My contractor is telling me it is OK to secure the bathtub length directly on the 2X4 and only install the dry wall on the top half of the wall . Is this acceptable ? This is a new bathroom to be addede to the finished basement

massplumber2008

Hi Mmohanna:

Most tubs today get set on a LEDGER STRIP ( a 2"x4"x52" stud) that is secured horizontally to the 2"x4" studs of the wall. The tub is then set down onto the ledger strip and the tub can then be secured by screwing it to the studs.

If there is no ledger strip and a tub gets screwed directly to the studs of the wall then that tub must at a minimum be set in a BEDDING SUBSTRATE such as structolite or mortar.

What is the name brand of the tub? Let us know and we should be able to tell you more.

In terms of sheetrocking, well, is there to be a tub surround here? If so, what is the tub surround to be made of? Is it tile? Is it a fiberglass or acrylic wall surround? Let us know. Here, if tile for example, you want to have cement board installed...not sheetrock, etc.

Let us know more details...glad to discuss...

MARK

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Milo Dolezal

Mark is right on....

My experience also tells me that regular tub is installed directly on framing with greenboard that sits on top of the tub.

mmohanna

Thank you both Mark & Milo
He is using the ledger strip
The tub is Princeton by American Standard...There will be a tile around the walls
Is the greenboard the same as the cement board to use for the tiles?...How about any special sealer around the tub to prevent water in from the shower?

ballengerb1

If that tub has a shower you need are water resistent backer board like Hardiebacker or Wonderboard, not green board or dry wall. All wet areas never get drywall or greenboard. If you doubt your contractor, I do, call your local building department and ask what their code for wet areas. The tub install was already well covered so I'll skip that.