Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to all your questions about FlexStone’s faux-stone shower materials.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about FlexStone shower wall panels, shower bases, accessories, installation, cleaning, and maintenance.
What is FlexStone made of?
FlexStone is a composite paneling product designed for wet-wall bathroom applications. It is made of multiple layers of engineered thermoplastic, a printed image, and a lightweight PVC backing, all bonded using high heat and pressure.
Where can FlexStone be used?
FlexStone is well-suited for bathroom wet-wall applications such as tub and shower walls, splashes, skirts, trims, shampoo and soap shelves, cubbies, and more. It can also be used for other projects such as wall cladding, wainscoting, and window sills.
Can FlexStone be installed over existing tile?
Yes, FlexStone can be installed over existing tile. Remodel Trim Molding will be needed to allow for the extra thickness when installing over existing tile, and it is sold separately. If the existing tile has a glossy surface, rough it up with sandpaper before installing FlexStone to improve adhesion.
What kinds of backer materials can be used with FlexStone?
FlexStone can be installed over a variety of substrates, including sheetrock, cement board, and even existing tile. Be sure to consult local building codes to determine the appropriate backer board for your application.
Can FlexStone panels be installed over drywall?
Yes. FlexStone can be installed over sheetrock as well as other approved substrates such as cement board and existing tile. Always follow installation instructions and local building codes for your specific application.
Do FlexStone panels require grout?
No. FlexStone panels do not require grout. The appearance of grout lines is part of the finished design, so you get the look of tile without the maintenance of traditional grout.
Is FlexStone waterproof?
FlexStone is designed for wet-wall bathroom applications such as showers and tub surrounds. When installed according to FlexStone installation instructions and properly sealed at all joints and seams, it provides a durable, water-resistant surface for wet environments.
What kind of tools do I need to install FlexStone?
Required:
- Tape measure
- Utility knife
- Caulk gun
- Pencil or marker
- Clamp
Helpful:
- Drill
- Paddle bits
- Painter’s tape
- Clean cloth
- Denatured alcohol
- Compass
What type of adhesive and silicone should I use to install FlexStone?
We strongly recommend using the Performance Pro adhesive and silicone included in your FlexStone kit. The adhesive provides strong initial tack, easy application, and long-lasting flexibility with no bracing required. The PRO-3000 silicone is color-matched to FlexStone wall panels, mildew-resistant, and forms durable, waterproof bonds on a wide range of surfaces.
Should I use Performance Pro adhesive or silicone to install the wall panels?
Use Performance Pro adhesive to bond the wall panels to the substrate. Use Performance Pro silicone to seal joints where wall panels meet each other, the base or tub, and where trim overlaps the panels.
Should I apply Performance Pro adhesive in beads or dots?
Performance Pro cures by air exposure. If applying in beads, do not seal the perimeter of the panel. Beads should be about 3/8" thick and spaced roughly 3" apart. If applying in dots, they should be about the size of a Hershey’s Kiss and spaced 3" to 4" apart.
If I run out of adhesive mid-installation, is there an alternative?
Acceptable alternatives include Gorilla Heavy Duty Adhesive Ultimate, Gorilla Heavy Duty Construction Adhesive, or Loctite PL Premium MAX. Please note these are not true polyurethanes like Performance Pro and will cure harder with less flexibility.
Will I need to brace the FlexStone wall panels once I glue them to the walls?
Not if you are using the included Performance Pro adhesive. It has excellent initial tack, so bracing is not necessary.
Will Performance Pro adhesive stick to RedGard?
Yes, Performance Pro adheres well to RedGard.
Can I use plywood as a substrate?
Yes, but it is recommended to apply a waterproofing compound such as RedGard over the plywood first.
Can I mud and tape the substrate before installing the surround? Will the adhesive stick to drywall mud?
Yes. Just make sure the mud is fully dry and dust-free before applying adhesive.
Where does the substrate end?
Leave at least a 1/4" gap between the top of the shower base’s nailing flange and the bottom edge of the wallboard substrate.
Do I need to fill the gap behind the bottom of the panel and the nailing flange of the shower base?
Yes. This 1/4" gap can be filled with a strip cut from the FlexStone back panel and adhesive, or by applying a heavier bead of adhesive.
Do I need to notch out the panel or trim for the shower base threshold?
Yes. A threshold template is included with the installation instructions. You will need to scribe and notch the wall panel so it rests flat on the shower base floor. If the vertical trim piece is placed directly on or just outside the threshold, notching the trim may not be necessary.
Does it matter which side of the panel I cut from?
Most installers prefer cutting with the image side up. However, when using a hole saw to cut openings for the shower head or valve, it is best to cut from the back side.
Can FlexStone panels be cut to size?
Yes. FlexStone wall panels can be cut during installation. Most installers prefer cutting with the finished image side up, while holes for plumbing rough-ins are best cut from the back side.
What type of drill bit should I use to pilot holes in the panels?
A standard wood drill bit works well and will not crack the panel. Masonry or glass bits are not necessary.
What is the thickness of the panels for plumbing rough-in?
With adhesive, plan for an overall thickness of approximately 1/4".
How thick is FlexStone?
FlexStone wall panels are 1/4" thick.
Are FlexStone panels strong enough to support a shower door?
Yes, but blocking or additional vertical studs should be installed at the door mounting points.
Are FlexStone panels strong enough to support safety grab bars?
Yes, as long as appropriate backing is installed at the desired mounting locations.
Can I install FlexStone myself?
Many homeowners successfully install FlexStone using common tools and the included installation materials. As with any bathroom project, careful measuring, proper substrate preparation, and following installation instructions are important for best results.
What should I use to clean FlexStone?
Care and maintenance are easy using common household cleaners. Clean with a soft sponge or cloth and mild nonabrasive cleaners. Warm soapy water is often adequate for regular maintenance. FlexStone has no grout lines to clean, and its nonporous surface never requires sealing.
How do I clean up excess silicone?
Use a soft white cloth and denatured alcohol to clean any excess silicone or adhesive.
Where can I purchase FlexStone?
FlexStone is available for retail and contractor sales at Menards Home Centers, HomeDepot.com, Lowes.com, and Wayfair.com.
Where is the flashing tape found in the FlexStone kit?
The flashing tape is located near the installation kit inside your FlexStone surround box.
Do I need to mortar set the FlexStone base?
If the subfloor or slab is flat and level, mortar is not required. If the surface is uneven, use a rapid-set thinset or quick-set self-leveling compound to prepare the floor, and allow it to dry completely before installing the base.
Can I cut a FlexStone shower base to fit my shower?
No. FlexStone shower bases are not designed to be cut or modified. They are manufactured as prefabricated units sized to install exactly as supplied. Cutting or altering the base will void the product warranty, and waterproof performance cannot be guaranteed if the base has been modified.
What drain do I need to get?
We recommend either the Oatey 42150 or Sioux Chief 827-2B compression brass drain.
Can I drill or screw into the shower base threshold or trim for my shower door?
Yes, but always drill a pilot hole first and fill it with silicone before inserting the screw.
How much weight can the shower base support?
When properly installed, the FlexStone shower base is rated to hold up to 300 lbs.
Are FlexStone shower bases slip resistant?
Yes. The shower base has a built-in non-slip surface designed to provide better footing.
Do the shower base or shelf have any texture to help prevent slipping?
Yes. Both the base and shelf have a built-in non-slip surface.
Can I use a FlexStone base with tile walls?
Yes.
Can I use a tile base with FlexStone walls?
Yes.
Do I need to add a brace under the caddy between the studs?
Yes. Installing a bottom plate between the studs will provide extra support.
