Replies

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Feb 27, 2008 10:15pm | #1

   Putting aside the issues raised by having a wooden tub surround -- is this surround just a wooden "frame" that will sit horizontally on the cement board, and the tub will sit on that? If so, there's probably no need to fasten it other than the caulking around the tub rim. If you want to be double sure, a shoot a few SS #18 finish nails here and there.

   If you are talking about a vertical kneewall-type surround, and you want to have it removable for access, depending on the design, you could fasten it with routed keyhole slots in the back to mate to screws in the framing. Alternatively, you could screw it to the framing in countersunk holes, and cover the screws with decorative plugs. Or use rare earth magnets.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

1. 
   stormyweather | Feb 28, 2008 04:58am | #2

   Thanks for the reply Mike. The surround will lay horizontally just like a tabletop would. I'll edge glue the boards together to form the surround (just like a table top) and they'll be well sealed top and bottom. My first thought was to just put a few beads of silicon adhesive over the concrete board so that the boards could move, but stay in place. The tub will then drop into the hole formed by the surround and the rim will sit on top of the surround. Thanks again for the reply.

1. 
   pzaxtl | Feb 28, 2008 07:27am | #3

   If it will lay flat you do not need a mechanical fastener -- a little construction adhesive or adhesive caulk and the weight of the tub will keep it secure.  Frankly, I'd rethink wood as a surround material (especially cherry which isn't terribly rot resistant): Even if you thoroughly seal the wood with some type of waterproof coating, (epoxy) the wood will still move, the sealer will crack, water will penetrate and the wood will rot (sooner or later but probably sooner).  You will have done all that work only to rip everything out and start over with a material better suited to the purpose (granite).