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Tile Tub Surround

FLA Mike | Posted in General Discussion on October 31, 2006 04:34am

I’m going to be putting in a new tile surround in a few days.  Before the CBU goes up I’ve put in some 1x furring strips.  Is one order better than the other- felt/furring/cbu, or furring, felt, cbu.  And would there be any reason to use a z-bar to flash at the tub flange?  Grace on the inside corners?  And for the furring strips I want to avoid PT, so I hope it’s not a horrible thing if I do.

The tub’s on a wood subfloor, but no crawlspace access or ventilation because amazingly the bottom of the joists are not even a foot off the ground, and less even.  The subfloor is at the end of its life and should be replaced now, but the owner’s won’t go for it, so I want to keep this area as dry as possible.  Any thoughts or good ideas?

 


Edited 10/30/2006 10:32 pm ET by FLA Mike

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  1. FLA Mike | Oct 31, 2006 05:13pm | #1

    nermind...fur/felt/cbu it is, no metal flashing

    gonna jump right in and use epoxy grout.  I always caulk inside corners but I'm under the impression epoxy won't crack.  Any opinions on change-of-planes?

    Mebbe I shoulda been axing at John Bridge...

     
  2. User avater
    Gene_Davis | Oct 31, 2006 05:23pm | #2

    You need to find about the Schluter system for bathroom tile installations.

    Go to the John Bridge forum site.  Everything you need to know about Schluter can be found there.

    What you want is the Kerdi membrane system.  No cement board needed . . . this stuff goes on gyprock.  Easy as pie.

    1. FLA Mike | Oct 31, 2006 05:40pm | #3

      thanks for the pointers.  I'm going to check them out. 

  3. GreatWhiteNorthGuy | Oct 31, 2006 07:07pm | #4

    Perfect timing. That's just what I'm in the middle of right now and I have to agree with another poster that the Schluter system is the way to go. I've attached a couple of works-in-progress photos. Starting tiling today. Give it some consideration and watch the demonstration video at the Schluter website, OK?

    Cheers,
    Ken

    "They don't build 'em like they used to" And as my Dad always added... "Thank God!"

    1. FLA Mike | Oct 31, 2006 10:20pm | #5

      Thanks...I'll watch the video.  I cruised their site briefly today, when I have more time I'll take abetter look.

      If this is just tiled walls in the shower, wouldn't I just need the Kerdi?  The Schluter System is for shower floors, right?

      Any problems with epoxy grout? 

      1. GreatWhiteNorthGuy | Oct 31, 2006 10:30pm | #6

        Hi FLAMike:The Schluter "system" is just that - a system. I needed the shower base because I started from scratch, but you could simply do the curtain-style wall waterproofing with the Schluter-Kerdi and you'd be set to go. As far as grout is concerned, I've have great luck with Mapei's Keracolor-S grout. But I always seal the grout to reduce staining and excessive wicking of moisture. Anyway, for what it's worth, that's the system I'd recommend for you.Cheers,
        Ken"They don't build 'em like they used to" And as my Dad always added... "Thank God!"

      2. Hiker | Oct 31, 2006 10:31pm | #7

        Mike,

        What type of epoxy grout?  We only use Laticrete Spectralock anymore.  It is a three part system that is awesome and alot easier to use than the traditional epoxy grouts.

        Bruce

        1. FLA Mike | Oct 31, 2006 10:50pm | #8

          Thanks everyone.

          The Laticrete Spectra is what I'm going to use.  It's my first time with epoxy grout, so hearing that this one is 'easier' maybe it won't be so bad. 

  4. sungod | Nov 01, 2006 12:47am | #9

    May sure you install a 2X4 ledger to hold the rim of the tub. Tubs that pull away from the tile are those on wood floors with no ledger.

    1. FLA Mike | Nov 01, 2006 01:59am | #10

      Good idea.  I don't think the tub has moved since it was installed in the 50s, and there isn't a ledger there.  I'm going to have to wait until I get back there to look at it, but I don't think I can get a 5 foot 2x4 back in there.  MAy have to be done some other way. 

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