Re-doing walls in shower.

[John Q. Public II]

Currently, there is the type of wallboard that has a plastic surface on it. The walls are about 25 years old in this mobile home, and I want to replace it with some sort of wallboard that is water proof, not too expencive and easy to install.

I'm no carpenter and I don't have a lot of money. I do have time and a willingness to do it right.

A friend told me there is a waterproof type of wallboard that can be used. Can someone tell me about this stuff please?

What I have now has become warped from the years of use I guess. It's buckled out like a bulge. Between it and the shower curtain, there is only about 24 inches left.

Thanks for any help that can be offered.

[marks542004]

there is a type of board which is more like a surfaced masonite. Available from any builders supply center. One grade of it is more waterproof than the others and is intended for kitchens and bathrooms.

I dont know if I would use it for a shower stall itself.

[Lawrence]

There is concrete or cement board which can be used. They stock it near the tile. It is more expense and trouble however and I don't reccomend it if you are broke and inexperienced.

Just use ordinary wall board with a vapor barrier on both sides of the insulation. Then put a few good coats of industrial enamel paint on it. I did this in my crappy shower stall and it has lasted for years. I used an oil-based high gloss enamel. It's not pretty but, that stuff is waterproof, scrubbable and will bond to almost any surface, a real problem fixer. Just remember the mineral spirits or paint thinner for clean up.

[John Q. Public II]

Thanks Lawrence, I guess my next stop is Home Depot.

[kellyj00]

I painted over my old ugly tiles with high gloss oil based. Works very well, and I think it looks pretty darned good.

[John Q. Public II]

Thank you for your input, Kelly. I've decided to re-do the entire tub and shower area with a new tub, surround, faucets and shower head, tub drain and stopper and the molding all delivered to my door for $440.

When I'm done, it'll be brand new again. I'll be good for another 25 years.

Now I have to figure out how to live that long...

I'm using a site named:

Very reasonable prices. $80. shipping on most sized loads.

[Lawrence]

The Despot is an OK place to buy wallboard and screws. they probably don't stock the kind of paint I am talkin about. Go to a real paint store. I use sherwin williams. Ask specifially for an oil-based enamel. SW calls it "industrial enamel". Just don't let them sell you a latex paint for this job.