Building a drop in tub frame requires making certain preparations to ensure safety and reliability.
Step 1: Measure the area where the tub will be installed. If a specific size is needed, such as a standard 60 inch tub, measure the area to confirm it has enough room to accommodate the design.
Step 2: Assemble the frame. Begin with the bottom. Using lumber designed for wet exposure, assemble the frame with the box style design to support the tub. Be sure to lay down plywood under the frame to prevent warping and other support issues.
Once the frame is assembled, measure the tub and make sure it fits snugly inside the frame.
Step 3: Level the frame. Use a 4-foot level and make sure the frame is flat and square. If needed, use shims to level the frame and add stability.
Step 4: Add waterproofing around the edges and bottom. Using a waterproof membrane or a waterproofing material, coat the edges of the frame to prevent water from leaking into the wall space around the tub.
Step 5: Install the tub. Place the tub in the frame and use a level and plumb bob to ensure it is level and square. Secure the tub to the frame with special screws designed for wet surfaces and secure the piping and handles.
Step 6: Complete plumbing and electrical. If you are installing a new tub, you will need to run new electrical and plumbing. Be sure to follow local building codes when doing this.
Once these steps have been completed, your drop in tub frame is ready to be put to use.
How do you frame an alcove tub?
Framing an alcove tub involves a few steps. First, remove any existing trim or studs in the alcove space, if necessary. Next, measure the alcove to ensure that the tub will fit. If the alcove walls are not of the same dimension, use a level and shims to make sure that the framing will be level.
Next, create the frame using 2” or 2 ½” framing lumber. This frame should consist of two side pieces and a header piece. Fit the frame together with screws and then use construction adhesive to ensure the frame is air and watertight.
Additionally, use shims between the frame pieces as necessary to ensure that frame is also level.
Now, it is time to attach the frame to the walls. To do this, use construction adhesive and screws where necessary. Try to space the screws evenly and make sure that they are firmly seated in the wall studs.
Finally, it is time to install the alcove tub. Place the tub in the alcove and check to make sure it is level and secure. Utilize the instructions that came with the tub to secure it firmly in place, and then use caulk to seal the space between the tub and the wall frame.
Once the project is finished, the alcove tub should be firmly installed and provide years of enjoyment.
How much space is needed for a drop-in tub?
Drop-in tubs require a minimum of 70-80 gallons of water, so they need to be placed in an area that is capable of handling that volume of water. On average, drop-in tubs require an area that is 5 feet long, 3 feet wide and approximately 25-30 inches deep.
Additionally, the space must accommodate the necessary piping and electrical connections for the tub. The space must also have access to a hot water supply and for the drainage of water at the time of the tub emptying.
In addition, depending on the model, the space must have room for inset shelves for any additional accessories or artifacts. Finally, it’s important to consider the size and weight of the drop-in tub as well and make sure that the space will support it.
How can I make my own bathtub?
Making your own bathtub is a challenging and rewarding project that requires good research, planning, precision, and a lot of patience.
Start by researching online or at a local home supply store what materials and tools you need to make a bathtub. Depending on the type and size of bathtub you want to create, you’ll need to buy a jigsaw, miter saw, circular saw, pilot drill, safety goggles, and other specific tools.
Invest in quality products for your own safety.
Before you can make your own bathtub, you must first measure out the area where you plan to install it in your bathroom. Make sure that you’re aware of any obstacles such as water pipes, gas lines, and air vents that may be in the way of your project.
Once you have all the necessary materials and tools, you can begin making the bathtub itself. Follow the instructions included with your materials to put the bathtub together, paying attention to fit and finish.
Secure the pieces with screws and sealants.
Once you’ve finished building the bathtub, you should test it and ensure it is free of any leaks or flaws. You can then connect the bathtub to your plumbing and seal it in place before testing out the tub and filling it with water.
Making your own bathtub is a complicated but ultimately rewarding task. With careful planning, quality materials, and precision workmanship, you can create a custom tub that is perfectly suited to your needs.
How is a bathtub supported?
A bathtub is supported in a variety of different ways depending on the type of bathtub. Generally, a bathtub is supported either by the floor or the wall. Stand-alone bathtubs that have freestanding legs or can be built-in and supported by brackets attached directly to the floor (depending on the type of bathtub).
Cast iron and acrylic bathtubs are usually supported with feet that attach directly to the flooring. These feet may also be adjustable for leveling the bathtub. Clawfoot bathtubs are also mounted on four feet that may attach with threaded bolts directly to the floor.
Alternatively, some bathtubs are supported by the wall or a special platform or alcove. These bathtubs usually have a lip at the top or bottom that rests against the wall and is secured in place with an anchor.
Finally, drop-in bathtubs are installed directly into a platform or alcove. The sides of the platform or alcove provides support for the weight of the bathtub, as well as any water that is in the bathtub.
How big is the surround for a drop in tub?
The size of the surround for a drop in tub will depend on the size and shape of the tub itself. Generally, the actual tub will measure from 60″-72″ in length and from 30″-36″ in width. Depending on the type of tub, it is recommended that the surround should be about 5-6” wider and longer than the actual tub to provide enough space for installation and an overflow drain.
For example, if the tub is 60”x30”, then the surround size would be 65”x35”. In addition, it is important to keep in mind the height of the surround when selecting the size. Most drop in tubs are 28” deep and having a surround 1-2” taller than the tub itself is common, making it 30”-32” tall.
Can you make your own bath panel?
Yes, you can make your own bath panel. Making a custom bath panel requires some basic skills in carpentry, but it can be a rewarding DIY project if you have the right tools and materials. The first step is to measure the dimensions of the bath and make a detailed sketch to ensure the panel you build fits the space.
You will then need to choose the materiaIs for the frame and the panel itself. If you want a timeless, traditional look using MDF is your best bet; for a contemporary subtle look, you could opt for a laminate or veneer.
Once your materials are chosen and cut to size, you will need to assemble the frame, ensuring that it is carefully measured and perfectly square. The panel itself should then be securely fastened to the frame using screws or glue.
Finally, any edges or seams can be smoothed out with sandpaper and beading (optional) added for a neat finish. With careful planning and attention to detail, it can be possible to create your own bath panel.
What is the tub surround material?
The tub surround material is typically a hard, weatherproof material that is used to cover the walls around a bathtub. It helps to protect the walls from water damage, as well as protect from mold and mildew.
It also helps to create a more aesthetically pleasing look to the bathroom. Some of the more common materials are ceramic tile, acrylic, cultured marble, solid surface, laminate and stone. Each of these materials comes in a variety of colors and styles, allowing the homeowner to choose a material that fits their desired look and budget.
Should I put drywall behind tub surround?
It depends on your project, but as a general rule, it is not necessary to put drywall behind a tub surround. The surround provides sufficient protection against moisture and prevents water from leaking inside your wall.
However, if you are doing a bathtub remodel in your bathroom, then it may be beneficial to put drywall behind the tub surround for increased protection against water and for a more aesthetically pleasing finish.
Additionally, if you have an out-of-plumb wall, then there may be gaps around the surround that can be filled in with drywall to ensure a better fit and a smoother finish. Ultimately, the decision to put drywall behind the tub surround will depend on the scope of your project, the materials you have available, and the amount of time and money you are willing to invest into it.
Do you need to build a frame for a bath?
Yes, you will need to build a frame for a bath. A frame will provide support to the bath, allowing the bath to remain stable, strong, and level. It will also provide a way to securely hold the bath in place.
Depending on your bathroom’s design, you may have to build a custom frame or purchase a frame specifically designed for the bath. Whichever you choose, make sure the frame is made with durable and high-quality materials like steel or concrete.
Also remember to reinforce the frame with cross bracing for extra stability. Finally, attach the frame to the wall studs using lag bolts or other secure fasteners.
Does a drop in tub sit on the floor?
Yes, a drop in tub typically sits on the floor. Drop in tubs are also called platform tubs or alcove tubs, and are designed to fit into a three-walled alcove that forms all or part of a bathroom wall.
Because of their design, drop in tubs don’t usually require any additional wall fastening or floor support. Instead, gravity holds the tub in place when it is filled with water, and the lip on the edge of the tub keeps the unit from slipping away from the walls of the alcove.
Another important factor is the weight of the water, providing a secure foundation for the tub.
What is the standard size of a drop in tub?
The standard size of a drop-in tub is typically 5′ to 7′ in length, 28″ to 32″ in height, and 48″ to 60″ in width. Drop-in tubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including rectangular, oval, and hexagonal, so you may want to measure the space you intend to install the tub in before deciding on a specific size.
Additionally, it is important to consider how many users the tub should accommodate when selecting a size. Larger drop-in tubs can seat two or more people at once, while smaller tubs are designed for one user.
A drop-in tub can usually be installed with a mortar base, which is a customizable foundation for the bath. With several factors to consider, the most important thing when selecting the size of a drop-in tub is to ensure it will fit into the designated space and provide enough room for comfortable use.
Is a drop in tub cheaper than freestanding?
The cost of a drop in tub versus a freestanding tub depends on a variety of factors, from the materials used to the overall size and shape. Drop in tubs are generally less expensive because they are installed into an existing alcove or enclosure and don’t typically require additional support.
Freestanding tubs, on the other hand, must be surrounded and supported by a platform in order to function safely and are typically more expensive. Additionally, drop in tubs are often made with thinner walls, which can reduce the cost greatly.
In some instances, a drop in tub may cost more due to its size or the materials used, but generally speaking a drop in tub will be less expensive than a freestanding one.
What is the difference between an alcove tub and a drop in tub?
An alcove tub is a bathtub style that is built into an alcove-shaped enclosure, typically three walls that are connected to a fourth wall, normally with enclosed shelving. They are also known as “three wall alcove tubs” and are typically placed directly against one of the walls, which is why they are sometimes called recessed tubs.
This style of bathtub is great for saving space because the entire tub enclosure is tucked away, with no sides or edges visible. Because of their more compact nature, they are ideal for smaller bathrooms.
On the other hand, a drop-in tub is a bathtub design that usually features large edges that extend past the edge of the bathtub. The large edges add an elevated or raised platform effect, making it look like the tub is actually sinking into the ground.
These types of tubs also come in different shapes, including rounded and rectangular. Drop-in tubs usually feature a rim around the edge of the tub, which provides extra support for the installation.
This style is best for larger master bathrooms or contemporary-looking spaces.