The Meat

The next major portion of the project was installing the hardibacker on all of the walls and framing around the tub. From the first bathroom that we did, I became really good at cutting and installing hardibacker. The trick is that we had this oval cut out that we had to ensure was left open around the piping so that the Hansgrohe faucet handle could be properly installed.

As you will notice below, the hole and the protective red template piece are exactly the same size. I take extreme pride in this particular achievement.


As you can see from this next image, there were also holes needed for the shower head and the faucet, and those were created with equal precision, but not nearly as much flare. This stage was actually fairly painless because we were more confident and familiar with the tools and the raw materials. So, there is not that much to say.


After the concrete board was up, it was a matter of masking the seams and letting everything set for the incredible work to come. The TILE! You can see at the base of this image that we were eager to start that process, so the first five tiles were laid before the entire wall had set.


Such pretty, pretty tiles. With their little spacers and their not-so-level floor resting spot. Sigh. So lovely.