Drop In Tub

[tayman]

We have a 36" x 60" space that we would like to put a 30" x 60" drop in tub....this would give us a tiled front and 6" lip/edge but the 2 sides and back would be butted up to the walls. The walls would be tiled, so the tiles would butt up to the tub....is this a bad idea??? We are going for a very modern look and this would help us achieve the look we want but not sure if this type of installation will work. We really do not want a slide in! Any help, advice would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Cass]

The tub needs to install up against the stud wall, then you tile over the flange. You will have to rip out tile to remove the old tub anyway. You install a backer board that goes over the tub flange and then install the tile on the board.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

look for a garden tub

putting something into that sized space with a drop in tub is
a little tight.... a nd probably wont look too good on the front side...

drop in tubs usually need more space to
do the carpentry and build the lip that the tub will sit on

then you have a fun tile experience ahead of you too...

usually if you are putting in a 30x60 drop in tub you need at least
a 32 --34 in ch deep area lip for the front side of the tub to sit on.....

will that work in your space or will you have yourself a "dog leg" sticking out
that you will somehow have to tile and make look good??

it might be better withthe space you have to buy something that
has a front skirt on it that will fit into that sopt and save yourselves lots
of troubles..

 

[Jimbo]

It seems your area is not large enough for a drop in tub, which ususally fits in an area with several inches of clearance all around. Then you have to construct tricky sloped decks and deck drains.

Your situation seems to be a natural for a convential tub with flange.

 

[tayman]

tight drop in

Thanks for the replies...

We actually have 36" in depth to play with; it is the width that would be the problem. I have been worrying about how the tile will meet the top of a flangeless tub.

Thanks again!
Taylor

 

[Jadnashua]

Most manufacturers offer their tub with a tiling flange or as a drop in. When possible, buy it with the tiling flange if you are going to tile the walls around it. As an alternative, they also offer a flange kit which is then glued onto the edge of the tub to provide that vital waterproofing function if you are going to have a shower in there as well.

There are alternative methods, one being using a water proof membrane on the walls and a special trim piece. www.schluter.com makes these (and others) Check out Kerdi and Dilex trim pieces. If you use these in the corners of the walls, then you don't need any caulk anywhere in the tub/shower surround, which can be a good long-term benefit.

 

[tayman]

Thanks for the tip...

I'll take a look a schluter and talk to the manufacturer and see what I can come up with. We live in a condo so waterproofing is the number one issue, and this will include a shower.

Thanks again!

Taylor

 

[tayman]

Solution found for drop in tub!!

We have found the solution for a drop in tub in a 3-wall alcove condition...
Kohler makes a couple of products..for those interested...check out models
K-1242 and K-1219. Both come with a 3-wall tile flange to prevent water damage. Perfect for providing a drop in look where there will also be a shower or in our case, minimal space. Thanks for all the suggestions and help!!