When I had to replace the shower fixture it was necessary to cut the hole bigger than original. The orginal backing was done in the 60's I'm guessing. It is wire mess with approx. 1" of cement and then wall tile. What would be the best way to close the hole.

Thanks,
Kirk

don't understand why it would be necessary to cut a hole to install a new shower head


Matt
Cupan Custom Tile and Paint
Charlotte, NC
tile contractor

I can't speak for him but I assume he meant that he had to replace the diverter for the shower head.

Kirk,
That's a difficult patch to make. If the metal lathe is still exposed, you could weave additional reinforcement wire into the existing stuff and then flush out the hole enough to re-fix tile.
If that fails, you can remove more tile and gently expose the studs at either side of the valve and try to patch in CBU to give yourself a solid setting surface. It'll more than likely look like garbage but it'll perform a servicable patch until you can afford to replace the entire surround.
A cold patch like I've described won't be as strong, will be vulnerable to water penetration and rarely matches at the joints even if you are able to meet elevations. It's a huge PITA and that's why we always try to replace plumbing through the back side of the wall when possible.
Best of luck,
Shaughnn