Replacing tub with one 2in longer?

Submitted by brandolinium t3_zzz7gq in DIY

I need to replace a small non-standard clawfoot tub with a conventional alcove tub, but the length of my alcove (with hardibacker and tile) is 58”, and the standard tub is 60”. I’ve seen how they are conventionally installed, but wonder if there’s a reason why I can’t notch into the wall 1” at either side and fit it in? It would be much easier than tearing out and re-tiling the short wall on the one end.

Thanks for the advice in advance.

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AffectionateAd4985 t1_j2ehw48 wrote

60 inch bathtubs are measured framing to framing. So if your Alcove is 58" after backer board and tile you should have 60" to the framing in order to fit a standard tub in. Otherwise you can just buy a 58" bathtub. They can be difficult to find but are available. 54c bathtubs are pretty easy to find as well so that may be an option. It's easier to make an opening smaller than to make it larger.

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brandolinium OP t1_j2ej818 wrote

The hardibacker is about 1/4” and the tile also about 1/4”, so I’m assuming my alcove behind those is 59”, still too small. The installation vids I’ve seen call for notching the 2x4 framers about 1/16” tomake the lip of the rim flush, then replacing the hardi and tile.

But what if I notch in about 1/2” instead? Is there any reason that’s a terrible idea? Past the small structural compromise I can’t really think of one, but I may be missing something since I’m not a pro.

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XFirebalX_347 t1_j2em3i9 wrote

Did you also acount for the "mortar bed" and/or wire mesh that should be roughly 1/2" thick between the hardibacker and tile? Or is that not present?

Im not a framer but I've picked up things along the way. more often than not, as long you're not removing more than 30% of a 2x4 depth, it shouldnt compromise the structural integrity, unless there are 3 or more sandwhiched together. Those are probably directly carrying the load of whats above them.

Even with brand new houses ive seen things shaved down notched out. Especially in remodeling jobs.

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bms42 t1_j2em4in wrote

I've done many tub replacements and this will work fine. Just make sure you have a plan to insert the tub into that gap. Depending on the layout of the bathroom that can get tricky.

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brandolinium OP t1_j2epqz0 wrote

Oh, it’s gonna be tricky. Am sadly positive about that.

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Maplelongjohn t1_j2elawb wrote

Definitely seen it done

Look at the tub options they'll have a lip around them that would accommodate this...

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windy496 t1_j2ellxc wrote

Please be careful when moving the new tub. When I replaced our tub and was moving the old tub outside, I made one end flex and was struck in the face with shards of porcelain with sharp ends. Could have lost an eye.

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pessimistoptimist t1_j2eh2w9 wrote

well you could....but you are probably asking for trouble down the line. There are usually two ways to do things, the right way and then the other way.

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