How do you support an acrylic bathtub?

An acrylic tub is not self-supporting, which means it must be supported along its entire bottom with mortar or grout. It should go without saying that the floor should be solidly constructed to support the weight of the tub, water and the person using it.

People also ask, how do you secure an acrylic freestanding tub?

How to Secure Acrylic Tubs to the Floor

Place your acrylic tub where you want to install it.
Turn the tub over and shave down any higher feet with a metal hand file.
Thread the fixing plates onto each of the screws.
Set the tub in place and use a pencil to mark the location of the hole in the fixing plate on the floor.

Secondly, do acrylic baths Flex? 5mm acrylic baths are pretty sturdy but there is still flex in them when standing. This layer gives the strength required (some allege they're as strong as cast iron), and it also helps keep the water warmer for longer when bathing.

Beside above, does an acrylic bath need a frame?

In most cases, when you purchase a plastic bath it will come sitting in a galvanised frame. The main job of the feet is to not only give a stable base between the bath and floor but to also allow the bath to be adjusted so that you can level it up.

Does subfloor go under bathtub?

Flooring repairs can be intimidating, but the subfloor under the tub generally consists of plywood secured over floor joists and is fairly simple to replace -- once you get access to it. The entire tub unit requires removal before subfloor replacement can begin.

38 Related Question Answers Found

What type of mortar do you use to set a bathtub?

Ready Cement

All-purpose cement mixtures can be purchased at any home improvement store and used as a base for bathtubs. As a general rule, these do not contain gravel but instead only have rough sand. When mixed with water to form a thick, creamy mixture, it can be shoveled in.

What screws to use for tub?

Predrill 3/16-inch-diameter screw holes through the tub's flange, then fasten the tub to the wall studs with 1¼-inch-long decking screws. 10. Use a drill and hole saw to cut holes through the fiberglass tub surround for the shower valve and tub spout.

Do plumbers replace bathtubs?

Depending on the nature of your project, you may choose to hire a licensed plumber ($45-$65 per hour) or a handyman ($60-$90 per hour) to install your bathtub. A new tub installation will take around 6-9 hours and will cost you between $540 and $1,620 in labor.

Do you have to use mortar under a bathtub?

When you're installing a heavy bathtub or one that you expect to support an unusual amount of weight, it's important to lay mortar underneath it. The mortar conforms to the contours of the tub, and when it sets, it prevents the tub from moving and supports the weight.

How much does it cost to remove and install a bathtub?

Bathtub Installation or Replacement Costs

The average cost to install a bathtub is $3,399, but can range from $1,080 and $5,747, depending on the type of tub and modifications needed. The average cost of the tub itself ranges from $200 to $2,000 or more.

Is it worth insulating a bathtub?

Insulating your bath is virtually risk free, and if your bathtub has yet to be installed or you are renovating, it's cheap and easy to do. Insulating a bathtub can improve both water and energy efficiency.

Can my floor support a bathtub?

Bathroom Max Load and Tub Weight

If the floor was built using the general 16-inch spacing, you can expect a bathroom floor to safely hold 40 psf. So, a 5-by-10 foot bathroom floor generally supports up to 2,000 pounds. Since a bathtub is a bathroom staple though, the bathroom in a home is often built with this in mind.

Can you use spray foam under a bathtub?

Fill the tub about 1/2 or 3/4 of the way full and use expanding foam underneath the tub. Don't get the windows/door version, just get the regular expanding foam. It works well.

Do acrylic bathtubs need insulation?

The smooth exterior and interior walls make it easy to lose yourself in its warming arms. Maykke high quality acrylic construction is both strong and light. Due to the insulation of acrylic, this tub will stay warmer longer than other tub materials. Its included drain allows for fast and easy drainage.

How much mortar do I need to set a tub?

Usually you need one 55 lb of mortar for one tub. But as you'll see in our video we had to use two bags, but it's not like the Mud Bed Mix is breaking the bank. Mix the mortar so that it can support the tub. It should not be runny but rather stand up on it's own.

How do you level a floor for a bathtub?

Mortar

Measure the length of the tub's legs or the distance between the base and the bottom of the side flanges.
Measure the dimensions of the tub base.
Mix thinset mortar with water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
Place the tub on top of the mortar and push it down until the side flanges touch the floor.

Why is my bathtub cracking?

Common causes of bathtub cracks

There are three main reasons why cracks tend to form in, bathtub materials which is lack of support or if the material is flexible, damage from heavy objects and damage from heavy cleaners. Generally, cracking is commonplace in fiberglass bathtubs.

How do you change out a bathtub?

Step 1: Pull Out Drain. From inside the tub, unscrew and remove the overflow cover plate.
Step 2: Disconnect Drain.
Step 3: Disconnect Waste-and-Overflow.
Step 4: Remove Tub Spout and Tiles.
Step 5: Pry Away Tub.
Step 6: Lift and Slide Tub.
Step 1: Check the Drain.
Step 2: Dry Fit Tubes.

Should I put cement board under tub?

You don't need any cement board under the tub. It is far more important to have a sturdy layer of ply under the tub.

How do you install a fiberglass tub on a concrete floor?

How to Install a Bathtub on a Cement Floor

Apply self-leveling compound with a notched trowel on the concrete where the new acrylic tub will sit.
Set the new tub in place over the existing plumbing drain and line up with any tub spout plumbing, such as a copper water feed.

Should I put drywall behind tub surround?

Fiberglass and acrylic tub and shower enclosures come with a flanged edge that attaches directly to the wall studs, and the proper way to hide this flange is to install drywall over it. Consequently, enclosures are typically installed on the bare studs.

How long does it take for mortar to dry under a bathtub?

You could get yourself a bag of durabond 20 minute and be taking showers in an hour. Even mortar mix should be good to go in 12 hours or so, depending on the temp/humidity etc.