Bath direction in relation to floor joists

Possom

With regards to a standard size 1700mm long steel bath, I can position it along one wall of the bathroom and the joists run perpendicular (right angle) to the length of the bath. This obviously gives maximum support. The drawback is its directly under a window.


Alternatively, I can have the bath positioned against a different wall, however the joists run parallel to the length of the bath. So there would only be a couple of joists supporting it.


Is it standard practice to locate the bath at right angles to the floor joists so that the maximum number of joists support it? Thanks.

27col

The floor should be strong enough to support the bath no matter in which direction the joists run. The floor boards or floor sheets will spread the load.

greatgimpo

The glass will have to be changed to toughened glass if it isn't that now (if you run it under the window).

southcoastrgi

Put timber ie 4x2 under the legs to spread the weight but as 27 said it shouldn't matter which way the joists run

Possom

Thanks guys.

Furts

southcoastrgi wrote: »

Put timber ie 4x2 under the legs to spread the weight but as 27 said it should matter which way the joists run

I go along with this, but would make a point to Possom. When you select your bath take a close look at the fitting instructions. You may find it is a requirement to put a timber bearer under the support legs. You may then see that failure to do so could cause problems with future guarantee claims.

cyclonebri1

There is a golden rule too often forgotten when installing baths.

The above advice is perfect, forget the joist direction

You simply must secure a batten of timber to the wall to support the underside edge of both the long edge and the end of the bath, ijf you don't do this it's game over in my view, you are ensuring the bath is fully supported at it's edges so will not break the seal to the wall

BUT, the support supplied with a bath is minimal, 5 small point on the floor normally.
Level the tub up, and wedge timbers under the bath at points 1/4 and 3/4 of the length. joust where the bath isn't supported, shim these up until "tight"

The apply common sense.:D

Furts

cyclonebri1 wrote: »

There is a golden rule too often forgotten when installing baths.

The above advice is perfect, forget the joist direction

You simply must secure a batten of timber to the wall to support the underside edge of both the long edge and the end of the bath, ijf you don't do this it's game over in my view, you are ensuring the bath is fully supported at it's edges so will not break the seal to the wall

BUT, the support supplied with a bath is minimal, 5 small point on the floor normally.
Level the tub up, and wedge timbers under the bath at points 1/4 and 3/4 of the length. joust where the bath isn't supported, shim these up until "tight"

The apply common sense.:D

Adding a rider to this, be careful if the house is a new build, or damp, or has been hanging around a long time with no occupants. Typical solid timber joists and floors move. The shrinkage and settlement with damp floors and building settlement/drying out can be considerable - I have seen baths and skirtings go down 15mm, and some rooms 20mm. A batten on the wall in these circumstances could cause problems!

brightontraveller

Fitting baths etc I’d go with type, size, style, weight of bath e.g Jacuzzi, steel, marble etc joist size, condition, spacing, span, flooring material (e.g standard floorboards , chipboard etc ) direction in relation to bath, load point, ceiling material/fixing on room below (more older listed properties Plaster etc infill between joist etc ) I’d say 90% of the time there isn’t problem fitting whatever you like...