Unpackaging
Use care when opening the box so that you do not
damage the panels.
This product is shipped to you or your retail center
after careful inspection. After purchasing the kit,
carefully unbox and inspect the product for any
shipping damage that may have occurred. If damage
is found, report it immediately to the store of
purchase. After inspection and during installation,
protect the products from construction damage, by
moving them to another room or area until ready to
install.
Store panels in a flat area to avoid warpage until the
time of installation. Do not store the panels outside of
the original packaging in a vertical position.
Please use the model number located on the side of
the box or the front of this manual when contacting us
with questions concerning the installation of this unit.
Make sure the shower base is the correct size and is
in good condition. Installation of a damaged product
will void the warranty.
Helpful Hints
Read these instructions carefully and familiarize
yourself with the various parts of the kit.
The variety of installations possible for this kit may
require procedures other than those shown. Ensure
construction is correctly sized, plumb, and square.
Save the large cardboard box for protection of the
shower floor during the installation process and to
use as a template for cutting the back shower wall
panel.
Allow sufficient time for the parts in this kit to adjust to
room temperature. We do not recommend
installation of this product at temperatures below 65
degrees.
Sawhorses with 2 x 4 cross-members or a worktable
is helpful during the installation process.
Always transport the panels vertically. Use care
when laying the panels flat to prevent flexing,
especially when panels have a cutout in them.
Store unused materials away from the work area to
prevent accidental damage.
If the shower is placed over a garage or on an
outside wall, care must be taken to ensure that the
shower is properly insulated from cold temperatures.
Preparation Tips
Measure the width of the back wall (with green board)
installed. This measurement cannot exceed the width
of the Swanstone back panel. If the wall opening is
too large, other methods or two panels will be
required to cover the wall.
Turn off the hot and cold water supply.
Remove faucet handles, escutcheons, filler spouts,
and/or anything mounted to the wall (i.e. towel bars,
soap dishes, etc.).
Always measure the location of the plumbing cutouts
from the back wall forward and from the ledge of the
shower base upward.
Ensure all plumbing or electrical work inside the walls
is finished prior to installation of the wall panels.
Prepare the area with 1/2” (13 mm) moisture-resistant
drywall, marine grade plywood, or concrete board.
Never install our products directly on any structure
that is, or may become, wet or damp.
Make sure the drain hole (6” diameter) in the subfloor
or slab is large enough and aligns with the hole in the
shower base.
Make sure the subfloor under the shower base is
level in both directions. The shower base must be
level when installed. Improper installation will void
the warranty.
Trial fit the side panels before you begin. Swanstone
panels have a finished side and a nonfinished backer
side. The Swanstone panel has a sticker or stickers
attached to the nonfinished backer side and, upon
installation, should be placed against the sub-wall.
Walls must be solid, plumb, and square within 1/8” of
true. Shim or trim the opening, as required. This kit
has been designed with some adjustability for minor
alignment problems.
The mounting surface must be free of dirt, film,
waxes, or any other residues.
If you are installing a recessed accessory, cut the
hole after the panel is installed and fully supported by
the wall. Remember to position the accessory
between the wall studs.
Caulking Tips
Follow the instructions on the caulking tube.
When job is complete, inspect all caulked areas for
gaps and fill as needed.
Clean up any excess silicone that was missed using
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
Be very careful not to disturb caulk joints.
800-325-7008
7
The Swan Corporation – Swanstone
General Information