I have a 384 lb. new Kohler castiron bathtub, 36 wide, 66 long, 19 1/4 deep. It’s going to be placed in a raised framed-deck, so that the tub bottom is supported by the subfloor/floor joists that run underneath it. The top of the framed deck is 19 1/4 above the floor.
My question is: How do I lower the tub into place without damaging the tub or the newly place tile that surrounds the tub deck ?
My tile guy says that he must float the tub deck and install tile before the tub is put in place, so it’s up to me to get the tub in without damaging nearby tile or the tub.
I read an article in FHB magazine a while back that showed the used of an heavy duty tire inner tube and compressor being used to lower the tub down into place, but how would you know the thickness of the inner tube and concrete poured into the middle of the inner tub after it’s been crunched by the tub. Obviously, I want the tub to be flush with the tile surround deck, calking only 1/64 in. would be great. But how would you know the finished thickness of the inner tube ? (Guess I could experiment in the garage and determine the final thickness of the crushed tube and concrete ??)
The bathroom is on a raised foundation, I thought of using a floor jack under the house with a 4×4 pointing up, with 4 friends placing the tub on the top of the 4×4 and then me lower with the floor jack, but I’m kinda concerned with the tub falling off, and I think there is a floor joist right in the center of the tub which I won’t cut to make room for the 4×4.
In terms of accessibility, the tub area has a left wall, back wall, the front is obviously open, and the right side is open to a shower which will not yet have it’s glass shower enclosure installed. I have 4 people that can help lift and more if needed. I’m thinking of building a dolly to move the tub in the house, on it’s side to clear the doors, or can 4 people lift the tub and carry it in the house ??
Also, do you have to dump cement under the tub ? What does it do for you, seems like nothing for a cast tub, but maybe I’m missing something here ?
I do have 3 access holes cut (about 14 in x 14 in.) in the subfloor for making connections to the drain, water supplies, etc, but they wont do to much good for this job.
Any ideas are greatly appreciated.
(By the way, I went with cast iron because I can’t stand the cracking noise the pastic tubs make after a few years when you step in the tub)
thanks !
Kirk
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I would set the tub on the subfloor first, frame around it, leaving enough room for the setting bed and tile. my 2 cents.
no turn left unstoned