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Building Homes or Extensions/NEW TUB INSTALLATION

Expert: Dave Johnson - 8/17/2008

Question

Dave,
I have an ongoing bathroom renovation project in which I will be installing a
cast iron alcove tub, and then adding tile around the tub alcove. I will be
using 1/2" concrete board as a base for the tile. The alcove walls are
insulated and a moisture barrier is installed. My question is: (a) Should I
install the tub directly against the wall studs (with the moisture barrier
intact) and then install the concrete board upward from the top of the tub,
or (b) should I install the concrete board from the floor going up with then
install the tub against the concrete board?

Answer
Hi Gary,
The only thing that might make a difference is what you have on the parts of the tub that are against the wall. If there is a large "shelf" you would want to go with option "A" so that the tile would be well out onto the tub. If there is NOT much of a lip, and the tile would be close to the tub opening space (making an exposed tile edge) then you would use "B".
I hope this is clear enough, if not mail me again...

Dave

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