Hello everyone:
I am figuring out what to do with a new bathroom, and it looks like we want a non-standard-shaped, deep tub.
What is involved in custom building one? (I have experience in carpentry, plumbing, masonry, and tile work.)
I am sure that this has been discussed in here before – could someone point me in the right direction?
Thanks.
-Groucho Marx
Replies
musashi,
Before you start, make sure your design will be approved by your local plumbing inspector. He may be the kind who will insist on tubs being "listed and labeled", which is code lingo for requiring that all plumbing products have been manufactured, tested and listed by an approved agency (like IAPMO, NSF, ASSE). Or, he could accept non-listed fixtures under the provision that all codes have of using "alternate materials and methods". Such alternates must be pre-approved by the local code authority.
Your chances of approval will probably be best if you go with tile since codes require that plumbing fixtures be the surfaces be smooth and non-absorbent, and tile is widely used for showers. You'd have a hard time going with wood, cement, or anything that is not smooth and non-absorbent.
Thanks for the reply.
If I do go this route, I was thinking of tile (over Wonderboard over PVC shower pan liner over a wood frame).
I will research the code issues.
AlexOutside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.
-Groucho Marx
Dido on the approvial thing. Reciently had a HO supply a fancy vessel sink from Lowes - no approvial stickers - etc - made in china. Plumber said that the inspector could dis-allow it. As it turned out the inspector didn't say anything, but I was ready to rip it out.
I'm wondering if anyone has ever used solid surfacing to build a shower or tub.
Copper?
http://elitechoice.org/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/copper_bathtub.jpg
Line the inside with kerdi and then Tile.
http://www.schluter.com/8_1_kerdi.aspx