Although every bathroom renovation project is different, remodeling tasks are usually done in a certain order so everything works properly and fits together just right. Some of the most frequently asked questions homeowners have about bathroom remodels involve flooring and fixtures. For example, you may wonder whether it matters if the flooring or tub is installed first. The answer is definitely yes, and the correct order will depend on the type of bathtub you’re planning to install. The professionals from Forever Builders, the experts in kitchen and bath remodeling San Diego homeowners have trusted for more than 20 years, explain what you need to know about installing your tub and flooring in the right order.
When You Should Install the Bathtub First
If your tub is going to be flush with its surroundings or you’re planning to install an alcove bathtub, there are several reasons to have the tub installed first.
Type of Tub
The type of tub you’re placing in your bathroom is the key determining factor in how you’re going to have it installed. If you have a corner or alcove tub, it should be installed first because it’ll be easier to place it correctly and make sure the walls and floors surrounding the tub are flush with it. If you’re planning to install a drop-in bathtub, you’ll need to have a recess or ingress constructed before the tub is put in place.
Protection against Damaged Floors
If you have the bathtub installed first, the existing flooring and walls will protect the tub from scratches, stains, and damage while it’s being installed. However, if you have the flooring installed first, it can easily get scratched, cracked, or even completely ruined by trying to place a heavy object such as a bathtub on it, so it’s often best and more convenient to place the tub first and add the new flooring afterward.
Aesthetics & Placement
When you install the bathtub before the flooring, you can position the tub for better aesthetics and protection. When you don’t have to worry about causing damage to the floor, you can simply position the tub exactly where you want it and then install the flooring to eliminate any gaps between the walls and the floor. This ensures the tub is flush with its surroundings, which keeps debris and moisture from getting trapped in the cracks so your tub and the floor last longer.
When You Should Install the Flooring First
If you’re having a freestanding bathtub or a shower-only setup installed, you’ll want to make sure the flooring goes in first.
Freestanding Bathtubs
One of the primary benefits of having a freestanding bathtub is that you can put it almost anywhere you want in your bathroom. With this type of tub, it’s easier to design your bathroom after installing your flooring because you can get a more complete picture of the overall look, allowing you to see what will work and what won’t. Once you have that overall view, it will be easy to simply place the freestanding bathtub where you want, and you won’t have to deal with a complicated installation. If you’re installing a clawfoot style of freestanding tub, you’ll just need to make sure it’s placed near the faucet.
Shower-Only Setups
If you’re going with a shower-only setup, it’s a good idea to have the flooring installed first, or you could install the shower and the floor simultaneously, since the shower tiles will likely be installed at the same time as the rest of your bathroom flooring. This way, you’ll only need to have the faucets and door installed at the end of the remodeling process. You can also create a shower/tub combo with a freestanding bathtub, which will give you the benefit of both by simply adding a removable faucet and a shower curtain.
From tub installation to flooring choices, the experienced professionals from Forever Builders will guide you through every step of your master bathroom remodel. San Diego homeowners trust us to provide the most affordable bathroom remodeling services and help them turn their dreams into reality. We’ll help you create the bathroom you’ve always wanted, meeting all your expectations while keeping your costs within budget. To find out more about our outstanding bathroom remodeling services, give one of our friendly team members a call today at (833) 243-5624.