Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - whirlpool tub support
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cmp
08-22-02, 12:08 PM
I'm getting ready to remodel my masterbath and replace the shower stall with a whirlpool. Since the masterbath and hall bath are near each other, they both share the same special floor joist supports.
However, the hall bath has a regular bath tub and I'm installing an additional significantly bigger whirlpool, should I add some cross bracing to the joists to hold the weight?
However, the hall bath has a regular bath tub and I'm installing an additional significantly bigger whirlpool, should I add some cross bracing to the joists to hold the weight?
Doug Aleshire
08-22-02, 07:57 PM
cmp,
It's great to know that you take the time to realize that a whirlpool will definitely add more weight to a structure that was probably designed for 40# live load per sq.ft. I have come across alot who don't and are facing structural or surface defects.
With what you are proposing to do, I suggest that you either add additional material to the existing joists (sister), and/or blocking to ensure that you will have no problems. In some cases, just solid blocking is enough.
As an example, the whirlpool, full of water with 1 person in it may require only 40# psf support. Depending on the size, and the manufacturers specs will advise you accordingly, it could be that you need support for 45# or more.
My rule of thumb is just to add 1/2 the size that you now have for floor joists. If you have a 2x10, sister a 2x6 to it, if it's a 2x8, go with a 2x4. You don't need much and you only need to do this where the unit will sit and that it will be placed from bearing point to bearing point. This may be overkill since we are only talking about 5-7# psf differences but you can be the judge of that. My other reason is that most applications will have ceramic tile, step ups, aprons. The worst thing you can have, is a floor system that moves even a little bit!
Hope this helps!
It's great to know that you take the time to realize that a whirlpool will definitely add more weight to a structure that was probably designed for 40# live load per sq.ft. I have come across alot who don't and are facing structural or surface defects.
With what you are proposing to do, I suggest that you either add additional material to the existing joists (sister), and/or blocking to ensure that you will have no problems. In some cases, just solid blocking is enough.
As an example, the whirlpool, full of water with 1 person in it may require only 40# psf support. Depending on the size, and the manufacturers specs will advise you accordingly, it could be that you need support for 45# or more.
My rule of thumb is just to add 1/2 the size that you now have for floor joists. If you have a 2x10, sister a 2x6 to it, if it's a 2x8, go with a 2x4. You don't need much and you only need to do this where the unit will sit and that it will be placed from bearing point to bearing point. This may be overkill since we are only talking about 5-7# psf differences but you can be the judge of that. My other reason is that most applications will have ceramic tile, step ups, aprons. The worst thing you can have, is a floor system that moves even a little bit!
Hope this helps!
cmp
08-22-02, 08:52 PM
Doug,
Thanks for your response. It's good to have a suspision confirmed. Your last statement really had an impact that I hadn't thought about. Of course I'm going to have new tile and didn't give much thought about the subflooring and how the extra weight of the tub could impact its solidity. Thanks again!
Thanks for your response. It's good to have a suspision confirmed. Your last statement really had an impact that I hadn't thought about. Of course I'm going to have new tile and didn't give much thought about the subflooring and how the extra weight of the tub could impact its solidity. Thanks again!