by selecting a high-quality drywall primer. Using a paintbrush or roller, apply the primer evenly across the entire surface of the drywall, covering all seams and areas with joint compound. Allow the primer to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once dry, inspect the drywall for any imperfections or areas that may require additional sanding or touch-up. Properly primed drywall provides the foundation for a beautiful paint job, ultimately contributing to your finished project’s professional appearance and durability.
Step 8. Paint the Drywall
With the primer dry and the surface prepared, the final step is to apply paint to the drywall. Select a high-quality latex paint that suits your desired color and finish. Begin by cutting in around the edges of the wall, using a paintbrush for precision in corners, along baseboards, and around any fixtures. After cutting in, use a roller to apply paint to the larger areas of the wall. Work in small sections, rolling in a “W” or “M” pattern to distribute the paint evenly and avoid streaks.
Apply at least two coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. This ensures full coverage and a rich, uniform color. Once the final coat is dry, inspect the walls for consistency and touch up any areas if needed.
Step 9. Clean-Up and Final Touches
After painting, it’s time for clean-up and final touches to complete your drywall project. Begin by removing any painter’s tape carefully to avoid peeling off fresh paint. Collect all tools and materials and dispose of any waste properly. Wipe down or vacuum the area to ensure that no dust or debris remains. Examine all painted surfaces under different lighting conditions to ensure uniformity and consistency, addressing any missed spots or imperfections with a small touch-up brush if needed. Lastly, reinstall any fixtures or outlet covers removed during the painting process. Taking the time to thoroughly clean and perfect the space ensures that your drywall project ends with a professional, polished appearance, ready for use and admiration.
Step 10. Inspect the Finished Work
Upon completion of your drywall project, conduct a thorough inspection to ensure quality workmanship and attention to detail. Begin by examining all seams, corners, and visible surfaces for smoothness and consistency. Check that the paint color is even and that there are no missed spots or drips. Look for any imperfections or defects that may have been overlooked, such as uneven surfaces or gaps. If discrepancies are found, make the necessary corrections with additional sanding, priming, or touch-up work. Ensure that any fixtures or hardware have been reinstalled correctly and that the overall presentation meets your expectations of craftsmanship.
Following these ten steps, you can install and finish drywall like a pro. With careful preparation, proper techniques, and attention to detail, your drywall project will result in a polished and professional-looking finish that enhances your space’s beauty while protecting it for years.
Conclusion
How to install drywall around tub requires meticulous planning and adherence to specific steps to ensure a watertight and durable finish. Start by choosing moisture-resistant drywall, such as cement board or green board, designed for wet areas.
Carefully measure and cut the drywall panels to fit snugly around the tub, paying close attention to the edges that meet the tub’s surface. Secure the drywall with appropriate fasteners, and apply a watertight sealant or tape over all seams. Use a high-quality joint compound to fill in any gaps and sand the seams smoothly. Prime and paint using mold-resistant products to protect against moisture.
By following these guidelines with precision and thoroughness, you’ll achieve a clean, professional result that enhances the bathroom’s functionality and aesthetics.