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Discussion Forum

What type of tubs/surrounds should I use

| Posted in General Discussion on December 2, 2002 05:33am

I just read a thread here about acrylic tubs cracking. This caught my attention as I was planning to order 10 acrylic tubs with surrounds to replace the cast iron tubs and wall tile in a motel.
We are replacing the tubs due to chipping,discoloration,etc. and the 1970ies tile…well you can imagine what it looks like. The idea here is to replace all this with a modern looking system that is durable and easier to keep clean. We will be replacing the old two handle fixtures with single handle units as well.
I have room to bring in a two or four piece kit, but not a one piece.

Can anyone here point me in the right direction? I need to spec and order these items fairly soon.

Thanks ,jw

what the heck
was I thinking?

Reply

Replies

  1. Dant45 | Dec 02, 2002 07:31pm | #1

    Heck,

    I have set fiberglass and acrylic tubs in the past with no problem.  I always mix a bucket of mortar and throw it on the floor where the tub will set.  This supports the center of the tub where it is the thinest and takes the spring feel out of it.  DanT

  2. RW | Dec 03, 2002 01:24am | #2

    Fiberglass - you don't have the same durability as the old cast, but in some areas they do a little better. Dropping things that would have chipped the finish in the past wont do so much to the resin. But you can't use scouring pads or strong cleaners again and again on them (which I suspect is par for the course in hotel maintenance) or they will deteriorate. Most actually ship with labels stating not to use anything that sits there to clean - like the spray when you leave the shower and it cleans itself stuff. There's a lot of nice looking fiberglass units out there. Sterling (Kohler) makes one that not only is sturdy but snaps together and makes installation overly simplistic. They say you dont even have to caulk the joints but that to me seems foolish. I don't think you're going to be happy if you go with the fiberglass in a hotel. The level of wear and tear I suspect they get would have me looking for bulletproof products, cost notwithstanding.

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