Does a new fiberglass tub/shower have to be supported by sand? and what holds the unit in place? ?

Question

Does a new fiberglass tub/shower have to be supported by sand? and what holds the unit in place? ?

Answer 1

bub has the best answer, short and sweet.

Answer 2

They only need to be screwed up the sides and across the back at the top. So backing is needed in the wall where the sides end. Nothing is needed under it. Installed dozens this way. The REAL fun is hooking up the plumbing, you may want to call a plumber for that before you put it in place and once the old on is removed.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

    If you don't your going to get cracks in time, stepping into you will give you the feeling that your going to go through it, it's going to "thump" and "boom" with every step and bump you make.

     It's entirely up to you though. I'll tell you how I install all the tubs I put in. My son-in-law laughed at me. He's a carpenter also. He installed his, and now my daughter has a sore spot because he wouldn't listen to me. They sound like they're in a drum when taking showers and baths.

     Install the tub to where it's suppose to go, put in all the screws without tightening them down, so you know where they go, mark all the spots. This is so, when you put the tub back, you'll know exactly where it's going.

     On the floor, I always put in two by six 2X6 joists in the floor to support the tub and shower surround. Then I put in one sheet of plywood 3/4 inch treated, under the tub, itself, to make sure it covers the entire area under the tub. Then I mark the area with a magic marker where the tub is going to sit.

      I have help and take everything out, put it on the side and make sure all the water lines are ready to go, the drain lines, the plumbers wall, etc so there's nothing left to possibilities.

      Then I mix three bags of "Level set" tile set, that's 140 pounds. I put this in the area of the magic marker lines and level it out, it's going to be several inches thick. You have to then have help liveling the tub in place and pushing it down and wriggling it inplace so it matches all the drain and plumbing lines and, it wouldn't hurt to connect these lines now. This way there's no mistakes to make when the times comes to try them out, this includes the drain line.

      I will guarentee, that tub and shower will sound like it's sitting on concrete, it is in a way and, you won't have any cracking problems in the future. Mine has been in fifteen years and no problems.

Answer 4

I believe the newer units don't require support underneath like they used to.  They are nailed or screwed at the flanges and then the drywall, tile board, etc. covers the edges.

Answer 5

Yes it needs to be supported by something. You need to get your basic slope with sand or cement and when you get the optimal drainage foam it.