Floor or bathtub first

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T_Hartigan

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Looking at replacing alcove bathtub and floor (vinyl). Most likely it will be another vinyl product for the floor.

Should the tub sit on top of the finished floor, or is it best to have the tub replaced and then have the floor installed.

Maybe a dumb question.

Thanks.

Tim
 

Terry

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You can do it either way,

However,

If this is a replacement, then you may have to shim to level the new tub.
That will leave a gap and some shims at one end.
By installing the tub first, you can shim, then put the underlayment up to the tub, hiding the gap, and holding the tub tight to the alcove walls.

It also makes it less of a step to get into the tub.

The best choice is to install the tub first,
And then the flooring.
 

Jadnashua

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In new construction, the tub is installed often before all of the walls go up so it's there before any finish work happens. The apron typically sits on the subfloor.
 

hj

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tub

The only problem with installing the tub first is that the seam at the floor, will then cause a leak in the lower level if the grout/caulking breaks away from the tub. It does not happen when the tub is on top of the flooring.
 

Kingsotall

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Looking at replacing alcove bathtub and floor (vinyl). Most likely it will be another vinyl product for the floor.

Should the tub sit on top of the finished floor, or is it best to have the tub replaced and then have the floor installed.

Maybe a dumb question.

Thanks.

Tim

Only dumb question is the one Ian... I mean is the one you don't ask!
 
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