Yes, you can tile around a drop in tub. Tiling around a drop in tub is essentially the same as tiling a regular bathtub. You’ll need to make sure you have the proper materials for the job, such as tile adhesive, grout, a notched trowel, tile trim, and silicone sealant.
Once you have the materials you’ll need, the tile should be laid out from the back wall to the side of the drop in tub. After the tiles are laid out, you should use the notched trowel to spread adhesive onto the back wall and the edge of the tub.
Then place the tiles onto the adhesive and press each tile firmly into place. Once the tiles are all laid out, use the tile trim to cover any exposed edges and use the silicone sealant to seal the bottom edge of the tile trim.
When everything is in place, it’s time to grout the tiles. Using a grout float, spread the grout onto the tiles. Once the grout has dried, you should seal the grout to ensure a long-lasting finish. After the grout is sealed, the job is done!.
How do you enclose a drop in tub?
Enclosing a drop-in tub can be a fairly straightforward process but does require some specific tools and supplies. To start, you will need the tub, two horizontal side panels, two vertical side panels, four corner posts, and access to a drill.
Depending on the tub size and type, additional supplies such as trim pieces, fasteners, and hardware may be necessary.
Begin by measuring the tub and determine the correct side panel size. Install the panels on the bottom portion of the tub, long side first with corner posts attached to each corner. Secure these with the appropriate screws and fasteners.
Once the bottom part of the tub is secure, measure and cut each vertical side panel to the right size to fit the tub. Attach the panels to the wall sections and carefully insert the panels into the side slots.
Then, attach the corner posts and secure with screws and fasteners.
Once the wall panels are in place and the corner posts are secure, you can aesthetic accents as desired. Depending on the type of tub, you may also need to install a support system to reinforce the creation.
Make sure to buy the correct type and size of support system for your tub size.
Finally, inspect the drop-in tub for any gaps or openings between the panels. Caulk these to ensure a secure fit and prevent water from leaking into the walls. With a little bit of measuring and preparation, anyone can properly enclose a drop-in tub.
Can you use a drop in tub in an alcove?
Yes, drop-in tubs can be installed in an alcove. Installing a drop-in tub in an alcove provides a beautiful look and allows to make use of available space. It is possible to surround an alcove with decorative tile or vanity surrounds to make the space look more aesthetically pleasing.
The installation of a drop-in tub in an alcove is generally easier than an undermount tub, as it’s designed with an alcove in mind. The drop-in tub should be installed on a level wooden platform, with foam insulation surrounding the tub to provide support, create a seal, and prevent sound-transfer.
The wooden platform should be secured to the residential framing with lag bolts or screws and properly insulated. After installation of the drop-in tub and platform, the surrounding walls should be tiled or finished off with a vanity surround to give the alcove a finished look.
Does taking out a tub decrease home value?
Yes, taking out a tub can potentially decrease the value of a home. While most potential buyers prefer a full bathtub in their home, some buyers may not see a tub as a necessity. Bathroom features, including bathtubs, are one of the major selling points of a home and a missing tub can turn away potential buyers in a competitive market.
Even if the tub isn’t essential, the extra space a full tub provides can significantly add to the appeal of a home. Homes with missing tubs can also be more difficult to resell since replacing the tub takes both time and money.
If the tub has been removed and replaced with a shower, features such as a built-in seat or multiple shower heads can help add value to the home. However, in most cases, the value of a home will decrease if the bathtub has been removed.
How far should a drop in tub be from the wall?
The minimum recommended distance between a drop in tub and the wall is 6 to 10 inches. It is important to leave enough space between the tub and the wall to ensure it won’t be damaged from contact with the wall and to allow for proper installation.
If the tub is too close to the wall, it could put stress on the rim of the tub and cause it to crack or chip. It is also important to leave enough space between the tub and the wall to make sure any water that may splash onto the wall is easily drained.
If the tub is too close to the wall, water may pool on the wall and lead to water damage or mold growth.
What is the difference between a drop in and an alcove tub?
The main difference between a drop in and an alcove tub is the installation. A drop in tub is installed by placing it into a cut out in the floor, while an alcove tub is designed to fit into a three-sided alcove that is built around it.
This gives the alcove tub a more built-in look. A drop in tub usually has access panels around the sides and back, while an alcove tub typically has tile walls surrounding the tub.
Drop in tubs are generally more versatile in terms of design, since they can be installed either in an alcove or a drop in setting. They also tend to be easier to install and less costly, as they don’t require any additional construction or tiling.
Alcove tubs are a good choice if you’re looking for a traditional or cohesive look for your bathroom. They will be more expensive and require more construction or tiling, but they offer the advantage of having a tub that is completely surrounded by walls.
This allows for a greater sense of privacy and may also provide better insulation for hot water.
How can I hide the gap between my tub and floor?
One of the best ways to hide the gap between the tub and floor is to install trim molding. Trim molding is available in a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and plastic, and is typically applied around the perimeter of the gap.
You will need to measure the dimensions of the gap and purchase enough trim molding to fit its length and width. Then, nail the pieces in place with a hammer and appropriate nails. Make sure to fill in any gaps with caulk, to ensure a snug and secure fit.
If you’re using metal trim molding, you may also need to seal the metal with paint or a sealant to keep it looking its best. You can also use floor tiles to hide the gap. You can install ceramic or porcelain tiles onto the floor, cutting them to fit the exact measurements of the gap.
Once the tiles have been installed, apply grout in the spaces between the tiles and then seal the grout to protect it from water damage. With some creativity, you can even create a design that adds some visual interest to the area.
Should tile around tub go to ceiling?
Whether you should tile around the tub and extend it all the way to the ceiling largely depends on your personal preference and the appearance you’re hoping to achieve. For example, if you want a less busy look and a more open, airy feel in the bathroom, you might consider extending the tile to the ceiling.
This option can help add height to the area and make the room feel a little bigger. Additionally, having the tile go to the ceiling avoids that unfinished look and creates a cleaner, more consistent overall aesthetic.
On the other hand, leaving the tile a few inches or a foot below the ceiling can add visual weight to the space and provide the room with a cozier look. It could diminish the feeling of openness, but the effect achieved can be quite pleasing.
Additionally, if the tile pattern isn’t a uniform one, cutting it off at the top can help avoid an over-busy visual effect below. Ultimately, either decision can look good, so it’s important to consider your needs and budget, as well as personal preference, when making your final choice.
Is it cheaper to use a tub surround or tile?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors including cost, type of installation, and desired look. When it comes to cost, a tub surround installation is usually cheaper than tiling since it usually only requires one material and no extra tools.
Tub surrounds are usually made from acrylic, which is relatively inexpensive, and don’t require grout or other adhesives. On the other hand, tiling can become quite expensive, especially if you opt for custom or high-end materials.
The type of installation also plays a role in the overall cost of the project. Tiling requires more specialized tools and experience, and can be more complicated if the walls are not completely flat or if replacement of the existing subfloor is necessary.
Finally, the desired look may influence your decision. Tub surrounds come in a variety of colors and designs, but if you’re looking for a truly custom look, nothing beats the look and feel of tile. Ultimately, it comes down to weighing the cost, installation complexity, and desired look to make the best decision for your project.
How much room should you leave around a freestanding tub?
When it comes to installing a freestanding tub, it’s important to leave at least two to three feet of space around it on all sides to allow for easy access and maneuverability. This is especially important if you plan to install a shower head in the tub, as you’ll need additional room around it to ensure it has sufficient spray distance.
Additionally, be sure to consider any doorways or closet access that could be impacted by the new tub and how much room you’ll need to open and close them without obstructing the tub. Finally, make sure that there is adequate spot for a non-slip mat and ladder, if required.
How tall is a drop-in tub surround?
The height of a drop-in tub surround depends on the size of the tub, so there isn’t one definitive answer. Generally, drop-in tub surrounds will range from 24-inches to 36-inches tall. These measurements are taken from the floor to the top of the tub surround, and are considered to be the standard for most drop-in tubs.
Of course, there are many different sizes and shapes of tubs, so the specific tub surround measurements will vary from one to another. Additionally, some spaces may require custom-built tub surrounds, which may require different heights and measurements than what is standard.
How much space is needed between tub and drywall?
When installing a bathtub, the minimum amount of space that should be kept between the tub and the drywall is 1/2 inch. It is recommended to keep even more space – up to an inch – between the tub and the wall to provide adequate room for sealant to dry and to ensure that the wall won’t be damaged by any leaks from the tub.
Furthermore, keeping the bathtub further from the wall will make it much easier to access the bathtub for cleaning and to inspect the plumbing for any problems. It is also important to remember to fill the gap between the tub and the wall with caulk, as this will help prevent any water from seeping behind the tub and causing damage.
What is the stuff that goes around the bathtub?
The material used to go around the bathtub is called trim or molding. It’s typically a plastic or wood material and is used for decorative and functional purposes. The trim is installed in order to create a watertight seal between the wall and the bathtub.
It’s also used to cover any unsightly gaps between the bathtub and the wall. Additionally, it can be an attractive addition to any bathroom, as it can provide an attractive border that enhances the overall look of the bathtub and the bathroom.
Finally, trim can also be used to conceal nuts, bolts, or screws used to secure the bathtub to the wall.
How do you frame around a bathtub?
Framing around a bathtub typically follows the same instructions as framing around a shower or tub-shower unit. The first step is to determine the size and shape of the tub or shower area. In most cases, the tub or shower area will have four sides, so you will need to build a frame to support them.
The frame will consist of 2×4 or 2×6 boards fastened together to form a box or rectangular frame.
You will need to frame each side separately. To begin, attach 2×4 studs to the floor joists in order to form a frame around the perimeter of the tub. Be sure to use proper fasteners (e. g. deck screws or lag bolts) and secure them solidly.
Then add 2×6 boards to the top of the frame for additional support.
Once the frame is set up, you will need to add a subfloor before you can tile the area. Measure the area and then attach the subfloor to the 2×4 and 2×6 frame.
Next, measure and cut the edges of the bathtub and then set it into the frame. Secure the tub with metal brackets and deck screws.
Finally, attach the trim pieces and caulking around the frame to finish off the installation. Then, you can begin waterproofing the perimeter of the tub and shower area.
How do I fill the gap around my tub?
Filling the gap around your tub is an important part of maintaining its look and functionality. Depending on the type of gap you have, there are various solutions that can help you fill the space and provide a neat, finished look.
If your gap is between the tub and tile in a shower, you can use caulk to fill this space. Use a silicone based caulk to provide the best waterproof seal. Before applying to caulk, remove any existing caulk or grout from the area and clean the surface.
Use a caulk gun and press the trigger slowly in order to control the flow of the caulk. Run your fingertip along the bead to smooth it out and clean away any excess caulk before it dries.
If you have a gap between the bathtub and the wall or floor, then you can use this opportunity to add a little extra insulation. Install a bathtub skirt to cover the gap and provide insulation and a decorative look.
Make sure you purchase a skirt that is the same width and height as your tub and use a stud finder to ensure that the screws mounting the skirt to the studs in the wall are firmly secure.
Finally, if you have a metal gap between the bathtub and tile, then you can use metal bathtub molding. This is usually a thin band of metal which is affixed to the edge of the bathtub and it offers a tight seal against the wall or floor.
It’s usually easy to attach the molding with adhesive or screws.
By following these steps, you should be able to effectively fill the gap around your tub and create a neat, finished look.