Tub deck and surrounding walls - kerdi or CBU

[guyb]

I am remodeling my master bath and I am ready to build the deck for my new whirlpool tub. I plan to build the deck frame with 2X4s and a 3/4" plywood deck. What should I use on top of the plywood to accomodate ceramic tile?

I need to know how all the deck materials so I can determine the 2X4 frame height. My tub is 21" tall from the floor to the bottom of the outer rim. I also will need to plan for a mortar/thinset tub base. I am guessing to allow for 1/4" for this cement base. Any comments or suggestions?

--Guy

[kevjob]

hello you can use ditra or 1/4 inch cbu or sheet membranes as you can see there are a lot of choices for tub deck also go thicker on the mortar base i usually spread a 2 inch layer and smoosh the tub inot place and fill with water to hold down.

[Madison Mike]

I think the install guide for the tub should give you general guidelines for how to frame the tub deck. A lot of them include a template to cut out the hole in the 3/4" for the tub to drop into. As an installer I can tell you that the biggest problem I run into with tub decks is that the framing tis too weak. If the 3/4" flexes at all, you've got problems. 2x8's or 2x10's aren't a bad idea if the top of the deck is very deep. Also don't forget about the access panel if it's a whirlpool.

As for what goes on top of the plywood, I usually use Hardibacker, mortared down and secured with roofing nails.


Mike
Madison,WI

[guyb]

The installation guide just gives tub dimensions and recommendations for mortar base, electrical connections and it does include a separate cut-out template. I plan to frame the base/skirt with a 2X4 base plate and 2X4 studs. My desing of the deck will be suck that we have about 8" of deck at the narrow parts of the tub oval width. Also, the plumbing fixtures will be installed on the deck, servicing the tub. I was planning for additional framing around the inside next to the cut-out. Should I double-up on the 3/4" plywood and glue & screw the sheets together to make sure the deck is rigid?

--Guy

[kevjob]

wouldnt hurt

[guyb]

I have a whirlpool tub that I am installing and I will need to build in an access panel for access to the plumbing under the fixtures and the access needs to be from the front skirt. I plan to tile the skirt. Where can I find an access panel that I can install tile on top of and it wont look ugly.

--Guy

[kevjob]

www.schluter.com has a nifty little system i usually put acces on side walls to avoid the panel with tile.

[Rd Tile]

Build your own, just cut the wonderboard, where the tiles end at a joint, tile it, place it in over the framing and caulk the joints with a matching color, if it ever has to be removed, just cut the caulking and and carefully pull out the panel.

[tileguytodd]

I have done both ways described above.
Both work well.
RD's method is cheaper and just as effective and generally the way I go also.

I was just out to my brother in laws a week ago where i did this type panel installation 12 years ago.( over 6000.00 worth tile (just tile) in his bathroom)
He has never had to remove it and it still looks as good as the day I installed it.

Enough of a testimonial?? It Works!!

[sandbagger]

RD's method would only work if there's framing behind the panel in the right place to hold the panel in place. Seems like you'd also need a spacer in the bottom grout seam to keep it from slipping?

[Mike2]

Art, all that's called planning ahead. And I've seen enough of Richie's work here over the years to tell you he does plently of that "planning ahead" business.

Does it very well, too.

[Rd Tile]

Thanks Mike

Art, yes, it's framed a certain way, boxed out just PERFECT behind the CBU with plywood inserted into a 2x frame, it's all in the prep and layout, tiling is the easy part.

[sandbagger]

it's all in the prep and layout, tiling is the easy part.

tell me about it!

that was actually my point, in a rather roundabout way, and a lesson I keep learning (and learning, and....) every day. And the kinda thing that separates you pros from us wannabes.

(the schluter magnets were made for guys like me )

[Westie]

or if you want to have something different you could do this :
Still requires planning the framing ahead of time.

[Mike2]

Looks nice Westie.

Matter of fact I'm going to put that picher with a link to this thread in the new photo album here . That way members looking for access panel ideas can come in here and see your handy work.

P.S. This will take a couple minutes.