Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Tub Surround Dilema

I am installing a new 3 piece surround in place of an existing one. After removal of the old surround i have found that the wall on the back of the tub is actually cement blocks with a thin coat of cement (stucco)?, over it. The old surround was also a three piece that had been glued on and in removal all of the glue was left on the wall. The ends of the tub are plaster and i plan to replace them with greenboard to eliminate all of the glue and to give a smooth surface for the new surround to glue to. The back wall is very uneven and to remove the thin(1/4") coat of plaster would require extensive chiseling to leave the walls as bare cinder blocks. Is there a way to level out the old wall for a smooth surface.

I am open to any suggestions!!!!

oldsmo78,

You already know it needs to be flat. The how part seems to be answered - Elbow Grease! No simple way than chisel, whether be by hand or by use of a pnuematic tool.

Once you get it down to the block, then apply 1/4" cement backer board, then your panels. I don't trust panels being applied to the block on its own.

Good Luck!

Thanks, I had that idea too, but thought that i might find a simpler one. If i may inquire one more thing and i know it probably won't be simple either, but how exactly is the easiest way to attach the cement backer to the cinder blocks.

Thanks, oldsmo78

oldsmo78,

You're welcome.

I would screw it, Tapcons would be fine. This would be the easiest method. Heads can be screwed done below surface. This in conjunction with construction adhesive would work great. Everything will be flat and secure for your wall panels of choice.

One thing that I didn't ask is what type of wall panels? Molded with shelving, solid surface, flat acrylic or platic panels? Depending on what you are using will determine to what extent the application process will be of the cement board.

Hope this helps!

The wall panels are a molded acrylic/plastic that has one molded in towel bar . the rest of the pannels are flat.

Thanks for the help,

Oldsmo78

well, took a lot of work and quite a bit of time but, all is installed and looks great. Thanks for the help it is greatly appreciated. :)