I just finished framing out a 5’ tub enclosure for a bathroom. Walls will be tiled.
Do you frame it 5’ exactly or do you normally add a fraction of an inch in order to more easily get the tub in? If so, how much larger? (I went with 5’ ¼â€ but I haven’t attempted to put tub in yet)
Also, tubs are 30†wide. I framed out for 32†in order to run a 2†tile down the side of the tub. Anyone here think that simply 30†framing without the 2†tile running down the side would better protect against possible future water damage? Thanks for any input.
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You'll be fine with 5'-1/4".
Tub may measure 30" but with the flanges it gets really close to 32".
You may have left 2" on the side for tile, does that include the sheetrock? Don't want to have to make 2" tiles work, after sheetrock it might measure 2-1/2".
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Depending on the tub, you'll probably be ok. Sometimes the buildup of the fibreglass can make you wish you had allowed more.......and sometimes less. You might have to strip the wall to get the cement board in the right spot, but that's par for the course. Cast iron is more to size, at least the ones I've had the displeasure to set.
On occasion I will have one end wall that can be left loose, pull it in to fit after the tub's set.
A small return is sometimes a problem. With the lip of tub there is a chance for water to get behind the final finish, work its way along the tub edge and collect behind the finish at the open end. I like to caulk a dam before the corner to stop it before it gets there. This caulk is before you apply your cement board.
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I do 60-1/4" too, or sometimes wait to frame that end wall untill the tub is in place. Often with one piece units, you have to think way ahead to be able to gete it in the house and deliver while framing, even with the roof off.
Check tub size you are using. 30" is a small one. Mine is 32" and I often use a 34.5" one. I think some are bigger yet.
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Cal is right. One size should fit all but sometimes doesn't.
At times, we have found that extra 1/4" to be too much. Cal suggests framing them loose and the tub installer moves the wall tight, which is a really good idea if everyone's on board. If not, that extra 1/4 makes the tile guys job harder when the flanges are flared and bent by the nailing.
We didn't use units like that too much in MI but when we did, we installed them, so we'd set the unit and everything would be perfect. Our style was to frame the walls at 5' and the installer would have to open them up if it was too tight. We were the installers, so we knew how to open them up.....the good ole 12# adjuster tool does wonders.
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Depends on the tub. Fiberglass? Cast iron? Manafacturer? Some 5' tubs are 60" exactly. Some are 59 3/4". I find it works best if the opening is 1/4" wider than the actual tub size. Depending on the tub, 1/2" larger usually doesn't work too good.
Regarding the depth, most people do run the tile down beside the tub. How wide depends on what size edging tiles come with the tile you are using etc. Also, we really don't have a clear pic of what your tub opening is like. Is it just at the end of the room? Are you building a stub wall that comes out to house one side of the tub? What?