You Can Tile Under A Freestanding Tub You can even place one in the center of your bathroom if you want. It's also generally easier to clean around a freestanding tub if you lave some space between the tub and the walls. If you have a soaker or pedestal tub, you can choose whether or not to tile under the whole tub.
if you tile first, you will effectively seal the WHOLE floor, so any leak or spillage will be contained within the bathroom. if you dont tile fully under the bath, which you may not be able to do if the bath is in situ before tiling, and the bath does not seal effectively to the floor, then any leak under or around the.
If the bathtub is placed first, the surrounding floor, vinyl and walling can help to protect the tub and the house from scratches, cracks, stains and damages.
Bath always installed first, then tiles set out to take into consideration floor/ceiling, bath/windows or any other feature necessary to overcome. Obviously, you could do the bulk of the tiling without the bath in, then tile down to bath once fitted...
You always tile down to top of bath not under it.
Choosing the right silicone sealant
In any tiling installation, there will always be a use for a silicone sealant. This can be used around a bath or around a sink, in the joints between the tiles on the walls, or in our tiler's case in the video, between the tiles on the wall and the worktop.
A cement board is often the best choice due to its robust moisture resistance and ability to support the weight of the tiles. This foundational layer is key to preventing water seepage that could otherwise lead to mould growth and structural issues.
When a bath or shower is fitted in a bathroom, the bath or shower unit should be placed against the wall prior to it being tiled and then a silicon seal placed between the unit and the wall. The walls can then be tiled with the tile overlapping the bath or shower unit.
He likes using Mapei's 4-to-1 Mud Bed Mix. Usually you need one 55 lb of mortar for one tub. But as you'll see in our video we had to use two bags, but it's not like the Mud Bed Mix is breaking the bank. Mix the mortar so that it can support the tub.
Protection against Damaged Floors
However, if you have the flooring installed first, it can easily get scratched, cracked, or even completely ruined by trying to place a heavy object such as a bathtub on it, so it's often best and more convenient to place the tub first and add the new flooring afterward.
Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints. Don't use paper-faced backer board, i.e., paper-faced drywall, behind seamed tub and shower enclosures.
It mostly doesn't matter. The only reason to do it is if the original floor is weak and needs reinforcement. I would probably do it so the tub has a nice flat surface to sit on. There is really no reason not to do it other than it might cost you one more sheet of ply.
Plan to extend the tile 2 or 3 in. beyond the tub and leave at least a half tile along the wall if possible. Don't stop tile even with the end of the tub. This leaves the walls along the front of the tub vulnerable to water damage and doesn't look as finished as tile that extends to the floor.
Risk of Tile Damage: Tiling after fitting the suite might risk damaging the suite components if not done carefully.
While some guides may recommend tiling behind the shower walls, you should indeed tile on top of the tray. To save time, tiling and plastering can be carried out at once in the bathroom to get the shower area the way it needs to be.
It is possible to tile over drywall where it is not subject to extreme humidity and is secure. It is not recommended to lay tiles over walls and areas subject to moisture, such as in showers. The water in these areas could eventually seep into the tile, causing damage to the tile, mold, or infestations.
In general, cement boards are a highly moisture-resistant building material that can withstand the damp conditions found in bathrooms and showers, where water can accumulate and seep into the walls over time.
Starting with the Wet Area
The wet area of your bathroom—typically where the shower, tub, and major plumbing fixtures are located—should be your first focus. This area is often the most labor-intensive part of a bathroom remodel and is prone to hidden problems such as water damage or outdated plumbing.
It usually takes three to four weeks to complete a small bathroom remodel, but if you aren't moving plumbing or wiring, you might be able to complete a remodel in as little as two weeks. Even small bathrooms can be a big undertaking, though. The average time it takes to remodel a small bathroom is 23 days.
Many professional tilers and bathroom renovation experts recommend against tiling under alcove and drop-in tubs due to potential issues with support and future maintenance. For freestanding tubs, the decision often comes down to personal preference and specific project requirements.
BEST SEALANTS FOR CAULKING BATHTUBS
Loctite Polyseamseal Tub & Tile Adhesive Caulk has been specifically formulated to create a long-lasting, flexible seal that is resistant to mold and mildew. It works on both fiberglass and ceramic surfaces as a two-in-one product, making it highly versatile.
Rigid air barrier materials for use behind showers and tubs include fiber-cement, fiber-reinforced gypsum, glass mat gypsum, or fiber mat-reinforced cementitious backer panels.