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Undermount Tub - Granite Surround

10 years ago

I found this photo in Houzz and it illustrates fairly well the deck that has been built for our tub. Am curious how this is possible to support the granite (or marble). Like our deck the front edge is 6 inches wide with the other 3 sides being very narrow. Curious what is supportign the stone given how narrow the edges are. Thx

Here is a link that might be useful: Link to tub

Featured Answer

snoonyb

10 years ago

There are basically two designs for tubs, flat rim and those with a lip where the tub meets the wall.
While both can be used where a hard surface arch. element is going to be used, a flat rim is more conducive.

Even on a slab floor I install a 2x cleat to the framing which adds a level of stability in case the floor is not level or uneven.
You can either set the tub on the framing and fill to the height of the flat rim, or frame to the height of the flat rim and add the cleats.

Set the hard surface material an caulk with polyseamseal, not silicone.

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Comments (7)

worthy
10 years ago
Dimensional framing--that is, 2x whatever--topped by 1/2", 5/8" or 3/4" ply.

This post was edited by worthy on Sun, Oct 13, 13 at 18:26
Davis Jones
Original Author
10 years ago
Worthy, thx... what do you then use to hide the plywood, etc from view ( since granite will then be well above the tub.. assuming plywood is now above the tub edging)? Good chance for me to learn something and greatly appreciated.
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Thanks, advertguy. I think I can picture what you did now. I had thought you put the marble *on* the tub, and I was wondering how you attached it -- but now I understand you put it *under* the lip of the tub, and then tiled up to it. That's an interesting idea I might consider, although it might be hard for me to bring the front end out the extra two inches because of the depth of the alcove; I want the tiled face of the tub to be a flush continuation of the full wall entry to the bathroom, and I think I'd need to move a wall a few inches to do what you did. But thanks for the idea, and thanks for the lead on the Kohler tub! By the way, do you have any regrets about using an acrylic tub versus porcelain-on-steel (what we have in our 30-year old tub now) or cast iron (which seems to me to bean unnecessary extra expense for a fixture in a guest bathroom we don't use often) or other tub materials. I know some people have very strong opinions about what type of tub they want, but having never bought a new tub before, I don't think I really care as long as it looks and feels okay. -- Eric
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Thanks Sundial! Beautiful job blending the granite with the tile! I'm excited about having the tub as undermount. Never thought about it before, but it does give a sleek look. We had what we thought was the same Caribbean Kohler tub for 23 years and are replacing it with a new color. It was a funky chocolate/taupe/purple color that looked good in 1985! To our surprise when the tub arrived it is now about 2" deeper than the old one.... identical otherwise. So we're having to replace the alcove surround anyway especially as my husband decided it was easier to wrestle in the 450lb tub without having to go OVER the old framing. Also that 2 inches affected the drain as apparently the new legs are shorter, so there will be some jackhammering in the concrete. It took 3 men and two 18 year olds to get it in from the outside deck through the bedroom and into the bath! Now I know why acrylic is used so often!
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I think my fabricator charges for the whole slab, period. When they did the kitchen, I recall they told me if I used one of their 6 or 8 stock granites, they charged by the foot. But Cambria and solid surface was all or nothing. So I bought the slab. I bought the granite by the foot for my laundry. It was as cheap as the Formica I'd chosen. And it is probably standard, but for all these projects they did send a guy with a fancy laser on a tripod to template. I think that's what it was.
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User
10 years ago
The framing is the same height as the tub. The granite slab then installs straight over it all, framing and the lip of the tub.
Davis Jones
Original Author
10 years ago
Then plywood etc won't offer any help. Deck presently has 2 x 3's around 3 sides and a 2 x 6 on front edge. I just don't see how there is enough deck to support the granite with only a 2.5 inch frame around 3 sides unless it is permissible for the tub to also be supporting the granite.
Davis Jones
Original Author
10 years ago
Snoony,

Thx.. to make sure I am understanding correctly it sounds, in layman's terms, you are adding support material (wood or metal) that will rest directly under the flat surface of the tub (The kallista Small Perfect has a flat edge but it is hollow so any cleat would nee to be slightly offset from deck edge to allow cleat to fit flush against flat underside).

If I am correct the cleat offers additional support to the tub lip that will keep it form flexing. When granite slab is mounted on top with the sealant, it will be supported by both the wood of deck and the cleat supported tub edge. Is this correct?

Thx again... tomorrow will be a busy day with contractor and several trips to select a different tile and back in opposite direction to return drain fixtures and figure out some billing issues. Am learning I really do not enjoy these projects but do appreciate the willingness of the people here to help out. While I trust my contractor I also believe in trust.. but verify. Just not sure to what degree his experience lies in under mounting tubs. I know my experience is nil but also know when to ask for help :)
snoonyb
10 years ago
Your 2nd paragraph is correct and I cleat all four sides, minus the area for the waste and overflow.
With the tub set, and before I set the front skirt, I insert metal wedges, those used in setting hammer heads on new handles, under the tub feet if necessary.

There is a downside to my methods. I don't get invited to dinner, but I also don't need to do warranty work.

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