skip to main content

any tips on how to 'drop' a drop in tub in alcove?

15 years ago

hi all - my friend is trying to grab someone from his work & come over to put my drop-in tub in place, and we're trying to figure out how exactly to do it. everything i have been able to find online just says "place tub in deck" = yeah, like it's that easy.

mine is a drop-in but in an alcove. it has a couple inches on all sides, but also walls on 3 sides. we can't put weight on the deck (like standing on it), so it seems that the guys will have to leverage the weight of the tub with their backs as they bend over & put it into the hole we've built.

my friend said maybe someone (me) could lay on the floor & stick our upper body through the front of the deck & use their arm strength to help lower the tub slowly so that they two handling it wouldn't have as much stress on their backs as they lower it in. but that sounds kind of hokey since there's not much room under there... and even he said it would be extra hard to get 3 people in that small space.

do any of you have suggestions? I know it's done all the time... just don't know how exactly.

it's acrylic - weighs maybe 120 lb. or so, by our guesses. it has a lip on the top, which isn't supposed to support the tub's weight, and an osb board attached to the bottom, a little smaller than the top of the tub, that has the pump, etc. mounted to it.

any ideas would be appreciated!

thanks,

lisa

here's the deck

here's the tub

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

sombreuil_mongrel
15 years ago
Place two planks across the opening and get the tub up on them. Remove one at a time and lower the tub in a controlled fashion onto some 2x4 corner blocks to provide finger space. Finally, remove the 2x4 blocks at the corners to get the tub "home". It will be better if the tub does _not_ have water in it while being moved, as it splashes too much and adds considerable weight; been there, done that!
Casey
monicakm_gw
15 years ago
LOL, I don't have and answer (sombreuil's sounds like a good one tho) but it brings back memories of DH fretting, for months, over the same issue. He sees it done all the time as he's on new construction job sites the same time these tubs are being installed. He said the builder or plumber usually goes around enlisting the help of everyone he can get. Course we didn't have a crew to help. As it turned out, DH and his nephew were able to do it quite easily. I wasn't in there to watch tho. And, our tub didn't have an osb board on bottom. I'm pretty sure they stood on the deck. Why can't you stand on yours? Good luck and be careful!
Monica
Monica
Related Discussions
5' Drop in Tub? Any suggestions?
Q
Comments (3)
Try this website. I have provided a link to the 5' tub areas. The tubs have many options that are not always detailed on line. Give the retailer a call. I have found them very helpful during my search for a tub. There are many manufacturers: Neptune, Americh, etc to name a few. Good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: Tubz.com
...See More
Help dropping Kohler Tea for Two in Tub Deck
Q
Comments (2)
I've searched all over and can not find the episode on TV that showed how it was done..I'll try to explain if this is what you mean..... 2 or 3 people lower the tub into the surround onto 2x4's that were placed underneath... Now there is 2-3 inches from tub rim and the surround.. Lift and put more 2x4's between rim and surround... Slide out the bottom 2x4's... Now you can slide out the top 2x4's one at a time .... I guess this all depends on weather you have panel big enough to give you access......
...See More
Need low-height bathtub that's drop in
Q
Comments (7)
thanks live_wire_oak - i know nothing about plumbing technicalities. Contractor drew a schematic showing me (i think) a piece that he will put under the wall-edge of the drop-in, like an L shape - that will go up the wall so that the waterproof layer can go under the tiles that way? Made sense when he drew the schematic but i definitely am unable to reiterate his explanation in my own words. The original plan was to get an alcove - and i found an alcove that's 14.5 inch height only (the Kohler Bellwether) - but we ALSO want floor drains that runs along the floor-edge of the tub, so he said an alcove with an apron won't allow the waterproofing set up for that.
...See More
how do I install a drop in bathtub?
Q
Comments (11)
we would like to do a tub downstairs because or kids are still young and will likely be using a bath for the next several years. their bedrooms are also downstairs, it's a daylight basement with their big play space and access to outside for them. second reason we would like to put a bathtub down there is because that would give us more flexibility to remodel our bath upstairs and take out the tub to put in a nice walk in shower. so if we can figure out a way to get a bathtub shower in, that would be ideal.
...See More
toadangel
Original Author
15 years ago
thanks for the suggestions & support (keep em comin if you have any!)

i will run casey's by my friend - it makes me sooo nervous to think about 2x4's or 2x6's resting on my new tile with the tub's weight on them...

monica - the deck itself is so skinny that it really isn't strong enough to hold much weight. it does fine with what i've put it through so far, like pushing myself up from the floor & other stuff, and my friend said it will be fine to "sit" on the edge if need be when getting in & out of the tub (though the edge would take maybe a cheek, as bill puts it), but putting all the weight of an adult standing on it in one small space just wouldn't be wise. just wasn't built to handle that.

i had an idea to do a sort of see-saw with a board (or 2 or 3) through the open part of the deck & rest the tub on it & then lower the tub down from above & by letting up on the see-saw so as to gradually let it down... but my friend shoo'd that idea off. i may bring it up again now that he's more focused on it.

i'm sure glad we don't have to do mortar or anything like that!
sombreuil_mongrel
15 years ago
You know, I just noticed from the pics that the access is still open beneath- this means that you can place cribbing there, (crossed stacks of short lumber) and by removing them incrementally, the tub is lowered gradually home.
Casey
bevangel_i_h8_h0uzz
15 years ago
Here is tool that might be helpful. It is like a smaller version of the forklifts they use in lumber yards. Too expensive to buy for one-time use but you might see if you can rent from somewhere.

Here is a link that might be useful: Load Lifter
toadangel
Original Author
15 years ago
thanks everyone for your suggestions. we managed to get it in today (3 of us) with a moving blanket draped over the tiled deck & some nice teamwork. men are so helpful to have around sometimes :)

lisa

Related Stories

MEDIA ROOMS Designer's Touch: 10 Jaw-Dropping Media Rooms

By The Inman Company

Turn a ho-hum movie night into an Oscarworthy event with a dramatic and welcoming media room

THE HARDWORKING HOME A New Drop Zone Keeps the Clutter at Bay

By Becky Harris

The Hardworking Home: A clever wall-mounted station for keys, phones and more helps a family stay organized

SMALL SPACES 10 Tips for Chic Little Bathrooms

By Lara Sargent

Get more visual appeal and storage in less space, following the lead of these stylish compact bathrooms

FEEL-GOOD HOME 8 Tips for Harmony in the Kitchen

By Laura Gaskill

Frustrated by the arguments that arise over kitchen duties? Check out these coping strategies

REMODELING GUIDES 10 Tips to Maximize Your Whole-House Remodel

By Ventana Construction LLC

Cover all the bases now to ensure many years of satisfaction with your full renovation, second-story addition or bump-out

BATHROOM DESIGN 10 Top Tips for Getting Bathroom Tile Right

By By Any Design Ltd.

Good planning is essential for bathroom tile that's set properly and works with the rest of your renovation. These tips help you do it right

MOST POPULAR 33 Magic Household Cleaning Tips

By Pauline Warlet

Houzzers from around the world share their tips for transforming housework into child’s play

ORGANIZING Professional Tips for Organizing Your Clothes Closet

By Bonnie McCarthy

As summer draws to a close, get expert advice on editing and organizing your wardrobe

MOST POPULAR Garage Cleaning Tips for the Overwhelmed

By Laura Gaskill

Don’t let this catch-all space get the better of you. These baby steps can get you started

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: Advice for Laundry Room Design

By Buckminster Green LLC

Thinking ahead when installing or moving a washer and dryer can prevent frustration and damage down the road

Sponsored

MCR ROMERO WORK LLC

Innovative & Creative General Contractors Servicing Franklin County

More Discussions

Should a gasket be used top shower wall bracket and sturdiness of wal

3

Need recommendations on paint color!

1

Bathroom countertop material

2

Powder Room design

0

remodeling basement bathroom.

0