Small Bathroom Renovation With Delta UPstile
Last updated August 21, 2024
Brad Rodriguez discovered his passion for woodworking when he took a class in 2002. That eventually led to launching his blog, Fix This Build That. He offers a steady stream of woodworking projects for skill levels from beginners to seasoned woodworkers. He lives in Nashville with his wife Susan and their three children.
A Note From The Home Depot
Brad Rodriguez of Fix This Build That takes on a small bathroom renovation with the Delta UPstile Wall System. Read below for his step-by-step guide on how to transform your bathroom like a Pro.
Table of Contents
Step 1: Demo and Tub Removal
Step 2: New Tub Install
Step 3: Dry Fit & Put Hole in Shower Walls
Step 4: Put Up Bracing
Step 5: Install Shower Walls
Step 6: Install Accent Tile
Our house was built 13 years ago and the original owners definitely went with the contractor basic package for this small bathroom. It’s 6’ x 5’ excluding the bathtub and has two doors in it to boot, so there’s not a lot of usable space. It had bland flooring, a sheet mirror with basic lights and a shower that was just a basic shower. We wanted a complete overhaul of this space. Using the Delta UPstile Wall System for a custom tiled shower without all the tiling was the perfect cornerstone. Let me show you how we did it!
Step 1: Demo and Tub Removal
Here’s what we started with in this bathroom. Like I said, it was really contractor basic. So, the first thing we did was tear everything out!
The old fixtures come out pretty fast since most of it is just unbolted or screwed then removed, but the bathtub was a different story. I had to use a reciprocating saw to cut through the fiberglass to get the tub out. It was quite a bit of work, but it finally came out in pieces. Plus the floor came up pretty easily with a big pry bar.
Step 2: New Tub Install
With a clean slate it was time to start installing the new system. The Delta Classic 400 tub is the base for the UPstile system. I did have to move the plumbing connections to fit the new tub and I’d highly recommend using a licensed plumber for that. The tub has direct to stud installation, so I predrilled holes in the flanges and secured the tub into the alcove. Next, I hooked up the connections for the drain and the overflow.
Step 3: Dry Fit & Put Hole in Shower Walls
Next up I did my first dry fit of the UPstile wall system. I put the back and left wall in place to check for fitment. The right wall needs cut outs for the plumbing so I took measurements and made cut outs for the spout and the mixer valve.
Step 4: Put Up Bracing
The UPstile Wall System is supported by furring strips on the wall. I had to add framing supports in the corners to support the strips properly. The furring strips are installed at designated heights along the wall. I used a 2×4 scrap to get consistent spacing and hold up the strips as I installed them.
Step 5: Install Shower Walls
After test fitting the walls and making sure everything fit well, I moved on to the install. The wall kit comes with double stick tape to help hold the wall to the furring strips while the adhesive sealant sets. I used a generous amount of adhesive on each furring strip then brought the walls in one by one and secured them to the studs with panhead screws.
For added security, I pushed the walls firmly into the double stick tape and the caulking. Then to help the wall setup properly I wedged some 2x4s against the tub to hold the bottom tight and left it all to set up for 24 hours.
Step 6: Install Accent Tile
The cool thing about the UPstile Wall Systemis the channel it has in the surround where you can install your own custom accent tiles. It lets you get a custom tiles shower look without all the work and expense of a full tile job. We went with a hexagon mosaic tile for our accent and I got them to size on my wet saw.
Installing the tile is a little different as you use adhesive sealant that will work on the acrylic vs. a traditional mortar. I used a v-notch trowel to spread the adhesive along the accent strip, filling in the channel for the screws from install. Then I pressed in the tiles and spaced them off the bottom with small spacers. I definitely had to do a little finagling to get the gaps right between the strips, but I smoothed it out and let it sit for 24 hours to cure.
Step 7: Grout Tile Accent
The tiles can be grouted with a regular grout just like any other tile after the adhesive is set. Before getting started, I masked off the wall surround using painter’s tape and clear plastic to keep the grout from scratching the acrylic tiles. Then, I pushed the grout into all the open gaps then rinsed off the excess with a sponge.
After four hours, I came back and wiped off any left over grout haze. I let the grout cure for 24 hours, then caulked all the seams on the shower to keep it water tight.
Step 8: Shower Fixture Install
To finish up the shower surround install I put in some nice Delta Everly fixtures. We love the look of this design with the subtle curves and that fun little twist on the tub spout. And the shower head is a really nice one with lots of spraying options and a great look.
Step 9: Rest of Bathroom Changes
With the shower buttoned up I repaired the drywall around the surround and we gave the whole room a nice coat of gray paint. We continued on by installing some nice Carrara 12” x 24” Porcelain Floor Tiles then putting in a Delta Foundations Toilet.
Then we finished up with a Home Decorators Collection Sonoma Vanity with a Delta Everly Sink Faucet, a Delta 36” x 28” Mirror, and a Hartley Brushed Nickel Vanity Light.
Step 10: Small Bathroom Renovation Reveal
We took this bathroom from contractor basic to sophisticated modern with a little determination and a lot of sweat. Everyone thinks the shower is all tile until I let them in on the secret!
This post was created in partnership with The Home Depot. The author may have received compensation for this article and associated images or video, potentially in the form of products and/or services. All expressed opinions and experiences are the author’s own words.
