Installing an American Standard Tub & Delta 500 Series Shower Surround | Complete Step by Step Guide

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

For additional help with your bathroom remodeling project enroll in course 👍 guides, checklists, support 😊 bathroomremodeling.teachable.com/p/acrylic-tub-shower-course

[@HomeImProveMentHow]

You definitely have this dialed in good job bro👍

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

@@HomeImProveMentHow thank you 😊 This one was way harder than it should have been 😆

[@HomeImProveMentHow]

... The unexpected, Gets us every time. I knew h😢😢😢ere to your channel. I'm a finish carpenter by trade, I learned how to tile, You might find some of my videos interesting as well, I look forward to hear from You. Thanks for getting back to me by for now Ken, I've watched about five of your videos on my t v this morning, Oh by the way i'm in california

[@matthewpicklesimer293]

I was wondering with using the delta shower, surround can you still install grab bar with its design?

[@joebinion1]

Awesome video,, love the longer video,GOD BLESS

[@chadrichardson3007]

Great video showing the reality of an install and improvising. Unlike those scripted factory install videos. Thanks for sharing!

[@DforDela]

I love the scripted install videos like “make sure your walls are plumb!” then assume that they are and move on to the next step 😅

[@MommaGriffin1]

Thanks for trying to help people. We all appreciate you so much! We do not have 10,000 to get some salesman to get us our dream tub! We just need a clean shower that doesn’t make our floors start falling the. We have that problem but have always been a family of fixers. We definitely do not need to finance a 10 plus year loan for a tub/shower! You’re an absolutely awesome person! Thanks again for sharing your expertise. It’s so very appreciated! 😊

[@KM-fm9ez]

He messes up few times but corrects them,just goes to show nobody's perfect!!! Looks good

[@jonc222]

Thanks! I’ve been learning a lot from your videos. I really appreciate you showing the headaches and issues you had along the way. It’s really helpful to know that even the pros have to adjust on the fly and improvise solutions.

[@sandymilne224]

Really appreciate the sharing of the hours involved. 5 grand is about right. I’d have said 6 if tiled. (Minimum. )Closer to $6,500 to be safe and cover the cost of curtain and rod, backing material, etc.

[@greggmerill3704]

Beautiful and informative job as usual, unbelievable how a tub always fights getting into its home

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Thanks Greg 👍

[@kylehurley8655]

I’m so glad I found your channel. My wife and I bought our house a few years ago and the previous owner did a lot of DIY renovations. A few days ago we had water leaking from the upstairs tub and through the kitchen ceiling. Come to find out, the shower surround wasn’t installed correctly. The surround was actually wider than the tub! So water was running down the front, then dripping over the edge of the tub, into the inside of the wall, and then into the kitchen ceiling. Thanks to my father, I’m pretty handy. But I’ve never had to do bathtub work! Once I found your channel I started watching as much as I could to be sure I do the repairs the right way. Only problem is that the back of the tub is against a shared wall, and it’s a firewall made of plaster and cinder block. I have some ideas on how to attach the back of the tub and surround, but I was wondering if you have any tips. Thanks for all your hard work to make these videos! It’s teaching me a lot and saving me money!

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

That’s an uncommon issue… bigger surround than tub. Thanks for watching Enroll in my DIY GEEK MEMBERSHIP. I can help out in the courses. Pictures will help with your specific situation Thanks Steve www.bathroomremodelingteacher.com/learn

[@kevinhinkle7614]

I seem to find myself always installing those 3-5 piece surrounds, and I always have something on the studs eg. drywall if applicable. Even though it says direct to stud install. They are way more prone to cracking if there’s only studs and blocking. Go the extra mile so you don’t have to come back and do it all over again 👍🏽

[@joshhyma842]

drywall or plywood? Might install one of these in the near future

[@kevinhinkle7614]

@@joshhyma842 drywall is the easiest and cheapest. But either way I always put u couple coats of liquid waterproofing membrane over it for when the surround cracks and starts leaking 👍🏽

[@bobscaping]

Broke a sweat wrestling that tub 😅 The bathroom gym 🤣 Enjoyed the final segment on caulking 👏🎬

[@jeffhogueison1656]

I learned alot about how to install Delta Surround Wall to some other brands such as American Standard. I was worried, and you confirmed that the Delta tub is junk, so thanks for showing it is possible. I may see about fitting a Sterling tub, too. However, I do love the Delta Walls for sheer functionality and design. Yes thx for tip on Wall stud for future door install, my case a Kolher elegant door 😊

[@Pawnfaz409]

Thank you my ex step dad was a carpenter and i grew up always helping him so i am somewhat familiar with this type of work. I have a bathroom at my house my wife wants and honestly needs redone. This video gave me more confidence in doing it as measurements are the same. Only thing is there is a window i would have to cut the tub surround to have work out. Im guessing just cut and use tub surround silicon behind the window framing. Anyways this video will be another tool i use to complete this project! Thanks!

[@gnarlybark]

Well done video!

[@chains6558]

This is an excellent video I learned a ton of tips and things to look out for . Thank you

[@jefffree6990]

Nice! looks like you good a good match on the color with the 2 different brands. But is there a gap on where the side panels meet the front side of the tub?

[@paulpoco22]

58:20 "Top here too" should you really use silicone next to paint?

[@ErickG.I]

Looks great…You change your mind about the grab bar?

[@RC-ot5nw]

Awesome job. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

[@HomeImProveMentHow]

*Excellent information, 👍 Thanks for Sharing* I look forward to hear from you by for now, Ken

[@nat8158]

I was considering this tub as well but was hoping to pair with the Delta Everedge surround. Have you ever used the Everedge surround? If so, would you say it's comparable to the Delta 500 surround? Thank you.

[@duracell87]

Isn’t the delta 500 surround suppose to installed with some sort of backer, eg drywall or cement board, and then glued to it? I have seen people use spray foam in the recess areas of the surround to give it stability before install.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Not the 500 series. It’s direct to studs. That being said anything that helps reinforce it more would be worth it 👍

[@MichaelLugo-my9gh]

Could you installed a hardy backing or drywall behind ur tub surround ???

[@bradyscott7377]

that american standard surround is stated on the instructions to have osb behind it

[@wstevenson2004]

Did you paint over that silicone after caulking?

[@paulbordlemay972]

Which in your opinion is better. Porcelain over steel or Acrylic

[@Spacecadet0730]

Hello, this is a longshot, but I had a question. I've been binging all your videos on tub installations and I currently have my bathroom ripped apart in preparation for a new tub and surround. The new tub fits perfectly over the old drain, do I need to replace it or can I just reuse the old one and p-trap? Thanks!

[@mibooth1852]

Great video as usual sir, do you use the hot mud for tape and finish coats ?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

One this one I used hot mud to tape but used plus 3 joint compound for second coat. I find top coat comes out better with the premix 👍

[@astrofog4638]

very nice! I work at a big box hardware store in the plumbing isle...we sell the delta kits and your remarks regarding the surround kit is useful. I'm surprised about the delta tubs though... the brand is always well regarded by the plumbers who pass thru... Do you have experience with kohler (i.e. sterling) surrounds and if so what are your thoughts regarding them? Regarding the flimsy surrounds...I've sold a lot of them ...they seem to be the low cost 'go to solution' for a lot of people (they are typically 1/4 or 1/5 the purchase price vs a delta or sterling). I wonder how long they last now after observing your video. Another question you're probably to busy to answer (/grin)...what is the cost difference between doing a tub surround vs your 'fastest' tiling option? I'm going to guess about 3x...?? So if your total bill was 5k (that was including materials right...) and 2 days of work for the plastic solution what would the lowest cost tile surround solution be? 10k?...15k and 3 days of labor? Is there more risk doing tile vs. a plastic surround? By risk i mean chance your bid will not be accurate due to materials or environment variables. I know tubs and showers get all the glory on your channel (as well as TileCoach and Sal's) but at least myself would be interested in your experience with toilets...the different 'power flush' gimmicks, durability issues, and how about those in wall toilets? What about those wall exiting condo toilets? I have these conversations weekly with customers and i need more data...lol ) eh gads! one more question - have you used the redGuard uncoupling mat + red guard membrane for any projects?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Thanks for feedback. Good video suggestions And I’ve gotten so many comments about recommending Kohler Sterling that I asked them to send a kit out. Plan to install later this month. Definitely looks solid 👍 great price too. Yeah delta is very disappointing, kind of like Ford 😆 no one seems to care anymore. I always had high praise for delta. How they make a tub that crappy is amazing. Just like American standards surround. Shameful really. Keep an eye out for videos on Kohler. And yeah as far as a quick tile job, it would still take 2-3 more days to complete. So probably $3-4k more. Looking like $9k total verses $5k

[@astrofog4638]

9k for tile? sounds reasonable to me..thank you for your reply )

[@kevinmchale5660]

the cheap surrounds you are talking about are likely polystyrene and they are thin, flimsy junk.

[@nat8158]

What color studio tub did you go with? I know there is Arctic and White...wondering which matches the Delta surround.

[@rachelwidman2231]

So you are supposed to caulk the seams?? I told my husband to and he said no

[@GR-cd2kx]

Thanks for the how to! While everything is open, why not replace the water pipes with new pex? Owner didn’t want to pay for it or is the original going to last another 20years?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

I tried…. Client didn’t want you to change it 😆 I even offered it to install for free at one point

[@GR-cd2kx]

@@BathroomRemodelingTeacherlol ok. I guess it’s one of those shrug your shoulders moments

[@dgproremodeling]

Great install

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Thx 😊

[@dgproremodeling]

@@BathroomRemodelingTeacher yes sir :)

[@teamdada2194]

You would think the faucet end would crack first where the feet go and they push to get their head above water.

[@deddie4645]

What do you do with the seal plate foam If you're going up against a plywood wall on the 3 sides of the surround makes contact with....... Do you put seal plate everywhere? It makes contact except where the directions say to glue The surround On the bottom studs..........OR Or can you just glue it everywhere? It makes contact with the plywood back wall & And left side surround and the right side surround......help....

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

This kit is designed for direct to studs, but if you have plywood all the better. You could just use the poly sealant everywhere and make it a bonded system 👍

[@deddie4645]

@@BathroomRemodelingTeacher That's kind of what I was thinking. Thank you.......THANK VERY MUCH

[@splanzza]

Have you ever got a chance to work with push-to-fit pvc piping Steve? Our lives would be muuuch simpler and easier vs using glue cement. Each fitting has a rubber gasket and o-ring to hold it in place inside of the female-part. You use lube to assemble. All that allows micro adjustments after the assembly and flexibility. One of the things we should import from Europe for sure. For ten years working with it I have not seen it fail once. Also, what do you think about these Bath Fitter guys that promise old-out and new-in in less then 12 hours? 🤣🤣🤣 Great video. Go BRT GO. 👊💪👍

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

I have not played around with those yet. I love the concept. Not much different than a sharkbite 😆 trying to think of the cons on them…..probably price? and bath fitters would have been $10k for this 😆 I actually am not sure if they have something for this kind of shower…

[@splanzza]

@@BathroomRemodelingTeacher Push to fit was and still is only standard for any pvc install in Germany/Europe. I don't remember seeing any glueing pipes at all. The fitting/pipe walls were thiner then our pvc, it is gray in color and maaaaan, quick and easy. Plus, it leaves you room for adjustment after the fact. Only downside ... you gotta carry the lube all the time. 🤣

[@Mr.frag-out]

Where did you get those belt tool holders?

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Ox tools amzn.to/3Tmi89v

[@Mr.frag-out]

@BathroomRemodelingTeacher thank you, and thank you for all your knowledge. It really helps when one is a novice.

[@JustinMentionedIt]

31:15 it’s really made to have drywall behind it

[@miltonross2276]

excellent video

[@randymorel7996]

Great video.

[@VuHung-p2t]

Thank you ❤❤

[@margaretbear]

That tub was being so annoying!! Complete tangent... just did a bathroom floor that was about 6.5 x 5 - the homeowner picked out 12x24 tiles. The bathroom was off a tiny little alcove. I am 5' 4" and weight about 115 lbs and trying to maneuver in that small space felt like trying to stuff myself into a sock. I don't know how you do it. I envy your muscles, but how in the world to you shovel yourself into some of the shoebox size spaces you work in?!

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Everything was fighting me on this one 😆 when I looked at it I was certain I could get the tub & surround all in one day 😆 this job reminded me of why for the longest time I would only take on projects that were a full gut. Would have only been another 3 days of work and made double the money with half the frustration 👍

[@darwinbodero7872]

0:05 wow that’s a lotta damage

[@BuzzRetirementGarage]

Instead of the blocking all over the back wall, could you use 1/2" plywood? Plywood the entire back wall? Buzz

[@garrettsoto1667]

How mad were you at 25:33?

[@bif53]

Some tub surrounds are not to be caught along the bottom. Kind of dangerous doing those hole saws so close to the tub

[@mikemiller7231]

Think I would have used a hand planer

[@sladeoriginal]

its silly that the American Standard tub is good to go, their surround is junk, the Delta Everedge tub is not great, but the Delta surround is good to go. I bought the Delta tub and its okay but the packaging is just cardboard, no protections at all, and the front apron is scuffed right out of the box. no plastic film or anything. Returning it for a Streamline drop in tub from HD. No reviews so hopefully its good quality.

[@boitanoexcavation3564]

If the tubs suround was installed on a backer board instead of the studs, it would be way more Abel

[@paulpoco22]

If I was the customer, I would of paid for new shower valves and spout/shower pieces.

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

I tried, even said I’d do it for free. But they didn’t want to

[@EfBEye888]

No explanation on what size plywood to fir out for drywall, no mention of what product you're using to seal behind drywall no explanation why you are doing it

[@BathroomRemodelingTeacher]

Enroll in course 👍

[@Harpadzo]

Really? Just shoot me now.