Does anyone have some advice for how to build a skirt for a curved corner whirlpool tub? I just installed a tub thats 60″ on each of the sides that hit the wall and need to make a skirt for it – but will need access through the skirt for pump and plumbing. Thanks!
Rick
In this FHB Podcast segment, the crew offers expert advice on insulating an old home and finding the right contractor to do the job.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
Need a few more details, so I'll ask and bumb this back up. I assume this is a whirlpool type bath with the mechanicals fitted around the tub and hidden by an apron (or skirt), right? What is the framing like for the tub support? Or is the tub free-standing or set into a site-built frame?
Any way to use 1/4" T&G pine or cedar paneling? The thin paneling would allow bending to conform to the curvature of the tub. For the access panel, make a frame for the door and the door a framed panel of the T&G pine.
Yup its a whirlpool with plumbing and pump on the outside curved edge. Tub is supported with 2 x 4s on the straight edges under rim, no support on the curved side. Like the T&G idea! That might do it - just have to make sure I can protect it from water that will surely spill over edge.
And the mfg doesn't provide one? Wow. How do THEY suggest it be finished off? How's it done in their promo pix. I have a Jacuzzi brand that size and shape--and I hate Jacuzzi--but even they provided an extruded curved skirt with the tub.
No the manufacturer didn't provide one - I think its meant to be a drop in tub (by American Standard) Thus the prom pix are all shot from above...
Don't have the details figured out, but I wonder if the equivalent of a sideways tambour (think roll-top desk) wouldn't be possible? Maybe a curved track under some framing to carry the weight, with a track at the bottom for the door to follow.
Now thats a fascinating idea too (roll top desk) - would provide access if I could figure out where to roll it away to. But where in the world would I buy that - or maybe I could just fabricate it myself.
There was a discussion on BT a couple of weeks ago about plastic beaded boards (Azeks, or something like it was the brand as I recall.) The posters liked the stuff, especially since it was good for wet locations.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
>I have plenty of carpentry skills
Since you mention that...........Get some bamboo flooring (you mentioned bamboo) and rip it to 1" or 1.5". Glue the strips to canvas or other heavy cloth or hardboard or whatever to create sections maybe a foot wide. Build a frame for the front wall in whatever shape you want. Cover the frame at the top and bottom with the finish material of your choice. Dado a groove into the top and bottom frame. You can lift the bamboo panels into the grooves. Easy to remove. Easy to conform to any shape.
rtw
Make a jig(picture below) to make your rails. You can fill in with the vertical wood if you like or you can do a paneled look with a little more work. Your vertical pieces don't have to be bent because on a large enough radius they wouldn't have to show the curve.
You can install the rails with one section that comes off for the access panel.
There are a 1000 different ways to do this, what look do you want? That would help a lot.
Doug
Edited 11/29/2003 7:58:37 PM ET by Doug@es
Ok, heres the pic.
I like clouds idea . The tambour can just slide into the backwall like one of those old sland alone kitchen cabinets. Not only would it fit your curve but provide access to your plumbing. You can make your own . I like the ones with a cable through a hole in each end of the slats . thaey make a set of router bits that make up the slats. Don't remember where I saw it though.
I'd be a little concerned with the idea that all the weight rests on the part that needs to slide the easiest. Roll top desks have the slats horizonal while this tub enclosure idea is running them vertically. Any buildup of dirt is going to accumulate in that track rendering it difficult to useless after some time.
That's why rev 2 of the idea didn't depend on anything rolling. The panels just slip up and in/out. In all likelihood, they'll be removed once every several years. The panels could be build with a bit of a lip to protect the groove from getting dirt.
the flooring would work with the cloth back... but i'd just attach it with hook & loop (velcro) i've only removed mine once in 7 yrs and i really didn't need to then... i used premade raised panel doors, I found the exact size that would work at HD mills pride (raised panel white plastic fused finish) and tape back velcro has held em place without a problem
Pony
I think it was a Sellers cabinet that I saw the tambours in the vertical mode . It might work if the track was made loose enough . The weight could bare on a frame behind the tambour. A vac. could take care of the excesive dirt build up , and it would be easy with the tambour sliding open for acess . What the heck it would be fun to try on his house anyway . sort of a prototype and he could report back from time to time . Hope full that I could duck any spoiled fruit/ veggies if it dodn't work.
"Does anyone have some advice for how to build a skirt for a curved corner whirlpool tub?"
Rtw,
What are you looking to build? What tools, capabilities and equipment do you have? Would you mind outsourcing portions?
Time for more info.
Jon
Not sure what to build - I have plenty of carpentry skills and had thought of making a thin plywood wall that I would then tile but since decided I don't want that much tile . Looking now for a prefab fiberglas or something interesting like woven wood or bamboo.
Look on the American standard web site and I'm sure you will finished side you need, but it ain't cheap!! But if you need to make a side for it then square it up and make a big mitre of the corner and then tile or formica or well sealed wood.