I am building a tub deck for my whirlpool tub. My question is, which I can't seem to find a answer on is: Do I set the tub on the deck ontop of the tile board and then run the tile up to the flang or do I tile the deck and set the tub on top of the tile. Any help would be great!

Thanks
fireguycom

 

fireguycom,

I have attached some links for you to look at. The process is the platform should be completed with tile installed at least on the top of the platform.

Now I stress that this is a 2 sided sword! The plumber (or you) may say no way because of the whirlpool plumbing hook up. There is a way around this and a good plumber can advise based upon the unit you have. If this is done the faucets and spout assembly can all be done without too much mess.

Some prefer to have the backerboard on and then drop the tub in place allowing for plumbing hook ups - The the tile man (or you) will be complaining about the cutting of the tile around the curved edges of the tub. Isn't this nice?!

I would get all the rough in plumbing done, then install the finish tile on top and complete the face accordingly. I like this because you can check out all fitting, drains before continuing on. Others may have comments about this but this is the best method.

CAUTION: SON'T FORGET ABOUT YOUR ACCESS TO AREAS THAT MIGHT REQUIRE REPAIR. ALSO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR MEASUREMENTS PER THE TUB MANUFACTURER ARE FOLLOWED TO THE LETTER AND SUPPORT THE TUB BOTTOM EVEN IF IT HAS A GOOD SOLID BASE.

http://www.instyletile.com/wall_tile.htm

http://interiordec.about.com/cs/tileinstallation/

http://www.floorstransformed.com/backerboard.html

http://interiordec.about.com/gi/dyna...2Fdoityour.htm

Hope they help and let us know!

 

Great advice. One of your comments leads me to an additional question that I am mulling right now:

"SUPPORT THE TUB BOTTOM EVEN IF IT HAS A GOOD SOLID BASE."

What is the most lightweight and durable material to accomplish this? I am about to install a jacuzzi tub as well, and have poured some concrete and finished the bottom of the tub platform with cement board. That all being said, I would like to keep the additional weight to a minimum.

Any suggestions what to use? It seems that to support the entire tub base the gradient will go from about 1/8 inch near the drain up to almost 2 inches of base support material in the rear.

Thanks in advance!

 

gbuddenb,

I would go get a 5 gallon pail of joint compound pre-mix - General Purpose - dump the pail about center and drop your tub in. You're done! Let this sit about 3 days before messing with anything on the tub. The idea is to get the best support, very little voids (air pockets). This will dry rock hard and be the best support for your tub regardless of the weight. No fear of cracking fiberglass!

I assume this is what you are asking. Good Luck!

 

Absolutely! As with my previous posts, thanks so much for your help Doug. BTW -- Checked out your website and you do some awesome stuff! If you ever feel the need to relocate to Tampa I'm sure I could give you lots to do!

 

gbuddenb,

Thanks for the compliment. I hope your project goes well for you. If you got lots for me to do in Florida, better e-mail me, I need more work! I'll be updating more pictures in my site so you ain't seen nothing yet! Maybe we can start a business that could lead to early retirement! If you need more help, let me know.

Again, thanks for the compliment, it's nice to know I'm doing something right for everyone!