[bengals009]

I am like everyone else remodeling my bathroom. I busted up my old cast iron tub and removed it the other night. I am ordering a regular LH tub with the apron. Since drop in tubs are more expensive I want to tile the face of the tub I am ordering.
I do tile so I know you can't tile the face of fiberglass and expect it to last so my question is how to build a frame just for the face of the tub and get it to come out right?
I have a narrow bathroom so the tub will sit wall to wall from left to right.
Would I just anchor the frame that I build to the left and the right wall?
How do I anchor the frame to the tub?
Any suggestions or web links?

Many thanks!

 

[Bob Mariani]

tubs normally sit on a ledge along the two walls and the back of the tub. You should be able to get 1 X ? framing inside the front edge and then apply 1/2 cement backer board to apply the tile. Use pl400 to help glue the whole thing together as well as screwing all members and the CBU.

 

[bengals009]

thanks for the reply. My old tub didn't sit on any lege that I noticed. It was just sitting on the floor not even mortared. I am tiling the walls down to the tub also. I'm pretty sure I don't have any room to work with. from the left wall to the right wall it's 54". The old tub was tight in there.

 

[Bob Mariani]

the ledge goes under the tub lip. So room is not the issue here. Old tub was cast iron so it did not need one. Check directions on the tub you bought. Better read up on tiling also and do not use drywall around the tub.

 

[bengals009]

thanks.

I tile for a living so that wont be a problem. its just the framing of the apron that I want to get right. i've never had to do any tub setting either so I'm no expert on bathtubs but what you say makes since.

the left, right and back side will have a lip so you say I need to get 1x? for those 3 sides to go under lip, correct? then secure the face frame I build for it, correct?

 

[Bob Mariani]

not completely right. The frame is for the front edge that gets tiled. The ledge is under the tub to support the tub. Use a 2X4 for that ledge with 2 - 3" screws into each stud.

 

[kkoch]

Did you get your bathtub apron tiled? We are remodeling and have a great new whirlpool tub but it has an apron and I really want it to be tiled some how. Isn't there a way to do it but still be able to get to the electrical.

 

[Bob Mariani]

Did you get your bathtub apron tiled? We are remodeling and have a great new whirlpool tub but it has an apron and I really want it to be tiled some how. Isn't there a way to do it but still be able to get to the electrical.

you should start a new thread so you get proper answers. But yes you can get access panels that can be tiled for your purpose. place a sting in the grout line. remove the string which will remove the grout to remove the panel for servicing. The tiles are glued to the access door which usually uses magnets to keep in place.