Anyone have any tips on the installation of a cast iron tub in an existing alcove. Would like any advice on putting the tub into place so as to minimize injury, strain, frustration, people running over each other, etc.

Good morning Chuck,

Thanks for moving your question where it can be accessed.
As a rule we set our tubs ln next to the stud walls before the drywall goes up. To answer your question we will have to have more details. Your tub should be 60" long. Are you replacing a tub that was in the alcove? What kind of a tub was it? Is the drywall up? Tile? What kind of floor will you be sliding the tub on when it slips into the alcove? Please give me measurements of the alcove. Width? Depth? I'll wait on your reply. Tom

Tom,

I am replacing the existing tub which is a steel tub with porcilean coating. The drywall, tile and previous backer board have all been removed. The alcove is an extension of the bathroom sidewalls, i.e. alcove is as wide as the bathroom itself. No backerboard, drywall or tile has been put back in. The tub will be placed on top the existing plywood subfloor material or perhaps on the plywood subfloor with Hardibackerboard (fibrous cement board). The width of the alcove is just wide enough for the tub (60").

Terry

Tom,

I am replacing the existing tub which is a steel tub with porcilean coating. The drywall, tile and previous backer board have all been removed. The alcove is an extension of the bathroom sidewalls, i.e. alcove is as wide as the bathroom itself. No backerboard, drywall or tile has been put back in. The tub will be placed on top the existing plywood subfloor material or perhaps on the plywood subfloor with Hardibackerboard (fibrous cement board). The width of the alcove is just wide enough for the tub (60").

Terry
Hey Terry,

Sounds like you can "shoehorn" the tub in place. You'll have zero tolerance so both ends will have to go in together. If one gets cocked then the tub will hang up and you'll have to pull it back and straighten it out. Good luck, Tom

Tom,

Just thought perhaps there would be some suggestions on "sliding" the tub into the alcove once I had it placed on the floor in the bathroom??

Terry

Tom,

Just thought perhaps there would be some suggestions on "sliding" the tub into the alcove once I had it placed on the floor in the bathroom????

Terry

Hey Terry,
In the case of a floor that binds the feet of the tub and let's them dig in I have placed furniture slider pads,(see image) under the tubs feet so it will slide easier. After the tub's in place I take a 2X4 and lever the tub up so I can remove the sliders. Good luck, Tom