How to Build a Wood Enclosure Around a Jacuzzi Tub

Measure the distance across the length of the tub cubby from wall to wall as it exists in your framing. This is your tub length. Measure the depth of the tub from front to back and decide if you want to build a frame that is exactly to the dimensions of your Jacuzzi, or if you want to add an extra 8 or 10 or 15 inches (for example) of depth for a larger tub deck. Also measure the height of the tub.

Chop down the pieces of 2-by-4 wood with a miter saw according to your dimensions from measuring earlier. You need four pieces cut down to the length of the tub, as well as four pieces cut down to the depth of the tub from front to back. Also cut down the vertical support pieces according to the dimensions of your tub. You need enough to space the vertical pieces 16 inches apart from each other around the perimeter of your Jacuzzi frame.

Lay out your bottom framing pieces and screw them into the floor with the 3-inch wood screws. Attach the vertical support studs on top of the bottom framing section, and screw them in at a 45-degree angle so that they anchor to the bottom framing. Use the level to guide their plumb, and also screw them into the wall studs where appropriate to attach things to the house framing. Attach the top pieces to the vertical supports and screw them in place.

Measure the dimensions of your tub deck top and transfer those measurements to a sheet of plywood. Make marks the plywood with a tape measure and pencil and snap a chalk line between the marks to give you a reference line. Cut the wood with a circular saw, using the chalk line as a guide for the blade.

Apply construction adhesive to the top of the tub frame and place your plywood sheet in place. Screw it down onto the framing with inch and a half wood screws. Measure the width of the top and divide by two, and measure the length and divide by two. Mark these two areas in the center of the plywood to give you a cross-hair in the center. Place the paper template provided by the manufacturer on top of this center mark, draw the outline with a pencil, and cut out the plywood with a jigsaw to make the opening for the tub to be installed.