[dtbingle]

When doing floor tile next to the bathtub, what slope do you aim for?

Do you just make it level in both parallel and perpendicular planes to the tub? Or do you slightly slope the tile so that water that runs away from the tub?

 

[ktownskier]

I just make it level all around. And put a bath mat in front of the tub to catch any water from the person departing the tub.

And of course, caulk along the tub/tile with appropriate caulk. And seal the grout.

 

[JazMan]

Hi Neighbor,

Why would there be water on the floor? If you do, you'll need to handle the room like a large walk-in shower. But I doubt it.

Jaz

 

[huesmann]

Water splashes out of the tub? Don't you have kids? :vs_laugh:

 

[JazMan]

Yes definitely I have kids. A little water isn't going to be able to drain anywhere, plus the mat in front of the tub will absorb the plash. I can't imagine having lots of water on the floor unless they have a small bucket toy and think it's fun to scoop water. Hopefully that isn't happening.

Anyway you can't slope and wouldn't want to slope unless you build it like a shower (mud the floor) with drain and also waterproof several inches up the adjacent wall. It's not really doable or necessary. Make it flat and level.

Jaz

 

[MTN REMODEL LLC]

BINGLE....I think you might be overthinkin that one....:smile::wink2:

 

[ktownskier]

When doing floor tile next to the bathtub, what slope do you aim for?

Do you just make it level in both parallel and perpendicular planes to the tub? Or do you slightly slope the tile so that water that runs away from the tub?

Normally, you would not put a slope in a traditional tile bathroom floor. Is there a reason why you are asking what slope people use?

The only time I have sloped a floor is when I did a universal design. And that was so my friend who was in a wheel chair wouldn't have to worry about water getting out of the bathroom. I sloped it away from door towards a linear drain along the back wall.

The walls were tiled up to 5' (and waterproofed behind them) and floor to ceiling where the shower was. And behind the alcove tub. And the toilet.

 

[dtbingle]

BINGLE....I think you might be overthinkin that one....:smile::wink2:

Quite possibly, this is one special ability that I excel in :smile:


The reason for asking is that when trying to install floor tile level, what if you are 1 or 2 degrees off and tile tilts slightly inward towards the tub? When using a bubble level, sure you can get it pretty dead nuts, but is anything really 100% level?

If the tile is 1 or 2 degrees tilted inward towards, any water that makes it over the side will run back towards the tub and sit on a tile to tub seam with only a silicone caulk line stopping water from making it to the plywood subfloor & basement underneath.

I was wondering if this was actually an issue and if it was common when tiling adjacent to the tub to slope the tile just a smidge off level to ensure water runs towards center of room instead of back towards the caulk line. Anyway, it seems the clear answer is: No, quit overthinking it and install it level.

 

[jeffnc]

Well there are more problems sometimes with tub showers than kids splashing water out. With a curtain (or even glass), water can dribble down the corners of the tub and collect in the corner where the tub meets the floor. If this is not waterproof, or it sits against drywall, rot will eventually occur.

What I do is use Ditra on the floor as tile underlayment. Up against the tub, I use a strip of KerdiBand, and use a polyurethane sealant to attach the edge of the KerdiBand to the tub. Make sure to get the corners, as mentioned.

This way you are not relying on any surface caulking to waterproof that area - it's waterproof from the "inside" so to speak.


Regarding the level of the floor, I'd prefer to have it level if water is getting splashed out there. You really don't want it collecting in any particular spot (unless you're going to go Full Monty like JazMan mentioned and build in a floor drain.)