How to Build a Corner Tub Surround

Perform an inspection of the bathroom floor, which must support the tub. Ensure the sub floor and the floor joists are structurally sound and can carry the weight of a tub filled with water and two people. Remove damaged materials and replace with materials of the same dimensions. Check the floor with a carpenter’s level to ensure a level surface. Butt the tub into the corner.

Fit two of the tub’s long sides flush against the intersecting walls that form the corner. Make sure the floor supports the tub. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation including the drain.

Build the supporting frame for the corner tub, which consist of three wall sections – a long wall section sandwiched between two shorter walls of equal width. Determine the width and height of the wall sections making up the wall sections. Use 2-inch by 4 inch stud-grade lumber or 2-inch by 6 inch boards for a wider surface. Find the overall height by measuring from the underside of the tub’s brim to the floor surface.

Cut two 2-inch by 4-inch boards the width of the wall. These boards form the horizontal pieces of the wall section called the top plate and bottom plate. Turn the two boards on edge and starting from the end, use a measuring tape to make marks every 16 inches. Mark a line 3/4 inches on the side of each 16-inch mark.

Fabricate studs, the vertical component that fit between the top and bottom plates, from 2-inch by 4-inch lumber. Make the length of the studs based on the total height to the wall section minus the 3-1/2 inches for the thickness of the plates.

Secure the end studs between the top and bottom plates with two 16d nails in each plate. Use the 3/4 inch mark made on the plates to line up the studs. Install the interior studs in the same manner.

Build the remaining wall sections. Join the completed sections together with screws. Insert screws in the base plate to tie the walls to the subfloor.

Cut 1/2-inch plywood panels to cover each wall section. Mount the panels to the walls with screws. Measure the width and length of the ledge for each section. Cut the plywood pieces and mount them to the ledge.

Apply finish material, such as marble or ceramic tile. Apply silicone caulk as directed by the installation manual.