Leveling a tub

A service of Sound Home Inspections, Inc.
Subject: 
Leveling a tub
Topic: 
Miscellaneous

Question: 

I'm finishing a basement, and the floor is not very level. I'm having trouble leveling the bathtub with shims, etc. What's the best method of handling this?

- James from La Plata, MD

Answer: 

Your question is a bit difficult to answer without seeing all of the conditions in this area of the house but here are a few suggestions:

  • Talk to your local concrete supply house and find out if your floor could be leveled with a self-leveling grout. This is a thin, pour- able material that is used to level floors.

  • Try to use some concrete board material to shim the tub. This is a siding material and available in lumber-yards.

  • Look up the manufacturer's recommendations (on line) and find out what they suggest. If you are still in doubt, call them.
  • If you do end up using wood shims, make sure that the wood is treated. Any wood in contact with concrete must be treated or it will rot.

    One last suggestion - don't use a cheap tub. The best tubs are cast iron. The poorest quality are steel. Fiberglass or acrylic tubs work well when they are jetted units. For a standard tub, use the cast iron units.

    George

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