How do drop in tubs get their name?
What is a prefab tub?
Where is the rim of a tub?
Do drop in tubs have to be on top of frame?
Can you install a drop in tub under a tub frame?
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Can you use a tub surround with a drop in tub?
Most drop-in tubs have a finished rim and are made to fit right into the deck or custom surround. These tubs can be placed almost anywhere there is plumbing and space to build a deck structure to surround and support it.
How much space do you need around a drop in tub?
6 inchesDrop-in bathtubs are usually best suited for larger spaces since the constructed deck takes up a considerable amount of extra space in the room. It's standard practice to construct the deck for a drop-in tub so there are at least 6 inches of flat deck space around all sides of the tub.
What is the difference between an alcove and drop in bathtub?
Drop-in bathtubs are installed anywhere a carved out deck or structure is implemented, often times in the center of the bathroom. Alcove bathtubs on the other hand, are installed in a recess, against the wall or an alcove.
Does a drop in tub sit on the floor?
Drop in the tub, using sealant at the rim to prevent water from getting inside the deck. The tub will sit on its feet on the floor.
Why are drop in tubs more expensive?
Built-in tub pro and con: benefits depend on the tub type Drop-In: A drop-in tub can be more cost-efficient because of install and materials, these tubs are often acrylic and not cast iron.
What is the difference between Drop in and undermount tub?
The Difference between Undermount and Drop In Tubs Undermount bathtubs are installed beneath a rim so that the bathtub's weight is distributed between the floor structure and the rim. Drop-in bathtubs are installed above the rim, placing much of their weight on the rim itself.
Can you put a freestanding tub in a shower?
The answer is simple: when you're planning to take more showers than baths, a built-in works best. It's possible to set up a shower in a freestanding tub, but to keep water off the floor you have to suspend a shower rod and circle the tub with curtains.
What is a drop in tub called?
A traditional alcove tub is installed into a recess in the bathroom between three joining walls. Some modern designs use two joining walls and a large window for a more airy feel to the space. The alcove bathtub is highly efficient and offers all the comforts of a regular bathtub.
How much does a drop in tub cost?
The prices of walk-in tubs range from about $2,000 for a basic soaker to as much as $20,000 for a two-person tub offering a spa-like experience. Walk-in tub cost is determined mainly by features and materials.
What is a floor tub in a shower?
These are regular drop in tubs that, instead of being installed in a frame, mount, or deck, are installed directly into the floor, so you can step down into your tub from floor level. This creates a beautiful, unusual, spa-like look that will add a major wow factor to your bathroom.
How deep is a drop in tub?
Drop-in Tub Dimensions The average dimensions of a drop-in tub are about 60 inches long by 32 inches wide and 20 inches deep. On average, they have slightly more depth than a standard tub – 20 inches versus the standard tub's 18 inches.
What is the smallest bathtub size?
48 inchesThe shortest freestanding tub is a mere 48 inches, or four feet long, and can work well for children's bathrooms or even for adults of average height.
How far should tub be from wall?
between 15-18 inchesHow far should the distance be between freestanding tub and wall? The distance between your tub and wall should be between 15-18 inches or at least 1 foot.
How Big Should tub surround be?
Typical pre-constructed surrounds have a length of 60 inches, a height of 32 inches and a width of 32 inches-this generally can fit a small to moderate sized bathtub. This extends to higher or larger sizes which come in with a length of 60 inches, a height of 72 inches and a width of 60 inches.
How much space is needed around a freestanding tub?
A freestanding bath should have no less than 6 inches of space surrounding all angles of the tub. By following that guideline, you can ensure your freestanding bath has a comfortable access point, and won't appear cramped in your bathroom regardless of its design.
How do you fit a drop in bath?
Step 1: Measure the Height of the Rim. ... Step 2: Build the Frame for the Enclosure. ... Step 3: Cut Out the Drain Opening. ... Step 4: Install the Bathtub Drain Assembly. ... Step 5: Prepare the Mortar Bed. ... Step 6: Drop In the Bathtub. ... Step 7: Seal the Rim With Silicone Caulk. ... Step 8: Finish the Tub Surround.More items...
Undermount tub install questions | Terry Love Plumbing Advice & Remodel ...
Sorry to revive this old thread that never made it past the OP, but I have every single one of these questions, and searching leads to other threads that get close to answering them, then finish up without *quite* being as specific as I want. +1 to mtn_mac for articulating these problems as concisely as he did!
Proper framing for undermounting tub with slab deck?
We think our framers and plumber screwed up and framed up our Kohler Tea for Two tub to be dropped in, not undermounted beneath a stone slab deck. The tub is sitting well above the rough wood framing. Does anybody have photos or instructions for the proper framing if the tub is intended to be toppe...
Can you tile a drop in tub?
Yes, there is a solution, but it involves ripping out all your wall tile. You can convert your tub from drop in to under mount, by ordering a piece of quartz – templated and mounted on top of your tub. You then tile your walls again and the side of your bath. It will make your bath 3 cm taller, and it will cost obviously, but it will fix your issue for less than ripping it all out.
Can you run a shower curtain all the way around a tub?
You could run a rod all way around tub, hang this from ceiling to force shower curtain inside tub, (like you would see curtains around stand alone tubs). The rods are everywhere, just look online. This would be cheapest way to fix this problem.
Why are drop in tubs so popular?
Drop in tubs are popular due to their relatively low cost, variety of shapes and sizes, and flexibility of design. The surround or deck can be built along a wall, in an alcove, or freestanding, and can be decorated in virtually any imaginable way. These tubs can also be easily replaced and fitted into an existing surround at minimal cost.
What is a drop in tub?
A drop in bathtub is a tub that is “dropped in” to a frame or structure known as a surround. These tubs feature a rim around the top to fasten to the top of the frame, which can be tiled or built out of wood or other materials. The outside of the tub is concealed by the surround, leaving only the rim visible.
What features can a drop in tub have?
Because drop in bathtubs feature a raised rim over the platform or surround, they’re excellent at keeping the water inside the tub. For that reason, drop in tubs are favored for those who love to soak in deep water without fear of flooding the bathroom.
What are drop in tubs made out of?
While the acrylic drop in tub is most popular, other material choices exist: copper drop in tubs for timeless beauty and durability, cast iron drop in tubs for sturdiness and excellent heat retention, lightweight and durable fiberglass drop in tubs, and tubs made of stone, manmade stone, and solid surface for an unusual twist on a classic.
How big is a drop in tub?
Drop in tubs vary widely in size, making them an excellent choice for virtually any size bathroom. Typical tub lengths range from a diminutive 35” (on deep Japanese-style tubs) to a generous 86”, with widths ranging from just 20” to an oversized two-person (or more!) 84” and depths ranging from 12” to 41”.
How much does a drop in tub cost?
A high-quality drop in tub can cost as little as $700, with prices ranging up to over $20,000, but most are cost-efficient and within the average homeowner’s means. These tubs won’t break the bank, and they’ll look like a million bucks regardless!
Why is the lip of a drop in tub important?
If water collects on a deck surrounding a drop in tub, the lip of the tub prevents water from flowing into the bathtub. Another advantage is an aesthetic one: some prefer the seamless appearance of an undermount tub to the visible rim of the drop in tub.
Drop-In Tubs
Drop-in tubs get their name from the fact that they drop into place. When installing a drop-in tub, you place the unit into a tub frame from above. Drop-in tubs invariably possess rims, which catch on the rim of the tub frame to hold it in place. The rim sits above the level of the tub and tub frame.
Undermount Tubs
Undermount tubs install from beneath, rather than above. With bathtubs, the installation of an undermount tub requires access to the frame of the tub, usually by removing the top of the frame.
Installation Considerations
The actual tub in an undermount bathtub differs little, it at all, from the tub of a drop-in bathtub. However, the rim of a drop-in tub differs significantly from the lip of an undermount tub in design.
Drop-in Undermount Installation
You can ostensibly install a drop-in tub as an undermount by attaching it to the underside of a tub frame and caulking or sealing it in place. However, this may lead to problems like water leakage – the tub will fit, but it may not work properly. You can try this solution, but keep the risks of it in mind.
What is the pipe with the knob on the shower head?
The pipe with the knob is the cold line that runs outside to the sprinkler system. He tapped into the hot line through the washer hookup that is no longer in use. He connected both lines to the shower valve, which then continued up to the shower head.
Can a detachable hand shower be used separately?
The detachable hand shower can be used in conjunction with the fixed shower head, or separately . It was exciting to finally see a functional shower in this bathtub!
Can you put a shower curtain under a deck?
As long as you have caulk between the tub and the deck, it shouldn't get underneath. I installed a hoop shower curtain hung from the ceiling to prevent water from getting around the outside, just in case!
Can you rinse off a shower head after soaking?
The shower head I chose has a removable hand shower, so we can rinse off after soaking in the tub without draining it first. This will also make it easier to clean.
Can a shower head be placed high?
The shower head was placed as high as it could go without running into problems with the low ceiling. The arm is long enough to extend over the bathtub edge, so water won't drip onto the tiled deck when the shower is first turned off. Over time, the coil will relax and hang straight down.
Can you put a shower head on the wall?
In the end, we decided to install a shower head on the wall with its own valve to control the water flow. This option allows us to keep the existing tub plumbing intact, and won't destroy all my hard work! The shower valve on the wall will be less confusing for guests to use, because it's more obvious that those controls operate the shower and not the tub.
jsteele5 New Member
I am remodeling my bathroom, I have never installed a bathtub before, I am interested in using a drop in tub but I need to use this tub as a shower as well. Can you use a drop in as a shower or should I just use a standard tub for this application?
jsteele5 New Member
Thanks for the advise, we will probably go with a standard tub. You recommend setting the base of the tub in mortar? I have heard sand as well, my in-laws have a fiberglass tub and when you stand in it, it flexes, I assume a bed of mortar is the solution for this problem. Is there any specific product that is remommedned?
johnfrwhipple BATHROOM DESIGN & BUILD
Have you considered installing your drop in tub like an undermount tub?
johnfrwhipple BATHROOM DESIGN & BUILD
In this picture I have set the tub and the perimeter mud bed around it.
What Is a Drop-In Bathtub?
It’s essentially a shell: It has feet and a rim, but the exterior sides aren’t finished.
How much does a whirlpool tub cost?
Khiel says you’ll pay about $550 for a standard-size, basic, white acrylic drop-in tub, “but up to $3,000 or $3,500 for cast iron.” Basic whirlpool drop-ins start at around $1,500 but can cost as much as $5,000 for a luxury model.
How big is a standard tub?
So many options! “I’ve seen them less than five feet long (five feet is standard tub size) up to seven feet long, and as small as 23 inches wide up to 36 inches wide,” Khiel says. Basically, you can find a tub to fit your space, whether it’s an alcove setting or out in the room.
How do drop in tubs get their name?
Drop-in tubs get their name from the fact that they drop into place. When installing a drop-in tub, you place the unit into a tub frame from above. Drop-in tubs invariably possess rims, which catch on the rim of the tub frame to hold it in place. The rim sits above the level of the tub and tub frame. After dropping the tub into place, connect the plumbing and applying a waterproof sealant or caulk around the rim of the unit to prevent leakage.
What is a prefab tub?
Prefabricated baths consist of fully formed tubs designed by manufactures to fit into an existing tub frame. A variety of choices exist for prefabricated bathtubs, including undermount tubs and drop-in tubs.
Where is the rim of a tub?
The rim sits above the level of the tub and tub frame. After dropping the tub into place, connect the plumbing and applying a waterproof sealant or caulk around the rim of the unit to prevent leakage.
Do drop in tubs have to be on top of frame?
While manufacturers build drop-in tub rims to sit on top of a frame and hold the tub in place, the lip of an undermount tub must attach to the bottom of a surface and anchor the tub in place.
Can you install a drop in tub under a tub frame?
Drop-in Undermount Installation. You can ostensibly install a drop-in tub as an undermount by attaching it to the underside of a tub frame and caulking or sealing it in place. However, this may lead to problems like water leakage – the tub will fit, but it may not work properly.