Thanks. Now that I see the bathtub without all the construction materials in it and decided to go with the baseboard without shoemolding, I can live with what we have. Lay these along the length of the bath so that they cover the gap. Ask Question Asked 2 years, 7 months ago. This tip also allows you to wrap tile around tub corners as shown in the photo below. Hello all. F. fborg journeyman fborg journeyman. Brown holds a master's degree in history education from Truman State University. PVC trim is durable and long lasting in high moisture areas. I've cut the tiles to (roughly) follow the unevenness of the stone walls and left a gap for expansion. Do not put anything between these strips and the bath tub. If you fill an empty tub, the caulking might bulge out of the joint when the tub is in use. Sometimes, however, you have to caulk a gap larger than a single bead can properly fill. The back of the tile should be flush with the wall. (I'm still advocating a heated towel rack on that wall, close to the tub, however!) It makes me feel better to see that this isn't that unusual. One thing about using caulk is that you'll still see the cut edge of the tiles. This gap may widen over time as your home shifts. If the gap is too large to be bridged by caulk, you could use Can anyone suggest any alternatives? So that gap is 1/2″ wide and 1/4″ deep throughout the center portion, not including the 1/8″ gap between the 2 plywood sheets, which seems too big … Hope this was helpful, good luck!! Is this gap between cabinet and tub okay? Do not leave the heat gun in one place too long or you might scorch the caulking. Two years and more than 500 articles later, she's enjoying her freelance writing experience for online resources such as Work.com and other online information sites. If the gap is too large to be bridged by caulk, you could use a pencil moulding to match your tiles. Where my tub meets my tile floor the tub edge is unsupported. It's an old stone farmhouse and the bare stone walls are obviously very uneven (If you put a straight edge along the wall there would be gaps up to 8 cm). Between floor and wall or other abutting dissimilar material, 1/4". Grout Lines for Floor Tiles. The tile is 8" by 12" and is thicker than smaller tiles. Jan 22, 2018 - The D.I.Y video How To Seal A Big Gap Between Tile Floor And Tile Wall In A Bathroom Or Shower. All those intersections get caulked and stay clear of grout and thinset, although where tile ends 1/4" from wall or pip that will be covered by mouldings or something else can be left clear of anything. Dampen the tip of your index finger slightly with water. Use patterned black-and-white tile on floors and walls to bridge the gap between traditional and modern looks, Step 3 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Pick the right tile and test it out, then choose your grout color and type, Plan ahead to prevent unsightly or unsafe transitions between floor surfaces. Ceramic Tile: A Five-Scenario Showdown, Get Creative With Your Bathroom Floor Tile. Find a color that blends into the edges of your tile. Reply. Where my tub meets my tile floor the tub edge is unsupported. 1 decade ago. Get a grip on the principles of expansion and contraction, One of these 14 sunken tubs might make you want to take the plunge, There's more to a tile floor than the tile itself; how you lay out your tile can change the look and feel of the room, Wood in One Room, Tile or Stone in Another? How to fill a large gap between tile and shower tub to ensure waterproof gap. If it's the later, the tub was set with a slight pitch to the inside/back wall (helps prevent water from draining to the floor) and the tile man started the tile flush at the outer edges and maintained a level line. The reason I ask is I read another post where there is a big difference between a full tub and an empty one--the fiberglass deflects and distorts. Ive since picked all the silicone off which has left about over 1 cm gap between the tiles and the bath there is no bottom to this gap as you can see right down to the floor, this gap doesn't go the full length of the bath . Cut the tip from a tube of silicone caulking with a utility knife at a 45-degree angle. The tub itself is set in foam but the outside edge does not rest directly on the floor since I installed the tile after the tub was in. Most caulk can be scraped away with a putty knife … The gap is a little too big to just fill with a caulk or putty. We're so used to thinking in terms of bathrooms packed with functions on every wall, we forget that an empty wall can be good. Do not put anything between these strips and the bath tub. Dropping something along the tub through the gap the bottom of the tub … Thanks! Special types, such as slate or quarry tiles, often do not have edges uniform enough to look good with tight spacing. I have tiled all the way down to the floor, and the gap is way too big to just use silicon sealant. Silicone caulk is generally clear in color. Similar to the gap that can exist between your wall tile and tub, you may have a space between the floor and your bathtub. By your own admission the bathroom is tiny. I would have thought the tub should have been leveled or advised of the problem before not after questioning the contractor. Look for silicone caulk at home improvement stores, hardware stores, and online. No matter what type of floor installation, this bathtub gap needs to have the caulking removed and replaced periodically. Check if you need to adjust this mark to avoid laying slivers of tile at the top and bottom. Re: Recommended spacing between tile and bathtub #617256 08/17/10 03:53 PM 08/17/10 03:53 PM: Joined: Jun 2009 Posts: 82 Long Island, NY. When you install ceramic tile on the floor, you must take care to create an expansion joint between the walls and the tiled floor. Tile for the whole floor will run you under $100.00 zegermanznew. How to fill 3/4" gap between tub and tile floor. I have done this myself and not had a problem cracking the abutting tiles. Use proper solid tile grouting to attach the strips to the tiles. To tile around a tub or shower, start by measuring the height of the back wall from the lip of the tub to the top of the area to be tiled. Before I put all this together, I have a few questions: Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Dishwashers, Tubs and Garbage Disposals - Large gap between tub and tile, 1/2", how to Caulk? Need help with a 2 inch gap between my new tub and the tile floor! 05-26-2013, 05:36 PM. Need advice on 1in gap between waterproofing a tub for tile gap between tub and floor ceramic large gap between tub and tile 1 2 gap between tub and floor ceramic bathtub trim sheldontimes. Most caulk can be scraped away with a putty knife and sharp single-edge razor blade. It’s a simple task that even a novice do-it-yourselfer can complete. Plus, a 1/16″ gap allows the caulk to properly fill the space and waterproof the transition between the tile and tub or shower. Can I use a backer rod, and then use a silicon caulk over it? Remove all old caulk from the joint to be filled. Bill, I would love for you to have a few words with my tiler. Schluter kerdi board to drywall outside corner transition? Use proper solid tile grouting to attach the strips to the tiles. As the tiles increase in size a larger gap becomes acceptable. silicone). Large Gap Between Tub & Tile Floor. There is a large gap between the tub and tile - in most spots it's about 3/4 inch but at its widest it's about 1 1/4 inch wide. Help with big gap between bath and wall tiles (6 Posts) Add message | Report. As a general rule, floor tiles should have grout lines of 1/8 inch or larger, depending on the type and size of tile; most floor tiles are 8 inches by 8 inches, but larger versions are available. When you finish the project and drain the water, the bathtub gap will be the perfect width. Run a bead of caulking along the expansion joint. So that gap is 1/2″ wide and 1/4″ deep throughout the center portion, not including the 1/8″ gap between the 2 plywood sheets, which seems too big … The gap is large and sealant just comes away, whats the best way to cover the gap? Weedyacres, I really like the quarter round you have - it looks very natural with the bathroom. When that grouting is dry (about 24 hours) you should half-fill the bath with water so … Having it done right will easily resolve this rather than trying to find something to cover the problem. A wet saw with a continuous diamond rim will let you grind close to the blade safely. I'm working on a walk-in shower design of my own...the design center suggested 2 x 2 tile flooring in the shower....Elemental Tan & Speckled (not sure about the color, but liked the 2 x 2 look and non-slip feel) I have alot of decisions to make with a bench seat, soap niche, waterfall or band design and to use the standard tile or upgrade the shower walls & flooring Here is a pic of the shower in the model home and looking for a budget friendly way to accomplish this idea....(I want bench to go all the way across and frameless glass) Hope this info helps you out :). Divide the dimension in half and make a mark there. My bathroom tile is ceramic, and was clearly installed poorly, there is about a 3/4 to 1" gap between the tub and the floor tile, it currently has caulk to fill the gap but that always get dirty and separates over time. homeowner. Our contractor recommended a PVC type molding because I think he said grout wouldn't hold up. These can be left in place and will not be seen when you have completed your tiling. Get more tips on how to lay out tile … Is a marble tile shower wall with well water asking for trouble? My bathroom tile is ceramic, and was clearly installed poorly, there is about a 3/4 to 1" gap between the tub and the floor tile, it currently has caulk to fill the gap but that always get dirty and separates over time. If you have tile on the wall adjoining the tub, select a caulk that matches the color of the grout. I wonder if anyone can help. Should tile go over a hump in the floor, the grout joint will open; when tile follows a depression in the floor, the grout joint will narrow. There are building sealants that are that wide, but the depth of the joint might not be deep enough. As with any other gap near your bathtub, you’ll want to close the opening to prevent any possible water damage or the onset of mold and mildew. 15mmx48mm each tile. If you were going to build a fabulous big shower for yourself, I would say take it out. Make the hole about the size of the wire in a metal coat hanger. It's one of those things where in the grand scheme of things, it isn't worth a battle - especially since the way the designer laid out the tiles in the design there would have been a gap ... plus the designer originally had shoe molding around all the baseboard. Refill the gap with latex caulk. Clearly, grout joints also accommodate both changes in the thickness and profile of rustic, hand-molded tile. Place the 1/16″ horseshoe shim on tub and measure up to the laser level. Now I have a 1.5" gap between the tub and floor tile. If the joint has latex caulk in it, you might need to heat the caulk with a heat gun in order to soften the caulk for removal. Slip the edge of a putty knife under the caulk to finish loosening it so you can remove the material. The contractor's helper advised its only a guest bathroom. When questioned it was explained the tub was not level. I wanted to get your advice on what would you do for the gap between the tub and floor tile. Caulk comes in seven or eight colors, not just clear and white. I just had the (alcove) tub and shower replaced. I've recently finished tiling our floor with large porcelain tiles, 100 m2 total surface area. Leaving a 1/16″ gap between the tub and tile will prevent the tile from cracking when the tub expands. Leave a 1/8-in. I feel kind of stupid asking about something as simple as caulk when other people on this sub are asking about things like building decks and the like. After tiling there is a large gap between the tub and tile. Don’t press too hard on the scraper because you don’t want to break the razor. That type of tile is between $1.00-$2.50 sq/ft. Viewed 3k times 2. Yes, like Bill said, it is "flexible" caulk that does not dry hard or crack. If necessary, you can always cut the hole bigger, but you cannot make it smaller. One of the reasons others have advised 10" all the way around is (1) to allow for plumbing stands outside the tub and the space to get to them. Not sure if I can find a match for the tile, and Id rather not redo the floor. The gap is easily filled with the tile wall grout, and it looks great once complete. Shower tile - how do I install cement board to edge of wall? Cut the old bathtub caulking loose from the joint by running the edge of a razor scraper along both … Step 1 Remove all old caulk from the joint to be filled. Never fill this gap with grout, because tile grout is not flexible. The gap between the taller plywood and the tub is 1/4″ to 1/8″ at the edges of the apron but as big as 1/2″ in the middle. Special types, such as slate or quarry tiles, often do not have edges uniform enough to look good with tight spacing. Once I got it all cleaned some fairly large pieces of grout, ~3", were coming up. Caulk will crack & break down in a void that big especially in an enviornment like a tub/shower. Slice of the top row(you have the six tiles ready to fit), fix into your gap with tile adhesive. March 7, 2017 at 7:30 a.m. EST. wall to wall-inside corner, wall to tub about 1/8". I found out that there is a gap between the tile and tub that would be too big for caulk. That's a foot done. Mix 1/4 cup household bleach with 1 quart of water to remove mildew if it is present. Ive since picked all the silicone off which has left about over 1 cm gap between the tiles and the bath there is no bottom to this gap as you can see right down to the floor, this gap doesn't go the full length of the bath . Now I have a 1.5" gap between the tub and floor tile. Grout will crack there. Here's How to Make Them Work Together, Explore where and why one of these popular tile choices makes more sense than the other, Add movement, definition and interest to a humble bathroom floor by sidestepping uniform tile in favor of an unusual design, Use colorful and eclectic tile motifs to add interest to flooring, walls and fireplaces, New This Week: 4 Rooms With Black-and-White Tile Style, Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — the Tiling and Grouting Phase, Transition Time: How to Connect Tile and Hardwood Floors, 20 Great Examples of Transitions in Flooring, Porcelain vs. How to Repair a Leak in the Joint of a PVC Pipe, How to Replace the Grout Between the Floor & Toilet, How to Fill in Holes Around a Door With Laminate Flooring, How to Install Acoustic Sealant for Drywall, The Family Handyman: How to Caulk a Tub Surround, University of Illinois Extension: How to Remove Mold and Mildew, Bathroom Guru Review: Replacing Caulk Around Your Shower Tile, How to Replace the Caulking in a Swimming Pool, Maintaining the Caulk on an Undermount Granite Kitchen Sink, How to Install a Drain Tub for an Overflowing Washing Machine, How to Replace Caulk Around a Toilet Base. It's such a big gap that the flexible just pulls away from the tiles or the bath, leaving gaps which looks horrible. Anything quick and easy? If it's the later, the tub was set with a slight pitch to the inside/back wall (helps prevent water from draining to the floor) and the tile man started the tile flush at the outer edges and maintained a level line. There is barely a gap between the floor and tub, maybe 1/32" to 1/16" at the most. Assuming my eyes are focusing well that day. Tile can be lower, and should be. I'm just looking for options, (Please dont … ANSWER ANSWER - The polyethylene backer rod is not likely the cause of your cracking at the tub to shower wall transition, but if there is room for it in that joint, then you should use it to fill the excess space and to gauge the thickness of the sealant you are using. LesleyKnopeFan Sun 19-Oct-14 17:11:15. – HerrBag Oct 17 '13 at 4:14 Cut the old bathtub caulking loose from the joint by running the edge of a razor scraper along both sides of the joint. My house is 120 years old and there are very few level surfaces or right angles. The horrible gap between this ceramic tile and the wall is not normal. When questioned it was explained the tub was not level. Never fill this gap with grout, because tile grout is not flexible. 8-Inch Diamond Coated Flat File, Medium #150 Grit, for Glass, Tile, Ceramic and Stone, Granite, Marble, Concrete, Big Comfort Massage Handle Grip, Total Length 12.4-Inches, Glass Ceramic Tile … In 2000, his life took a dramatic change when he won Britain’s first ever reality TV show, Big ... (the same as the gap between your tiles) between the tub or shower tray when tiling so that the thickness of your seal matches the gap between the rest of your tiles. These tiles usually are spaced with grout lines 3/16 inch or wider. View Quote . 30cmx30cm. As the house settles, minor shifts between the bathtub and floor put stress on the bathtub caulking joint. The tub itself is set in foam but the outside edge does not rest directly on the floor since I installed the tile after the tub was in. Even if you used a small backer rod in the crack it wouldn’t look as good as you might want it. The only way there could be that large of a gap is is if the tub has fallen that amount already. I like the 1/8" gap for a tub or shower. This gap may widen over time as your home shifts. Donato Pompo says: That is a very wide gap for sealant. The Tile Council of North America recommends at least a quarter-inch gap between the tile floor and the walls. Pull the old caulk away from the joint. Find a good tile person, They can remove the grout and replace the tiles along the tub. Need advice on 1in gap between waterproofing a tub for tile gap between tub and floor ceramic large gap between tub and tile 1 2 gap between tub and floor ceramic bathtub trim sheldontimes. Not sure if I can find a match for the tile, and Id rather not redo the floor. Mark the Layout Lines Webb Chappell. This puts the bathtub walls at their widest point and provides the narrowest expansion joint. Lay these along the length of the bath so that they cover the gap. These can be left in place and will not be seen when you have completed your tiling. beyond the tub and to leave at least a half tile along the wall if possible. Seams between tile and tub, wall and wall, wall and floor, etc. Topspin. As the plane of the tile changes, the grout joint allows for this change. Where the tile ends there is a gap from about 1 to 2 inches, it should meet the tub but doesn't. But, of course, it's me that's the problem being the picky customer. Your space looks generous, but I'm wondering if it might not look crowded with a freestanding tub. Fill the bathtub with water. There was some advice to fill the tub before caulking etc. One other thought: There's nothing wrong with a wall that has nothing on it but art or shallow shelves for display. I would have thought the tub should have been leveled or advised of the problem before not after questioning the contractor. Adhesive and fit. (3) Gives you just a little more room to clean the floors that are now exposed under the tub. Set only full tiles in each course. You can also expect to find a couple of shades of gray, brown, and tan (or almond). The grout (the original as far as we know, or at least VERY old! Continue setting tiles in both directions along the two lines, working out toward the end wall and down to the tub in a stepped pattern. Although some say you should have weep holes along this gap so any water behind can weep out into the tub. It's all on a backing sheet. It's one of those details I didn't really look at until the tile was already installed. Caulk seals seams between tile and fixtures or walls. Better to shape an odd piece of tile and have the joints look even. Finally got that fucker in our tiny bathroom after having to cut up the old plastic one with a sawsall to get it out. (Royal pain.) Caulk will work, but grout is much more permanent especially in a gap that big. For smaller tiles is advisable to use small spacers. Empty the water out of the tub. When that grouting is dry (about 24 hours) you should half-fill the bath with water so that it's weighed down and stable. As the title suggests and the pictures show, I have a significant gap between our tub and tile floor. I'm just looking for options, (Please dont … I like Darzy's idea and do a tub surround with your new tile....you may not need a step or anything, just a surround. Similar to the gap that can exist between your wall tile and tub, you may have a space between the floor and your bathtub. Jim, I take the 1/4" to be the gap between tub and backer. As a general rule, floor tiles should have grout lines of 1/8 inch or larger, depending on the type and size of tile; most floor tiles are 8 inches by 8 inches, but larger versions are available. Leaving a 1/16″ gap between the tub and tile will prevent the tile from cracking when the tub expands. Having a gap like that isn’t uncommon and there are a few ways to fill it. I'm not sure that I like the look pf the PVC molding - I think it detracts from the lines of the tub apron - but I know whatever we had before (not sure if it was caulk or grout) had cracked. The contractor has advised that this is normal and he has done this before. I am not fond of freestanding tubs in smaller bathrooms. [Archive] Proper size gap between tile and tub Tile Forum/Advice Board Ceramic Tile Advice Forums - John Bridge Ceramic ... Just like the requirement for expansion joints in a floor, you must account for variations in expansion with other materials - hard surfaces must be free to move. 80% of the grout is still in tact. Caulk provides a waterproof seal where tile abuts other materials, such as bathtubs, sinks, or walls. Don’t start the first row of tile by resting it against the tub or shower. Caulking is the best choice for this application. Also, the one tile that is against the tub has a bad jagged cut. )is beginnng to crack and in some cases come off altogether between the tub and the tile. space between the tub and the tile to allow installation of a flexible bead of caulk. If your new vinyl tile floor has an unsightly gap like this one, you can fix it for less than $10. 1 1. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. (2) So that the tub doesn't look crammed in to a space that is really too small. 12651. Slice of the next row, another foot done, etc Slice all rows at once if you like. Thanks! Plus, a 1/16″ gap allows the caulk to properly fill the space and waterproof the transition between the tile and tub or shower. That's how it got that way- and as others stated, remove old … I have a 1 and 3/4 inch gap between my ceramic tile and the tub. The D.I.Y video How To Seal A Big Gap Between Tile Floor And Tile Wall In A Bathroom Or Shower. Allow the caulking to dry in the bathtub gap at least 24 hours before you use the tub again. 9 9 Answers from MyBuilder Bathroom Fitters. I have tried things like putty but it is not really holding, I want something that will last and obvisouly water sustainable. Mr. HandyAndy - Really should be caulked only. Place the 1/16″ horseshoe shim on tub and measure up to the laser level. Re: large gap between tile and tub; Author: hj (AZ) If there is a 1 1/4" gap between the tub and the tile, I might want to stay out of the tub, because it may be ready to fall through the floor into the basement. Flooring Foundations Furniture ... Pro2ProTip: Make sure to leave space for caulk between the bottom course of tile and the tub. When I was pulling the caulking around the shower and the tub what looked like grout was coming up. Active 2 years, 7 months ago. With what can I fill that gap? For vinyl that looks like black granite, I used black caulk. I have purchased some back rod roll to help with caulk fill. If there is loose debris in the joint, vacuum it out. You might want to find or "build" a cardboard box the size of the tub and put it in the space to see what you think or try a rendering if you're confident you can convert that to real life in your head. I was afraid to try putting conventional silicone caulk in such a wide gap because I … But my shim material is actually 3/32nd's so I'm right in that 1/8" ballpark. Wipe excess caulking off your finger with a clean rag. Walsall • Member since 23 Nov 2011 • 51 jobs, 100% positive feedback. To make sure these gaps are as well sealed as your others, follow these easy instructions. The Tile Council of North America recommends at least a quarter-inch gap between the tile floor and the walls. We had to do this (idiot tiler didn't see a problem) and its held up nicely over a couple of years. How do you choose floor tile, wall tile, tub tile and walk in shower t, Need help deciding what to do with master bath tub. If you’re fixing a gap between a tile floor and wall, such as in a shower or a bathroom, go with a silicone caulk so you can create an airtight, waterproof seal. Budge-- I got two words for your installer, and they ain't "happy birthday"! Clean out the expansion joint. - How would I go about filling this large gap around one of my unit's tub Anything quick and easy? As with any other gap near your bathtub, you’ll want to close the opening to prevent any possible water damage or the onset of mold and mildew. Rinse the bleach from the joint and allow the joint to dry completely before proceeding. Instead, fill it with an elastic material capable of sustaining the movement of the floor and the movement of the wall. Step 2 Measure the size of the gap that needs to be filled. Here's what you need to know, Want to prevent popped-up tiles and unsightly cracks? Drag your finger along the surface of the damp caulking to create a smooth joint. Use a siliconized latex caulk made by the same manufacturer as the grout so that it'll match after it dries. It pealed off the wall pretty quickly, and because it was not sealed to the bath, it leaked between the seal and the bath.