I am doing a bathroom remodel. Would very much like to install a cast iron tub. It will be 310 lbs., so I am looking for any tips on how to maneuver it into place. The tub will be an alcove tub in a small bathroom, where the tub will fit exactly across the shorter end length of the room. The end of the tub with the drain is against a wall that is the attic on the other side of it. So, installing the drain will be a little easier than some installs I have seen. I was considering removing perhaps 3 or 4 wall studs on the end of the tub toward the attic, and then replacing them after we get the tub into place. I was thinking this would enable a second person to be in the attic and able to help left the tub from that end of it. Any tips? Thanks.
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Do you have to turn this tub to position it? Straight shot no problem, turning needs more room.
I have been the carpenter on several remodels of this type and really like to pawn off the delivery/set up and install on the plumber. Over 45 yrs later, my back is fine.
I have assisted several times and bring along my flat cart. Rolling is easier than dragging. An appliance cart was used as well on occasion. Smooth 1/4” Masonite can be a help as well.
Short of the sub zero frig, these jobs were .....
Attic? What floor is this on? How many stairs?
There are 14 stairs - 7 stairs and a landing and then 7 more stairs. We are going to pay piano movers to bring the tub up the stairs. At the top of the stairs is a hallway - really a landing spot that goes straight into the bathroom. We are planning on laying the tub down, the direction it will be installed, and using low furniture dollies to roll it into place. There is a toilet valve that we will get past by modifying the dollies to be higher above the toilet valve. We are not sure if we will need the access from the attic. The attic is on the same 2nd story as the bathroom. If a person is in the attic, the attic is about 4.5 feet tall, and no drywall on the attic side of the tub. We are thinking a 2nd person could reach in, between the studs (which are open before the tub is installed) and be able to help with some of lifting of the tub into place. We are also considering buying one of those suction cup grabber handles to make it easier to grab onto the tub. Can anybody think of anything else? Thanks for mulling this over with me.
You might think about pulling the toilet.
Never mind, I see you meant the water supply.
I'm an old carp and mostly left that work to the plumbers. I did do one install that involved a claw foot up a stair with a winder once. That was physical.
However a few years ago I installed my own cast iron tub, seems it was about 350#. I was able to get it out of my truck onto the porch and into place alone. That would have been harder without a couple home made furniture dollies I use for cabinet installs.
Inside was a tight fit, I had to remove the door jamb, toilet and vanity but with the wheels it wasn't all that physical, but tedious and slow.
Thanks oldhand. By the time we install the tub, the whole bathroom will be empty - no vanity, no toilet, no baseboards. We might consider removing the door trim if it comes down to that. (and will certainly remove the bathroom door). I can't believe you did a 350 lb. tub by yourself. Do you want to fly to Florida and do mine?? The weather is really nice this time of year. LOL
Haha.. piece o' cake except for the flight. Don't think my tools would fit in a carry on bag. Other wise sounds like a fine adventure.
Seriously though careful measurements are your best friend. If it will actually fit you can figure a way to get it in there.
n general, unless there is something wrong with the joist spacing or the wood has rotted.
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