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If your gap is smaller than 1/8 inch in width, use regular caulk; fill gaps larger than 1/8 inch with a sanded caulk. Make sure the gap is clean and dry, then squeeze a thin, even bead of caulk into the space. To get the best coverage, cut the tip of the caulk tube so the bead that emerges completely fills the gap.
What do you put between floor and tub?
Since you are joining two different materials together, you should use caulk in the space where the floor tile and tub meet. Grout is not flexible, so it’s not the best material for the job, while caulk allows for movement and also provides a better sealant.
What do you do with a gap between tub and cement board?
Ideally, you would leave a 1/8 inch gap which would then have the sealant applied to it. Either stopping the cement board above the tub flange or alternately shimming it out and dropping it down near the tub would both be good options.
How much space is needed between tub and floor tile?
Leave a 1/8-in. space between the tub and the tile to allow installation of a flexible bead of caulk.
How much space should be between floor tile and bathtub?
Bathtubs, believe it or not, will expand when filled with water. Leaving a 1/16″ gap between the tub and tile will prevent the tile from cracking when the tub expands. Plus, a 1/16″ gap allows the caulk to properly fill the space and waterproof the transition between the tile and tub or shower.
Does cement board sit on tub?
The best approach when installing cement board or other tile backer around a tub is to keep the cement board out of the lip area. Apply it to the wall with the bottom edge about 1/4 in. above the lip of the tub. Then apply a generous amount of thin-set to the bottom bathtub tile and position it 1/8 in.
Should I put cement board under tub?
There is no reason not to do it, but also no overpowering reason to do it, since the water is not going to leak through the tub or shower base.
Do you leave a gap between cement board?
Leave a 1/4-inch gap between the backerboard and the wall. Leave a 1/8-inch gap between each backerboard sheet. The corners and edges of the sheets should not touch one another.
How do you fix a gap between tub and tile?
If you have tile on the wall adjoining the tub, select a caulk that matches the color of the grout. If your gap is smaller than 1/8 inch in width, use regular caulk; fill gaps larger than 1/8 inch with a sanded caulk. Make sure the gap is clean and dry, then squeeze a thin, even bead of caulk into the space.
Should you tile the floor or walls first in a shower?
Because the wall tile should hang over the floor tile, it can be more complicated to install tile on the wall first. However, starting your project with tile installation on the walls first can help you to avoid unfortunate messes and damage related to mishaps with the mortar and tile.
How do you tile around a bathtub floor?
Spread ceramic tile mortar on the back of the cut tile and set it in place next to the tub, properly spaced with the surrounding tile. Leave 1/4 inch of space between the cut side of the tile and the tub. Repeat for each tile around the tub. Let the tiles set overnight.
Should tile be at the top or bottom of a shower wall?
The goal is to maximize the size of tiles at the bottom and top, avoiding narrow pieces. I avoid using a full piece at the top because the ceiling is usually not perfectly level. By cutting the top course of tile on all three walls, I can keep the joint width consistent all the way around.
Do you drywall over the tub flange?
You can bring sheetrock right down to the flange just like in the picture as long as you aren’t going to tile over it. I would suggest using sheetrock over backer board on surfaces which you intend to paint.
How many bags of mortar do I need to set a bathtub?
Usually you need one 55 lb of mortar for one tub. But as you’ll see in our video we had to use two bags, but it’s not like the Mud Bed Mix is breaking the bank. Mix the mortar so that it can support the tub.
Do acrylic tubs need a mortar bed?
Whether you are installing a regular acrylic bathtub that doubles as a shower unit or a larger two-person Jacuzzi, most bathtubs require a mortar base for the tub to rest on. Without this support, the plastic of the tub would eventually break and crack.
Can I use expanding foam under bathtub?
Yes, expanding spray foam can be used under a bathtub. It can reduce coldness and flex in an existing install, but an improper application can result in additional problems. It’s important to understand that the tried-and-true best practice for preventing flex in a newly installed bathtub is with a mortar slab.
Can I just screw down cement board?
Screw and Joints Do not use drywall screws as they are not recommended to be used to hold the backer board in place. All of your backer board pieces should be cut before they are placed on the floor. It is important to highlight that screws shall not be installed all the way down to the floor joists.
How big of a gap can thinset fill?
We recommend an 1/8 in gap from board edges. Apply a supporting bed of dry-set mortar or modified thinset to plywood with a 1/4 in square-notched trowel.
How long should cement board screws be?
Cement board attached to plywood or similar underlayment will hold with only 1 1/4-inch screws; for thick or heavy metal fixtures, use 1 5/8-inch screws. In general, 1 1/2-inch galvanized nails will hold the board firmly in place.
How big of a gap can you caulk?
A single bead of caulk can fill gaps up to 1/4 inch. If the gap is slightly larger than this, fill it with a bead of caulk deeper into the gap, but not flush with the surface. Wait until the caulk is completely cured before coming back to put a surface bead on.
