Direct-to-Studs Bathtub with Glue-Up Surround
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Can a glue-up tub surround be installed with a direct-to-studs bathtub? To avoid a domino effect of problems, I hope I can install a direct-to-studs bathtub, install drywall above it, and glue a tub surround onto the drywall. Is this feasible? Even if mixing these two types requires more work than using just direct-to-stud or not, it will be well worth it, as the drain/vent pipes for the washer on the other side of the wall won’t allow the amount of framing a direct-to-studs surround requires, and only a direct-to-studs tub will fit.
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Replies
Jeff,
Much the same thing is done quite frequently on renos when people replace old tile surrounds.
Thank you, Malcolm. I wasn't sure whether such renovations involved direct-to-studs tubs. The examples I found didn't specify. This is a huge and much appreciated relief!
Jeff,
I think the biggest disadvantages are that the after drywall surrounds are usually three pieces, rather than one, and where the edges meet the drywall isn't as clean a joint as when the surround goes in beforehand.
You may want to think about providing blocking for future grab bars while you have the wall open.
Thanks again, Malcolm. Great suggestion re the blocking for grab bars; it's good to think well ahead.