Installing the Freedom 3-Piece Shower Stall Over Existing Drywall

Yes. The Ella Freedom 3-piece low-threshold shower stall can be installed over existing drywall. You do not need to strip the walls back to the studs to put it in. That makes it a practical choice when you are converting a finished room, such as a laundry room, into a shower room and want to keep the walls that are already there.

Why the Finished Walls Can Stay

The stall arrives as three separate sections that are assembled in the room and set against the existing walls. The shower's wet surfaces are the stall's own panels, so the drywall behind them simply needs to be sound. Ella's tech support has confirmed that the unit goes right over existing drywall, even in a room that was fully finished before the conversion began.

What to Check Before Installation

1. Confirm the drywall is dry, firm, and free of damage. Soft or water-stained sections should be repaired before the stall goes in.
2. Check that the walls and floor are plumb and level so the three sections line up and the low threshold sits correctly.
3. Have your plumber locate the supply lines and the drain before the stall is positioned, since the drain has to align with the base.
4. Make sure the sections fit through the doorways on the way to the room. A multi-piece stall arrives as separate pieces, which is easier to bring in than a one-piece unit. The clearance rule for one-piece units is explained in one-piece shower doorway and hallway clearance.
5. Follow the installation document packed with the unit for the exact fastening and sealing sequence.

Finishing Around the Stall

Once the stall is in place, the joint between the panels and the surrounding wall surface is caulked and finished so water stays inside the shower. Ella's other wall products follow a similar approach, and the guidance in shower wall kits, surrounds, and tiles installation is a helpful companion if you are pairing the stall with any of those products or want to see how finished edges are handled.

Who Installs It

Ella's Bubbles does not install showers and does not send technicians. A local licensed plumber or contractor handles the installation, including bringing water supply and a drain to a room that was never a bathroom. Ella's tech support team is available at (800) 480-6850 to answer your contractor's questions about the unit, so keep your model number handy if a question comes up mid-project.

Related Guides

• Installing the 60 x 33 Three-Piece Low-Threshold Shower With Molded Seat (Liberty 24 and 36)
• Do Ella Shower Stall Walls Come Smooth, or Only With the Molded Tile Pattern?
• Does the Ella Shower Stall Come With a Door, and What Size Door Fits the Opening?

Common Questions

Still Need Help?

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.