It’s a chicken before egg question. We want a tiled tub deck around the whirlpool bath, an Aker acrylic, and wonder this: do we tile TO the tub flange, then grout and caulk the seam, or do we tile UNDER the flange, then caulk?
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Mr. Micro: I put this Jacuzzi in our master bath this year. I positioned the whirlpool so it was just a bit higher that the thickness of the tile and adhesive. I then tiled the whole tubdeck and grouted it. I then blue taped off the tile and tub and caulked with beige silicone. I cant caulk worth a darn unless I use tape and then it almost comes out flawless.
I should have never let my wife see thse photos. Now she wants "one just like that in the new house" She like your tile work also. In all actuality, you probably made the decision process easier. Thanks
Building tub decks as part of the finishing packages for 5 years now. The problems we encounter most result from twisted tubs. Set the tub on the floor and measure to the underside of the lip on 4 sides and get 4 different measurements. The larger builders have us build the decks before the plumbers set the tubs.
We have been told the tub warranties were void if the tub was supported by the lip. So we have been building the decks just a hair below the rim. Allowing for tile if sizes are available.
Some of the smaller custom builders I deal with have a better way...
The best results I've seen were from building the deck after the tub had been set in spray foam and then immediately filled with water. Minor adjustments could be made as the tub was filling and the weight would counteract the expansion of the foam. Tubs set this way feel solid.
Turtleneck
Build the deck so the tub sits a little higher then the finish tile height.
best I've tiled around is when the guys setting the tub cut shims the desired thickness ... then set the tub in some mortar....
Most tubs will be twisted one way or another anyways ... I can always lift the lip enough to slip a tile under ... and that joint should be caulked no matter what ... to the caulk hides any high spots.
Or .... build the deck and tile first. Then do the mud set deal.
still gonna have to caulk ... but this makes for an easier tile install ...
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Fine Carpentery.....While U Waite