Floor Reinforcement For Cast Iron Tub

Cast iron bathtubs typically weigh between 240 and 500 pounds.

Floor reinforcement for cast iron tub. Cast iron tubs often require additional floor reinforcement to withstand the tubs weight. A standard bathtub can hold between 40 and 60 gallons of water. However the actual weight depends on the size and type of bathtub. We have plywood subfloors with a dirt bottom crawl space underneath.

Freestanding cast iron bathtubs weigh 385 pounds on average. Regardless of this weight difference though most standard floors have the strength to support a cast iron tub. Both floor systems are normally strong enough to support the weight of a cast iron bath filled with water and a person. We live in a typical single story ranch built in 1993.

While floors do need extra support when installing a cast iron tub in some instances such as in older homes you may choose to reinforce the floor prior to a tub s installation for safety. Though this work is sometimes hidden in subflooring some bathrooms are designed with frames to support a heavy tub. To determine if your floor requires adjustment you need to have a structural engineer examine it taking into account both the weight of the unfilled tub and the weight of the same tub filled with water. You must consider all of the weight the floor joists must be able to support.

The floor framing for bathtubs requires special attention. Like steel cast iron will rust if the enamel coating becomes chipped or. Alcove cast iron bathtubs weigh 320 pounds on average. Hi i d like to replace the acrylic alcove tub in our hall bathroom with a nice cast iron tub but i don t know if the floor can withstand the weight.

Extra reinforcement may be necessary. An acrylic freestanding tub however will not require any new flooring while a new cast iron alcove tub may need some reinforcement. The extreme weight of these tubs combined with water weight often requires additional floor reinforcement for support. If you re concerned about the strength of the floor you could ask a.

If you have access to the area beneath the tub from the floor below examine the subfloor for additional joists or oriented strand board. Before choosing a cast iron tub ensure that your floor will be able to support its weight and the additional weight of the water and the bather s. Petite freestanding cast iron bathtubs weigh 250 pounds on average. The most common way to reinforce a bathroom floor is to double the joists.