Tiling around a Stering tub?

I am installing a new tub 60 X 30. Removed everything down to studs. I planned on installing a Sterling tub and tiling my own surround. I unboxed the tub today and noticed that Sterling has a unique flange designed to fit their snap in surrounds. It only gives you 1/2 of an inch to play. I had planned on installing 1/2 inch cement board to the studs and overhanging my flange then tiling. This is to thick.Looks like even 1/4 backer board may be an issue once mastic and tile is installed. Anybody ever tiled their own surround with one of these tubs?

Thanks for any help, this is my first tub install.

Brian

I am using 1/2 inch green board for purpose of backer board in photo

Well, I have to deal with this problem so I may return this tub and get one with a regular flange not this funky shallow one.

You have a couple of choices. First, put a vapor barrier behind the cbu before you put it up and lap it over the flange. Then, so you don't have a bulge when installing the cbu at the bottom over the flange, either notch the studs to recess it so it is in plane with the studs, or shim them out so the cbu can lap the flange without bowing. Run the cbu down to about 1/4" from the tub surface. It appears that with thinset, your tile would fit over that second step. Depending on the size of the tile you are using, as long as at least 1/2 of it is being supported by the cbu, the overlap onto the sub side will be okay. If you are using small tile, you can't do this. Check out www.johnbridge.com for help with tiling issues.

I have these same brand tubs in my home. Currently redoing my shower and the tub is right next to shower so going to retile around the garden tub to match. I am just taking note of how the tile was installed prior to removal, then going to probably use green board as there is no shower in that tub. Still undecided if I should put Kerdi membrane for the surrounds. Anyways, i have found it useful for later on to take lots of pictures during the tear out to see how stuff was put together. Will prevent headaches and frustration later on.

After reading your question and looking at the photo more closely. I understand what you are asking now. While doing my shower remodel and removing drywall and tile around this same tub. I see the drywall or backerboard only comes down to the top of the tub flange/where the plastic starts. Then the tile overlaps the drywall and covering the offset flange, thus creating a flush finish where the tile meets the tub and also helps any water that gets behind there will drain out into tub. Hope this helps your project.