I understand the huge amount of work it can be, but I can get materials cheaper than "pre-fab" tubs and build something I REALLY want. I'm a decent woodworker, and building the frame with plywood walls should be no great challenge. My concern is being absolutely certain the tiles will be water-tight for years to come. Leaks just aren't an option, but neither is paying $400 for a stupid shower-tub!
2006-09-05 19:15:54 · 6 answers · asked by wood_vulture 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Vinyl is not what you want. Not in sheet goods or in tiles because there is no way that you can make it completely water tight. What you want to use is : first.. not plywood but Duroc or cement backer-board, second.. two part waterproof membrane poly sheet and roll on second, third.. latex base thin-set and tile (you'll want to use porcelain tile here just for the water absorption factor) then go over everything with epoxy grout. It is going to turn out to be more expensive than just buying a pre-fab tub, but honestly if you are going to put all the time and energy into building this thing don't you want it to actually work??? don't go the cheap route and use a product (vinyl) in an application it was never meant to be used in...just because it is cheap. Good luck
2006-09-06 03:50:21 · answer #1 · answered by miked1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Home Depot sells a book titled Tiling 1-2-3 that has step by step instructions on how to do that project. Vinyl tile will not work...and some ceramic is also too porous. The best tile for a shower or bath is a porcelain tile. The book will save you a lot of problems and help you decide if you have the skills to tackle that project. If not, you can always do most of the work and get it ready for a tile setter to finish. Good luck.
2006-09-06 16:56:10 · answer #2 · answered by Jeffrey B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vinyl just isn't going to work.
You wouldn't want to use plywood anyhow.
Take a look at how actual showers are tiled and you'll see why.
2006-09-06 02:29:37 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, hire some Ancient Britons
2006-09-06 02:22:50 · answer #4 · answered by Canute 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you are worried about leaks then simply get a large plastic bag and put in the bath, then you can fill it with water and sit in it, no leaks!
2006-09-06 08:10:51 · answer #5 · answered by Bluebird 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Romans didn't have vinyl.
2006-09-09 19:21:37 · answer #6 · answered by backhome101 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋