How to Install an Alcove Tub

Sitka Acrylic Alcove Soaking Tub in White for alcove tub installation Sitka Acrylic Alcove Soaking Tub in White for alcove tub installation

Ready to set up that new alcove tub of yours? You’ve come to the right place. Follow along as we go step-by-step for a seamless installation—and a tub you can enjoy very soon. Please refer to your specific tub's installation manual, as it may have its own requirements.

Be sure to observe all local plumbing and building codes. If you are unfamiliar with installing bathtubs or plumbing fixtures in general, we recommend consulting a professional.

Tools & Materials

  • Silicone Sealant (100% Neutral Cure)

  • Tape Measure

  • Pencil

  • Safety Glasses

  • Pipe Wrench

  • Level

  • Hacksaw

  • Drop Cloth

  • 1x4 Boards

  • Thinset

  • Construction Adhesive

  • Wood Shims

Tools & materials to install alcove tub - silicone sealant, tape measure, pencil, safety glasses, pipe wrench, level, hacksaw

Alcove Tub Preparation

Before installing an alcove bathtub, ensure that the floor is level and can support a load of 80lbs per square foot. An uneven floor may impede proper installation of the tub.

Clean the installation area of any debris or trash. Locate studs as needed. Ensure rough-in dimensions are proper, plumb, and square. If there are any gaps between the base of the tub and the floor, shims or mortar must be used for proper installation.

Now, let’s begin!

Bradenton Acrylic Alcove Soaking Tub in White for alcove tub installation

Alcove Tub Installation

Step 1 - position the tub at the opening and mark the final position of the desk by tracing a line onto the studs

Step 1

Position the tub into the installation opening and level the deck in both directions, shimming the base of the tub if necessary.

Mark the final position of the underside of the deck by tracing a line onto the studs.

Step 2 - attach 1x4 stringer to the studs with the top of the stringer touching the traced line

Step 2

Remove the tub and attach a 1x4 stringer to the studs, with the top of the stringer touching the traced line. Never support the tub by its deck lip without stringers.

Step 3 - install drain components into the tub following the drain's installation instructions

Step 3

Install drain components into the tub following the drain's installation instructions. Note that this requires a cutout in the floor. Before replacing your tub for final installation, a 6"x12" floor opening is required for the 1½" drain and waste overflow kit. The drain/overflow of the tub extends below the bottom of the tub.

Step 4 - use mortar as bedding material to support the tub. The tub must be supported along its entire bottom

Step 4

The tub must be supported along its entire bottom. Use 1½" to 2" of mortar as bedding material (do not use sand or foam).

Step 5 - Before the mortar sets, position the tub within the recess until the rim is leveled against the stringers

Step 5

After the mortar has been poured, and before it sets, position the tub within the recess until the rim is leveled against the stringers.

Step 6 - nail the flange along the rub rim to the surrounding studs to secure the tub

Step 6

Nail the flange along the top of the tub rim to the surrounding studs, to secure the tub in place. Allow at least 8 hours for the mortar to dry.

Step 7 - install the flashing, drywall or cement board to prepare for the installation of tile or tub surround

Step 7

Proceed to the installation of flashing, drywall, or cement board to prepare for the installation of tile or tub surround.

Step 1 - position the tub at the opening and mark the final position of the desk by tracing a line onto the studs

Step 1

Position the tub into the installation opening and level the deck in both directions, shimming the base of the tub if necessary.

Mark the final position of the underside of the deck by tracing a line onto the studs.

Step 2 - attach 1x4 stringer to the studs with the top of the stringer touching the traced line

Step 2

Remove the tub and attach a 1x4 stringer to the studs, with the top of the stringer touching the traced line. Never support the tub by its deck lip without stringers.

Step 3 - install drain components into the tub following the drain's installation instructions

Step 3

Install drain components into the tub following the drain's installation instructions. Note that this requires a cutout in the floor. Before replacing your tub for final installation, a 6"x12" floor opening is required for the 1½" drain and waste overflow kit. The drain/overflow of the tub extends below the bottom of the tub.

Step 4 - use mortar as bedding material to support the tub. The tub must be supported along its entire bottom

Step 4

The tub must be supported along its entire bottom. Use 1½" to 2" of mortar as bedding material (do not use sand or foam).

Step 5 - Before the mortar sets, position the tub within the recess until the rim is leveled against the stringers

Step 5

After the mortar has been poured, and before it sets, position the tub within the recess until the rim is leveled against the stringers.

Step 6 - nail the flange along the rub rim to the surrounding studs to secure the tub

Step 6

Nail the flange along the top of the tub rim to the surrounding studs, to secure the tub in place. Allow at least 8 hours for the mortar to dry.

Step 7 - install the flashing, drywall or cement board to prepare for the installation of tile or tub surround

Step 7

Proceed to the installation of flashing, drywall, or cement board to prepare for the installation of tile or tub surround.

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