Alcove tub tiling

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Angel9894

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Hey guys, please find below a picture of our cast iron alcove tub. As you can see we have ripped pretty much everything out (tile is on it's way out now) but would like to salvage the tub. However I REALLY want to tile the tub apron/skirt. A number of contractors have said they can do it by building a small wall onto the front and tiling on to it. I know that the ideal situation is a drop in but can this be done with the current tub, and will the wall have to be very thick?
IMG-20111103-00074.jpg
 

Jadnashua

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My recommendation, if you want a tiled front apron, replace the tub withone designed for a removeable panel or self installed wall. If you do keep what you have, the seam between the tub and the new wall would be difficult to seal or make look good and you'd need to ensure your shower door protected it well.
 

Angel9894

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Ok, would it be crazy for me to replace these tubs even if there isn't anything necessarily wrong with them? Can this only be done with a drop in tub, or are there alcove tubs made for this also. If so, could you point me to some?
 

hj

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You would have to build a "wall" in front of the tub slightly higher than the rim, and then tile it so that the tile dropped "down" to the existing rim of the tub. You would have to build out the perimeter of the tub so it had the "drop down" all the way around it to simulate a "bottom mounted tub". Installing a "flat rim" drop in tub is seldom a good idea in an alcove, because then you have to mount a "tile flange" around the side and back edges to seal it to the tile wall.
 

Angel9894

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Hi HJ, can you post a picture that shows what you are describing. I'm trying to understand but still a bit confused.
 

Jadnashua

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If you effectively built a deck over the existing tub, you could tile it and have a chance of making it waterproof.
 

Angel9894

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Meaning like, almost build a deck over it for a pseudo undermountish look?
 

Jadnashua

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Yes...that would work but you'd end up with a small ledge everywhere but the outside. It would also make the step over height a little higher.
 

polkadot

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angel9894, were you able to get this done? I am looking to do the same thing and would like to know if it's possible. Do you have any photos?
 
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