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Skirt for curved bathtub

| Posted in Construction Techniques on November 29, 2003 03:35am

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

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  1. User avater
    NickNukeEm | Nov 29, 2003 07:22pm | #1

    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.

    I never met a tool I didn't like!
    1. RWilking | Nov 29, 2003 10:52pm | #7

      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.

  2. User avater
    CloudHidden | Nov 29, 2003 07:24pm | #2

    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.

    1. RWilking | Nov 29, 2003 10:43pm | #4

      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...

      1. User avater
        CloudHidden | Nov 29, 2003 10:49pm | #6

        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.

        1. RWilking | Nov 29, 2003 10:55pm | #8

          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.

          1. MojoMan | Nov 29, 2003 11:17pm | #9

            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

          2. User avater
            CloudHidden | Nov 30, 2003 12:35am | #11

            >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.

          3. DougU | Nov 30, 2003 03:57am | #12

            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

          4. DougU | Nov 30, 2003 04:03am | #13

            Ok, heres the pic.

          5. donpapenburg | Nov 30, 2003 05:18am | #14

            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.  

          6. User avater
            Homewright | Nov 30, 2003 07:08pm | #15

            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. 

          7. User avater
            CloudHidden | Nov 30, 2003 07:18pm | #16

            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.

          8. ponytl | Nov 30, 2003 07:26pm | #17

            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

          9. donpapenburg | Dec 01, 2003 05:02am | #18

             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.

  3. WorkshopJon | Nov 29, 2003 07:40pm | #3

    "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

    1. RWilking | Nov 29, 2003 10:45pm | #5

      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.

  4. USAnigel | Nov 29, 2003 11:28pm | #10

    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.

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