How to Finish Off a Whirlpool Tub

Tile is one option to finish an installed whirlpool tub.

Whirlpool tubs are popular with many homeowners. Some of these homeowners choose to install whirlpool tubs on their own instead of paying a professional so they can save money. When installed, most whirlpool tubs are installed inside of a lumber frame. The lumber frame must be finished off before the whirlpool tub can be used. This will protect the tub components and framing from moisture damage. The most common way to finish a frame is to cover it with tile.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Cement backer board
• Utility knife
• Exterior grade screws
• Screwdriver
• Fiberglass mesh tape
• Thin set mortar
• Notched trowel
• Tiles
• Tile spacers
• Tile saw
• Grout
• Rubber grout float
• Silicone caulk

Instructions

1. Measure the framing of the whirlpool tub. Mark the measurements on a sheet of cement backer board.

2. Score the cement backer board with a utility knife where marked. Tap the other side of the backer board to separate it.

3. Screw the cement backer board pieces to the frame of the whirlpool tub with exterior grade screws and a screwdriver.

4. Place a piece of fiberglass mesh tape on each joint to patch it. Cover the tape with thin set mortar and the flat edge of a notched trowel. Give the mortar 24 hours to dry.

5. Arrange the tiles on the tub frame to find a good layout. Place tile spacers between each two tiles. Use a pencil to make reference lines for the tile layout. Cut the tiles to size with a tile saw.

6. Apply thin set mortar along the reference lines with a notched trowel. Set the tiles into place on the installed cement backer board. Place tile spacers between each of the tiles. Allow the tile mortar to dry for 24 hours.

7. Grout the tile joints on the whirlpool tub. Spread the grout into the joints with a rubber grout float. Fill each joint with the float. Remove the excess grout from the tiles with a damp grout sponge. Give the grout 24 hours to dry.

8. Caulk the gap between the tile and the whirlpool tub with silicone caulk. Spread a bead of caulk along the gap and smooth the caulk with your finger. Let the caulk dry per the manufacturer's directions.

References

• Home Time: Tiling a Whirlpool Deck

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish