Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - setting acryllic tub- can I cut?
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wendij
08-22-05, 01:52 PM
Hello-
My husband and I are remodeling our bathroom and putting in a new tub. We were given this tub by a friend, and it is exactly what I was wanting, except for the overall size. This is a very well made acrylic oval drop in. Its shape is oval but the "deck" of this tub is rectangular with sort of an upside down small "u" shaped lip around the edge (instead of a flange). My husband has many years of plumbing and framing experience, and knows how to set this tub properly, but I want to know if we can cut off that lip? The few inches that removing that lip will eliminate is just enough to allow the tub to fit in the spot that it needs to go into.
:thinker: What I want to do is to cut it off and tile first, drop it in, and then somehow trim out the cut edge of the tub, or to drop in the tub and tile right up close to the cut edge, then caulk, I don't care which, I will be doing the tile myself.
The minimum distance between cut edge and edge of slopethat will be left after cutting lip off would be 1 1/4 inches at center at each end. The thickness of the lip wall is much less than the thickness of the rest of the tub, and my husband said the lip is not necessary for installation, and is to redirect water back into the tub. When he installs this tub he is planning to frame in an inner frame closely following the oval curve for greater support, with an outer frame that I will tile the front of, and will be using 2 layers of 1 1/8" plywood for the top, using a template to cut out the oval hole for the tub. He knows to set it in "mud" on the bottom as well, so it will be very well supported We just can't seem to find an answer to whether or not we can cut off that lip and retain the structural integrity of the tub. Is the acrylic all one layer? I know that I can wet sand the scratches and what not, but would a cross section be sandable?
Thank you
My husband and I are remodeling our bathroom and putting in a new tub. We were given this tub by a friend, and it is exactly what I was wanting, except for the overall size. This is a very well made acrylic oval drop in. Its shape is oval but the "deck" of this tub is rectangular with sort of an upside down small "u" shaped lip around the edge (instead of a flange). My husband has many years of plumbing and framing experience, and knows how to set this tub properly, but I want to know if we can cut off that lip? The few inches that removing that lip will eliminate is just enough to allow the tub to fit in the spot that it needs to go into.
:thinker: What I want to do is to cut it off and tile first, drop it in, and then somehow trim out the cut edge of the tub, or to drop in the tub and tile right up close to the cut edge, then caulk, I don't care which, I will be doing the tile myself.
The minimum distance between cut edge and edge of slopethat will be left after cutting lip off would be 1 1/4 inches at center at each end. The thickness of the lip wall is much less than the thickness of the rest of the tub, and my husband said the lip is not necessary for installation, and is to redirect water back into the tub. When he installs this tub he is planning to frame in an inner frame closely following the oval curve for greater support, with an outer frame that I will tile the front of, and will be using 2 layers of 1 1/8" plywood for the top, using a template to cut out the oval hole for the tub. He knows to set it in "mud" on the bottom as well, so it will be very well supported We just can't seem to find an answer to whether or not we can cut off that lip and retain the structural integrity of the tub. Is the acrylic all one layer? I know that I can wet sand the scratches and what not, but would a cross section be sandable?
Thank you
DUNBAR PLUMBER
08-29-05, 09:09 PM
I would contact the manufacturer of the tub to find out if this is feasible.
Over the years I have modified units like showers and tubs to a certain degree but not as extensive as you mentioned.
I would say it would be fine since the most important support is at the bottom of the tub and you are already considering that by using mud to provide a firm base.
Over the years I have modified units like showers and tubs to a certain degree but not as extensive as you mentioned.
I would say it would be fine since the most important support is at the bottom of the tub and you are already considering that by using mud to provide a firm base.
Kobuchi
08-29-05, 11:58 PM
Sounds like you guys know what you're doing.somehow trim out the cut edge of the tub
The "u" shape lends a lot of rigidity to the edge, so a cut edge might go a bit wavy.
As for making it pretty, any edges not cut on a radius could be dressed with metal channel the edge fits tightly into. This stuff is often press fit over glass edges, and lengths are available at glass shops (think custom shower stalls), as folded sheet metal or aluminum extrusion, "u" shaped, in a variety of finishes. A tight fit with silicone in it shouldn't give you any troubles. I like the sheet metal edging because, with the thin metal "u" having a slight bite to it and being springy, it only adds what looks like a narrow ribbon of stainless steel foil to the edge, yet it can't possibly open up as other edgings will.
There are also "T" extrusions meant for dressing tile transitions, again in a variety of finishes. The top of the "T" covers the two edges.
The "u" shape lends a lot of rigidity to the edge, so a cut edge might go a bit wavy.
As for making it pretty, any edges not cut on a radius could be dressed with metal channel the edge fits tightly into. This stuff is often press fit over glass edges, and lengths are available at glass shops (think custom shower stalls), as folded sheet metal or aluminum extrusion, "u" shaped, in a variety of finishes. A tight fit with silicone in it shouldn't give you any troubles. I like the sheet metal edging because, with the thin metal "u" having a slight bite to it and being springy, it only adds what looks like a narrow ribbon of stainless steel foil to the edge, yet it can't possibly open up as other edgings will.
There are also "T" extrusions meant for dressing tile transitions, again in a variety of finishes. The top of the "T" covers the two edges.
wendij
09-03-05, 09:20 AM
:) Thanks for the replies!! There's not really much that I am going to cut off, mainly just rounding off the square corners. I hadn't thought of using the metal channel for the edges, I can get that as my Hubby does work with aluminum extrusion products too, so that is a terrific idea!! Thanks!! WOW, this forum is great!! I have gotten so many ideas from reading here!! Truthfully, my most reasonable idea to date was to cut little pieces of tile to edge it with, but it might be easier to use the channel, some of that stuff curves pretty well, at least a little bit. I wonder if we can get that through his aluminum wholesaler? I have a piece outside on his work trailer, think I will investigate this further today, but I think it may be too narrow to fit the edge of tub. However it will give me an idea of what I really want.
THANK YOU again!!
Wendi
THANK YOU again!!
Wendi