Although it is technically possible to install a drop in tub as an undermount, it is not recommended due to the fact that undermount installation typically requires a solid base beneath the tub, and drop in tubs are designed to fit into a frame that is built above the finished floor.
It is also necessary for undermount installations to use a more heavy-duty hardware, such as a metal frame, to support the tub and prevent it from sagging in the middle. Furthermore, since the frame is not part of the drop in tub, it is more likely to vibrate, move and even leak when used with an undermount setting.
Therefore, for these reasons, it is generally recommended to install a drop in tub in its traditional manner, as a drop in.
Are drop in and undermount tubs the same?
No, drop in and undermount tubs are not the same. Drop in tubs are mounted above the floor, allowing the edges of the tub to drop into a space in the floor. Undermount tubs, on the other hand, are mounted into a deck or platform, allowing them to be placed flush against the floor.
The advantage of a drop-in tub is that it can be easily replaced if the plumbing needs to be serviced or if the tub needs to be replaced, while an undermount tub is a newer, more permanent installation and can be more difficult to replace.
Drop-in tubs also offer a variety of design options and can be used with various decking materials, whereas undermount tubs require a platform, usually built into the bathroom.
Does a drop in tub sit on the floor?
Yes, a drop in tub does sit on the floor. This type of tub is set into an alcove created for it, with the top of the tub level with the floor. The floor around the tub is finished to create a smooth and seamless transition from the wall to the tub.
The tub may or may not have a skirting, or skirt, to cover the sides of the alcove and give it a finished look. Installing a drop in tub requires extensive plumbing, tiling, and carpentry work, as well as the skill to put it all together.
If you are having a drop in tub installed in your bathroom, be sure to hire a professional to ensure that the job is done correctly.
Can you replace a drop in tub with a freestanding tub?
Yes, it is possible to replace a drop in tub with a freestanding tub, but it does require some specialized plumbing skills and additional components beyond the tub itself. Depending on the existing bathroom layout, it may be possible to replace the drop in tub with a freestanding tub without needing to make significant changes.
In cases where the room has enough space or if the existing plumbing lines can be modified, it can certainly be done.
If the current space requires significant changes, such as the relocation of plumbing or the installation of a new drain and overflow, it can be costly and a bit more complicated. The added expense is to first make necessary changes to the surrounding bathroom area like adding or enlarging access hatches.
Any new drywall and tile must also be considered in this scenario.
In both cases switches for showers, faucets, vents, light fixtures, and removable access panels must also be taken into account. Electrical and plumbing components should always be placed by licensed and experienced professionals in order to ensure safety.
When converting from a drop in tub to a freestanding tub, it’s important to take all aspects into consideration beforehand and then make sure the project is completed with expertise and precision.
How much space is needed for an undermount tub?
It is important to know the exact size and space needed for an undermount tub in order to make sure that the tub fits properly and safely within the available space. Generally, for an undermount tub, you will need a rough opening of at least 60” wide, 30” deep, and 23” high.
Additionally, it is recommended to leave at least two inches of space between the tub’s protruding edge and any walls or cabinets. On the side of the tub, you will also need an access panel of 14” – 16” wide and 28” – 30” high.
The total outside measurements of the tub are around 64” W x 32” D x 23” H. It is important to also consider your rough-in plumbing connections (hot and cold water, as well as the drain) when selecting the right size of tub as well as allowing sufficient space to connect the plumbing access panels.
It is also essential to have an adequately supported floor in order to properly install an undermount tub. It should be able to bear a weight of three tons in the area of the tub which translates to roughly 600 pounds per square foot.
How are freestanding tubs secured to the floor?
Freestanding tubs are typically secured to the floor using a three-point or four-point mounting system. The mounting system consists of feet and anchor points that are attached to the bottom of the tub and then bolted to the floor.
The anchor points must be correctly positioned and then tightened to ensure the legs and feet are securely attached. If the tub is not securely fastened, it may move or slide during normal use. Some freestanding tubs will require additional reinforcement such as blocking or brackets to secure it to the floor or wall behind.
If a freestanding tub is relocated, it is recommended that an experienced contractor should re-secure the tub with the appropriate mounting system.
Does flooring go under a freestanding tub?
Yes, flooring should go under a freestanding tub. Having flooring underneath the tub ensures a more even surface, better insulation, improved water drainage, as well as soundproofing. It also helps protect the edges and bottom of the tub, reducing the chance of chips or cracks due to stress on the tub walls.
The best type of flooring to use depends on the type of tub you are installing. For cast iron and acrylic tubs, typical underlayment materials such as plywood and cement board can be used. For heavier stone or porcelain tubs, using a solid slab of concrete 2-3 inches thick is recommended.
When using a solid slab, be sure to use a waterproofing membrane between the slab and the tub to prevent water from seeping into the subfloor.
Proper installation of any flooring is key when installing a freestanding tub. It is important to level the floor and ensure the tub is firmly in place before the flooring is put in place, otherwise the tub may shift and the flooring can crack or cause further damage to the tub.
Can a drop in sink be Undermounted?
Yes, a drop in sink can be undermounted. Undermounting means that the sink is installed beneath the countertop, which can be done with both drop in and concrete sinks. With a drop in sink, the sink’s rim will sit on top of the countertop before the sink is secured underneath.
This creates a seamless transition from the countertop to the sink, and is an aesthetically pleasing look for a bathroom or kitchen.
Undermounting is done by attaching mounting clips to the underside of the sink and then installing the sink onto the underside of the countertop using a watertight sealant. While this installation process can be done by a professional, many homeowners opt to attempt the installation themselves as long as they have the right tools, including clamps and a level.
After the sink is mounted, the faucets typically need to be connected to the pipework before the sink is ready to use.
Is it better to have undermount or drop in sink?
Picking between an undermount or drop-in sink is entirely dependent on your personal preferences, sink style, and the overall look you’re going for in your bathroom or kitchen.
Undermount sinks are becoming increasingly popular choice as they can provide you with a cleaner, uninterrupted line between countertop and sink, and can generally give a sleeker look than a drop-in option.
Typically, undermount sinks attach to the bottom of the countertop, giving you some useable countertop space for food prep or decoration and making them easier to wipe down and clean. One downside to an undermount sink is that because they attach directly to the underside of the counter, installation can be complicated and is best left to a professional to ensure proper sealed connections.
Drop-in sinks are where the sink is lowered into a hole in the countertop and held in place with clips or caulk. This type of sink is simpler to install and generally less expensive than its undermount counterpart, making it a great option for those who are on a budget or are more hands-on with DIY projects.
One downside to drop-in sinks is that because they are above the counter, they can collect dirt and grime around the rims, making them more difficult to keep clean.
In conclusion, when it comes to deciding between an undermount or drop-in sink, it ultimately comes down to your own personal preferences, the look and style you’re trying to achieve, and the budget you’re working with.
Both types of sinks will perform relatively the same, but you should consider the costs and installation difficulty between the two before making any decisions.
How do you secure a drop in tub?
Securing a drop-in tub requires a few steps, but can be done with careful planning and preparation. Most drop-in tubs are installed with a metal frame or platform onto which the tub itself is cut and tucked.
The metal frame supports the weight of the tub, the water, and the bather.
Before starting the installation process, it is important to check for level ground and measure the distance between the walls of the tub and the facing wall to ensure a snug fit. Once completed, the frame and edge support should be installed first, followed by the studs and blocking to keep the edge support in place.
Once the frame is in place and being supported by the blocking and studs, the drop-in tub can be placed. It is important to use shims and construction adhesive to ensure the tub is properly secure and levelled before finishing the installation with drywall and caulking.
Once the drywall and caulking are in place, you should use silicone sealant between the frame and the tub to create a watertight seal and prevent leaks.
After the tub is securely in place and sealed, the drain, overflow, and faucet are installed as per manufacturer instructions, ensuring a watertight seal and connection to all components. With the tub securely in place, the final step is to fill the tub with water and turn the water on to test for any leaks.
If no leaks are found, the installation of your drop-in tub is complete.
Are freestanding tubs worth it?
Whether or not freestanding tubs are worth it depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, they can be pricier than traditional alcove tubs or built-in tubs, so if budget is an issue, it’s important to consider this before making a purchase.
However, freestanding tubs can be an aesthetically pleasing addition to a bathroom and offer an even more spa-like atmosphere. Many of them are quite large and can easily accommodate two people, which can be a big bonus if they are shared.
Freestanding tubs offer many design possibilities, which can offer homeowners greater freedom over the look, style and size of their bathtub. Additionally, they can be installed in a variety of places, making them a great option for small bathrooms.
On the other hand, freestanding tubs generally require more plumbing compared to traditional alcove tubs or built-in units. This can potentially increase installation costs and could require additional work.
Also, due to their shape, some freestanding tubs may have smaller bathing wells than other types of tubs, so be sure to measure beforehand if space is an issue.
Overall, freestanding tubs can be a great addition to a bathroom, but you should consider all aspects before making your purchase. If you decide that a freestanding tub is the right decision for you and your family, ensure that you choose a quality product that is suitable for your bathroom’s space and your budget.
What is the most comfortable shape for a freestanding tub?
The most comfortable and ergonomic shape for a freestanding tub is generally an oval or egg shape. In contrast to the traditional rectangular shape, ovular or egg-shaped tubs are more curved and conform more easily to the body for greater comfort.
This shape also allows for more legroom, which is more comfortable for taller bathers. Additionally, egg-shaped tubs allow more freedom of movement, minimizing the risk of slipping or slipping while bathing.
Some egg-shaped tubs may be slightly deeper than traditional rectangular tubs and in some cases can even accommodate two bathers at once.
How much room do you need around a drop-in tub?
In order to ensure a comfortable and safe experience, drop-in tubs require a minimum of 60 inches of clearance on all sides. This means that at least 30 inches of spacing should be between your drop-in tub and any wall or other fixtures (i.
e. a window, a door, or a vanity cabinet). Additionally, the room should feature at least 7 feet of height, allowing plenty of clearance for your shower curtain or a shower riser.
If you have an unusually shaped bathroom, you may need to take additional measurements to ensure that your tub will properly fit. This may involve measuring the distance from the base of the tub to your ceiling, as well as from the center of the tub to the walls.
If your space is more than 3 inches away from the target measurements, you may need to consider other options such as shower door or recessed drop-in tub fixtures.
Finally, it is important to make sure that the drop-in tub is securely bolted to the ground so that it does not risk toppling over onto anyone. This should involve bolting two metal plates into the studding of your subfloor, and then affixing the tub’s metal feet on top.
How close can you put freestanding tub to wall?
When it comes to choosing the placement of a freestanding tub, there are a few factors to consider. The size of the room and any existing fixtures are both important when deciding on the right placement for your freestanding tub.
Generally, as a rule of thumb, a 6 to 8 inch gap between the wall and tub should be maintained when possible to allow for easy cleaning and maintenance of the bathroom. However, this can depend on the actual tub, as the design and the shape of the tub might require a different distance from the wall.
Additionally, a longer distance between the wall and tub may also be necessary depending on the plumbing and layout of the room. It is also important to consider ventilation, if there is an open window nearby, or any other air movement, a further distance from the wall should be placed to ensure that the tub does not get too cold.
Ultimately, based on the specific tub model, layout of the room, and any existing fixtures, the right distance between the wall and tub should be determined with the help of a professional. With their advice, the perfect placement of your freestanding tub can be found.