When Airstone contacted me last month to see if I’d be interested in trying their product, I had no idea what it was. So, of course I checked out the site and did a little research. It didn’t take me long to think this super light faux stone had loads of potential in all kinds of applications. Here are just a few pictures from other customers posted to the website: So, what is Airstone? Technically, it’s a manufactured stone veneer containing 80% recycled materials. That means it’s lighter than real stone as well as concrete, and it’s eco-friendly. To install, all you need is adhesive, a putty knife, and a hacksaw. You can use it for indoor and outdoor applications (on appropriate substrates). But here’s my favorite part: it’s affordable. You get all the benefits of a natural stone look without having to buy thinset, grout, spacers…or a wet saw. Bonus: you don’t have to know how to use any of that stuff either. Since I tackled my kitchen backsplash the old fashioned way awhile ago (got the wetsaw in the basement to prove it), I thought for a long time about the best way to feature Airstone in my home.
I wanted to try something I hadn’t seen on Pinterest yet. The idea of an accent wall appealed to me, but I couldn’t decide where I’d do it. If you read the title of this post, you can probably decipher where this project is heading… That’s the guest bathroom (the main floor bathroom) in all it’s builder grade glory- a pre-fab, 3 walled tub/shower surround with zero awesomeness. I have been dreaming of “re-facing” the front of the tubs in both bathrooms for some time (I have a different material in mind for upstairs, it starts with a “bead” and ends with an “oard”). Since I knew Airstone can be used outside, I got pretty excited about the prospect of trying it out in this application. One of their installation experts gave me the go ahead in a quick chat, then I was off and running. Currently Airstone comes in two colors, one being more gray and the other more tan. I chose the gray (Spring Creek) because I thought it would look best with the wall colors and vanity.
Since I wasn’t rounding any corners and both sides of the tub have walls, I only needed the flat stones (there are also “corner” and “natural edge” varieties). Two boxes of Airstone, 2 tubes of PL Premium Construction Adhesive, a putty knife, and a hacksaw came home with me. I already had a caulk-gun, so I didn’t buy one- but you will need one for the exterior adhesive. P.S. I’m convinced there is no such thing as a dripless caulk gun. But back to the install, here it is in two steps: If that seems simple, that’s because it is. You just lay the stones end-to-end however you like, trying to alternate the seams (like wood flooring). Now if you have one of these pre-fab tub/showers deals, you might already know that the tub front is not completely flat. If you look at the top right corner of the tub you can see the tub goes slightly in. I had a hunch that I’d be able to compensate with the Airstone because of the natural depth variation in each stone, something I doubt would be possible with a straight tile job (at least not without installing a flat surface first).
Yeah, that almost never happens to me on the first try. I was shocked too. Because my tub is not very wide, I started with stones on one end and installed about 3 or 4, then I moved to the other side. I just didn’t want to have all cut pieces at one end. But the adhesive has quite a long working time, so you can replace stones as needed if you want. Make your cuts as you go, it’s best not to move onto the next row with a hole on the previous. A simple hacksaw will cut Airstone, no power tools needed. When I got to the last row of full height bricks (not to the top, but as far up as I could go), I started experimenting with trim. I tried a piece of molding (similar to chair rail), but actually simple quarter round looked the best! First I had to deal with that little inset area in the corner though, remember? My first inclination was to ignore it…I mean the shower curtain would cover it anyway. I’d just cut a piece to go the length of the inner portion and call it a day.
But I just couldn’t! I mean I’ve been working with my little miter box saw for awhile now, and it’d be a shame to waste all those skills… Ok-so by those cuts you wouldn’t think I have skills, but I swear the problem is that it’s not exactly a 90 degree corner. I knew I’d have to fudge it with caulk and spackle. Looking pretty finished now, I’m on a roll! Oh yeah, check out that craftsmanship. Or, it will be after come spackle, caulk, and paint- which is still in the works (stuff takes time to dry, yo). And it will be covered by curtains. Ohmygosh I totally pulled a curtain switch on you too, did you notice? Well I couldn’t very well install a posh tub surround and then cover it up with a curtain now could I? If you are patient, you can find two matching curtain panels that are not lime green at Ross. It took me about a week. I also picked up a set of sheers with a bonus valence (for another project, you’ll see!). I got an extra tension rod for $4.99, so I think this was less than $25 alltogether.
The curtains and (1) sheer panel are on a rod, and the liner is on another rod behind. I’m not sure if this is the best permanent solution, ideally the liner and sheer would be together (in my head, I want the curtains to stay still and the liner/sheer to be opened and closed). I’m still working on executing that. But this works for now, especially since it’s a guest bathroom. I may add a cornice box up top, which is why the curtain height is kinda weird. If I add the box, I can lower the rod… In any case, let’s not throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater. Just focus on the tub. How to Tile a Bathroom Wall Tub & Shower Liners Call us at: 1-855-752-3352 Bathroom installations that consistently earn high customer ratings, free in-home consultations, with labor and products backed by The Home Depot, the nation’s #1 home improvement retailer. Licensed and insured bathroom installation professionals (where applicable) that meet the highest standards for experience, know-how and customer service.
We offer a wide range of flexible financing options including The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card issued by Citibank, N.A. and The Home Depot Project Loan issued by GreenSky, LLC, plus one competitive price on any bathroom installation. The Bathroom Brands You Trust From best sellers to the latest styles, you’ll find all the top names in bathroom remodeling at The Home Depot. Browse our selection to discover hundreds of unique and hard-to-find items in every category. The installation went smoothly but not what I was expecting price wise. When I purchased the toilets, I was told by salesperson that the plumbers would pick up the toilets because we were unable to at the time. We were also told that the plumbers would take the toilets away for free. We were also told that the plumbers would take the toilets away for free.When the plumbing company called, they would not be able to pick up toilets and they would charge to take toilets way. The person also would not tell me the cost of installation until the plumbers came to give quote and charge fee to come out to give quote.
The plumbers then informed me that person on phone should have given me the price of installation. So after all installation was done for 3 toilets it cost $1100.00 and I had to rent vehicle to pick up the toilets. So not the best experience but the toilets do work well, that's the best I can say about whole experience. Love the new shower doors! Contractor (Euroview) was extremely professional and did an excellent job installing the doors. They took extra care to make sure the doors were level and thoroughly explained every step of the process. I highly recommend this contractor for future use. The installer was friendly, knowledgeable and cleaned up after himself. His personality was engaging, and made me feel comfortable having him in my home. Smooth Install & excellant results I am extremely pleased with my bathroom tub/shower conversion. The installer was a skilled craftsman and he did an absolutely perfect job . Although we could not get the new toilet installed, due to size and there was some damage to the product, the installer went over and beyond to help clear what was causing the problem with the toilet.
he pulled out ...he pulled out roots that were growing in the pipes of the toilet. we appreciated the extra mile he went to to fix it. so the old toilet is still usable. we appreciate all his help. Bathroom Installs for Any Budget Explore the latest trends, classic standbys and the perfect options for your bathing area. Tub & Shower Liner Installation Get a custom acrylic liner installed in a fraction of the time of a full remodel. Toilet & Plumbing Installation Get your toilet, faucet, sink, and disposal installed by our experts to complete your plumbing needs. Refresh the appearance of your shower with a custom installed shower door. Let our qualified installation team provide more style and safety to your bathroom with top brand walk-in bathtubs and tub modification options. Professional Bathroom Installers, Low-Cost Updates When it comes to bathroom installation, there’s no better place to find the inspiration, the items and the professional bathroom installers you’re looking for than The Home Depot.
Your bathroom install begins with you. We’ll listen to your bathroom design ideas to help you decide what level of remodeling you need for your bathroom. We’ll also discuss your current bathing area to determine what works and what could be improved. For example, if you’ve recently updated knobs and pulls in your bathing area, maybe a few simple updates like a bathroom faucet installation or bathroom vanity installation are all you need. While many homeowners will wisely get new toilets installed to gain better functionality and water savings, installing a new tub and shower liner as well as shower doors can be a very shrewd choice. And for people with limited mobility or difficulty accessing their bathing area, we offer several walk-in tub installation options to make bathing more comfortable than ever. Ready to dive into your bathroom installation, but not sure where to begin? Before you get started, browse our extensive design resources for endless inspiration. Whether you’re remodeling or simply installing a new walk-in tub, we’ve compiled the latest design trends waiting to be uncovered for your next project.