I’m remodeling the master bathroom and want to put a soaker tub below the shower. The concept is that the 4’x6’shower stall (3 sides granite 1 side 2 piece sliding glass door) would be entered at floor level onto a teak deck. The teak deck, constructed in sections of 12-16″each is made of is 1″x 2″ teak slats (on edge) 3.5′ long separated by a 12 ga SS washer are placed across the tub below. When showering the water drains through the teak deck into the tub below. When the tub is to be used, the decking is removed (or most of it). A person can sit on the decking to soak their feet, or fill the tub and soak Japanese style. There is about 58″ crawl space below the floor to accommodate the tub.
Questions:
1. do I build up a slab or footing to support the tub, or do I beef up the floor joists to tub “undermounts”?
2. is it more cost effective to purchase a drop in tub or do I need to “custom” make the tub element with tile and a membrane? I’m hoping to find a prefab tub suitable for this project for better drainage, ease of assembly etc.
2. The walls are quartzite or granite, on some above/on-top of floor install tubs there is a lip on which wall covering can mount. Since I need a 2″ lip to support the decking, I’m concerned about the drainage transition from the deck support into the tub. Any ideas?
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Replies
I know this isn't a direct answer but having installed many soaker tubs I can tell you that no one ever uses them. Years back everyone wanted them because they seemed cool but in truth, if you don't use the tub you have now you won't use a soaker. Most of them I see these days are on their way to the dumpster. I can't even imagine the nasty mess you'd have from draining a shower into a tub. It would have to be cleaned and sanitized before anyone would use it. If no one used it the smell would soon overpower you.
Thanks for the reply. Not a pleasant thought. hopefully my experience is different
They're probably used as often as the jacuzzi-style tub was in our home. The water lines were plugged full of something on the order of a high school science project. Had to plug the jets with epoxy so that the gunk didn't flow out when trying to clean the tub. I'm planning on removing it completely and building a roll-in shower for my later years. Neither wifey nor I have used the tub for a bath in 25+ years - much prefer a quick shower.