Bathtub Installation??

Question : Bathtub Installation??
I’m helping someone in my family remodel their bathroom. We’ve stripped everything down to the beams including the floor. Now… what I’m not sure about is this:

Do you have to install the bathtub or the FINISHED flooring first?

In other words, should we install the bathtub ontop of the plywood flooring we laid down? or do we need to lay the floor tiles first and then install the bathtub ontop of the “finished” tiled floor?

Someone told me that you’re supposed to rest the new bathtub ontop of the floor beams BEFORE laying down any floor tiles, but then I thought about all the tile cutting that will be required to match the shape of the bathtub once you ge up against the tub with the tiles.

Wouldn’t it be easier to lay down the tile first and then just place the tub ONTOP of the tile? Then there wouldn’t be any tile cutting/shaping required right?

I don’t know… I’m confused.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advanced!
bathtub installation

Best answer:

Answer by scamp
well youre friend is right.you have to lay and level the new tub down first.then the new tile.but then set the tile down dry to see what is the best way and the least cuts.

Bathtub Installation

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Comments (2)
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#1 written by Holly R 1 year ago

You put the sub-floor (plywood) down over the beams, then install the bathtub, getting it level. I added insulation around the sides of the tub so that my bath water would keep warm longer!

Once installed, you THEN do the tiling: otherwise you waste $ , time, and tile putting in a floor under the bathtub that no one will see. You will HAVE to cut tiles while doing the floor, regardless… Make sure the plywood is level and the seams and screw holes are taped and filled in before you begin with the mastic. You can use a self-leveling compound to help with this, if necessary.

To install tiles without cutting them at the tub edge, then do this line of tiles FIRST when laying out your pattern. You should do the most visible tile first, not the one that will be under the toilet… Tiles should be square to one another and with the walls. There are a lot of helpful DIY sites (or books at the library or book store) that explain the whole process.

Here is a good how-to for tiling around the tub (it took me a while, but it looked great in the end and saved a fortune): http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,672069,00.html

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#2 written by HyperDog 1 year ago

Yes, you _can_ do the tiling first, but as someone mentioned, it will add some cost to the project. The upside is that you’ll have the cleanest possible edge at the tub, meaning that when you caulk it, you can get away with a very small bead. It also provides for a little more protection should water seep under the edge of the tub.

If you’re tempted to leave out some tiles under the tub, be sure that it’s equally supported and level at all contact points. Also, if it’s a heavy tub, be careful jockeying it around when installing it, or you might scratch or crack some newly laid tiles – protect the floor with scraps of plywood or thick cardboard, etc.

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