sumbenge
10-07-2006, 05:00 PM
I just purchased a home that is 10 yrs old and plan to replace one of the existing bathtubs. it is a traditional bath with no whirlpool and has tile on the front of it...which has to go! I want to replace with a whirlpool and thought i could do a drop in type and retile the front with something more modern. What is behind the tile and what is it normally attached to. Have seen the drop in tubs and doesn't appear that it could hold tile. any ideas?
jimbo
10-07-2006, 06:56 PM
Not sure what kind of tub you have now that has tile on front.
Drop in tubs typically are "dropped into" a box-like structure which you construct. This can be tiled as you wish. The surface for tile on deck and front should be concrete backer board or hardi-backer. Make sure you take careful measurements of your existing situation BEFORE you start buying tubs. Also, a good installation would include decks sloping to a drain. Otherwise you will always be dealing with standing water on the tub deck area. There are lots of good books, and internet resources available. On of the best is this tile forum: www.johnbridge.com (http://www.johnbridge.com)