Hello all,

since this board does not allow to move the old posts up when they are answered, I am creating this new thread (I hope this is OK).

I have bought a metal tub and surround walls. I removed the old cracked tub and surround walls last week end to find out that the tiles under the tub and on the wall were still present.

I thus removed the tiles on the wall and removed the dry humidity resistant walls. I am thus left with all the plumbing exposed and the studs which happen to be made of this galvanized metal.

Questions:

1- do I need to remove the tiles on the floor? If so, is there a tool that can cut the tiles while installed so that I end up with a clean cut that will be flushed with the bottom of the metal tub?

2- are the metal studs strong enough to hold the tub and surround walls without wobbling? I was thinking that I would reinforce the studs by putting 2 by 4 horizontally and screwed in each metal stud (they have a recessed space that just fit a 2 by 4). I will use these 2 by 4 (wood) to help secure and glue the surround walls.

3- One 2 by 4 will be used as a ledger. The question I have is how do I secure the tub onto it? the notice calls for the use of corrosion resistant 1 1/4 screws with #8 stainless steel washers. Sounds flimsy. Any screw on brackets that could be used safely?

Thank you.

Last question, do I need to pour mortar underneath the tub? The tub (American Standards) did not come with a polystyrene bottom to support it. The tub seems really solid since it is metal. The tub is: American Standard Princeton 60-in L x 30-in W x 14-in H White Reinforced Porcelain Enamel/Metal Oval in Rectangle Skirted Bathtub with Right-Hand Drain, Item #: 82355 at Lowes.

yes, remove the tiles on the floor. you need a wet saw to cut tile.
metal studs are plenty strong..
you secure the tub to the studs not to the ledger.
you don't need mortar under a steel tub but it would not hurt.

Thank you Packy.

It Since there is " only " 5' of tiles to cut, may I use a diamond blade for my Bosck oscillating multitools to cut/etch the tiles?

Further what screws and fasteners do I need to use to secure the tub onto the metal studs which again are thin galvanized steel.

Thanks again.



Edited 1 times.

Self tapping sheet metal screws would work. The tile edge and the ledge will prevent the tub from moving.