Insetting the lip of a bath into the wall?

barrie94

I always knew my bathroom was too small, but I didn't think it would come down to a few centimetres...

I was looking to do up my bathroom. It's approx 1.65m x 2.1m, and the only really sensible layout has the bath along one of the 1.65m walls. And of course it turns out that 1.7 (or 1.5/1.6/1.8m) is the normal size for a bath. I can't find a 1.65m bath anywhere, I guess the developer got a lot custom made.

I've got my heart set on one of those P shaped shower/baths, and I have managed to find mainly 1.7m, plus a few 1.5m long ones - either just small versions or wide "corner" style units but they just don't look right and I think the gap will be a bit offputting whether I have it left open or boxed.

But... I have heard someone say that you can overcome "small" differences by insetting the lip of the bath into the wall slightly. One wall is external and the other internal, timber framed plasterboard. Anyone any tips on whether this is feasible, and if so up to as much as 4-5cm in total?

illmonkey

the internal wall will be 9mm of plaster, 100mm of wood (2x4" should of been used) then 9mm of plaster. So techinally, you could cut the plaster away, then chop into the wood and then seat the bath into the cut. Then tile down to the bath and seal it WELL!

Obviously, cutting into the wood of the wall will weaken it, so you will need to support it an other way, with noggins proberly.

Also, your wall might NOT be that thick, in which case it might not work!

Is the lip of the bath 5cms though?

abbecer

My SIL had same problem. Her bathroom was small and poor layout with no floor space. To solve this she repositioned bath with the back of the bath on the internal wall which was redone to accomodate the extra bath length. This resulted in a sort of jutting out wall on the landing. I thought it would look rediculous but it actually isn't obvious unless you know. She uses it as a shelf for a bud vase and flower and it's fine. Hope this helps.

Rebecca x

Throstle

I had to do this about four years ago, and there have been no problems. The critical part is have you enough depth of wall to allow the bath to extend into it by 4-5cm.

Best wishes with your project.
Throstle

Avoriaz

Another possibility is to install a nice big shower cubicle instead of a bath.

If you love your baths then this is obviously a non starter, and it does cause problems if and when you sell the property.

I could happily live without a bath as I prefer to shower but not everyone will agree with doing away with a bath altogether.

ABN

1.65 sounds about right for the actual length of a 1.7 bath (they usually come shorter than the spec shows).

Take your tape measure along to your nearest bath store ... you might be in for a pleasent surprise

ABN

P.S. IF you do have to set it into the wall make sure you do it at the non tap end else there may not be enough gap left between the taps and the wall.

barrie94

Thanks for the advice, I was a bit sceptical but it sounds like I'll be taking a tape measure down to the shops again and maybe trying this.

[I need a bath rather than a shower, as I don't think my kids would appreciate playing with their toys in the shower quite so much. Although it would certainly make bath time quicker... ]

ozskin

barrie there is a range of 1500 1600 1700 1800 p shaped shower baths. pm me if you need details. always ask at last count had a list of over 700 baths. I know this is a potential conflict of interest here ie not for personal gain, but how do i help barrie and at the same time not do personal gain? moderators help please

plumb1_2

The correct way to install a bath is to chase all mating walls out and sink-in.
You shouldn't just butt it upto a wall.

cargo

Sorry to jump on thread but I am after a small 1500mm white bath and front panel Cheap as poss.
Any pointers.
Manchester area.