Granite overhanging undermount tub

10 years ago

Our granite fabricator wants the lip of the granite slab surrounding our undermount tub to slightly hang over the tub edge. He says that it will help splashed up water to fall back into the tub. Otherwise, he says water will sit on the tub lip, slide back, and get past the layer of silicon bead waterproofing on the underside of the granite. He is concerned with making sure water doesn't get to the framing and plywood supports under the tub.

However, our tub has factory installed grab bars on each side by the molded arm rests. The bars only protrude 1 1/4" from the inside tub wall. It's already a bit dicey to grab the bar without our knuckles hitting against the tub wall. A granite overhang will eat up another 1/4" of that space (or more, if the fabricator doesn't watch his measurements all the way around the tub opening).

We'd much rather the fabricator back the granite away from the edge of the tub. Ideally, we'd like about an inch of the white tub lip to show all the way around (with the granite edge following the shape of the tub).

Are we fools?

Link to photo of the tub: http://www.tubz.com/americh-madison-6032-tub.htm

Featured Answer

jewelisfabulous
Original Author

7 years ago

Hi, Engrgirl, Yes, we are happy with the Americh quality. It's been so long since we tub shopped that I can't tell you how it compares to any other brand. It has not changed color or sheen in the two+ years we've used it (please note that most household cleaners will damage the finish of an acrylic tub, so we followed the contractor's recommendation to use only a sponge and Dawn dishwashing liquid to clean it). The granite decking cutout exactly follows the shape of the tub, just stepped back an inch. Here is my "reveal" thread from 2014 with photos, two of the four show the tub:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2280344/presenting-master-bath-remodel-reveal?n=18

I hope this helps!

Comments (7)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
10 years ago
Jewel654:

Please show your granite fabricator the linked manufacturer undermount installation instructions (Figure 6, page 3) which show a slight tub reveal and no overhang.

Here is a link that might be useful: Instructions
jewelisfabulous
Original Author
10 years ago
I love how you took the time to look up this information off the Americh website, Trebruchet ! I have printed this out to show the fabricator and my contractor.

I'm seeing a LOT of photos of undermount tubs on Houzz where the lip is showing all the way around. I wouldn't think so many designers and contractors would install this way if there was significant concern about water getting under the slab and dripping onto the framing/plywood.
I've saved those photos to show my contractor when they come to template the granite...
Related Professionals
Carlisle Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Covington Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Luling Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · South Plainfield Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Weymouth Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Shaker Heights Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Forest Hills Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · McDonough Glass & Shower Door Dealers · Trumbull Glass & Shower Door Dealers · Effingham Cabinets & Cabinetry · Maywood Cabinets & Cabinetry · Palisades Park Cabinets & Cabinetry · Spring Valley Cabinets & Cabinetry · Bellwood Cabinets & Cabinetry · Sayreville Window Treatments
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
10 years ago
You're welcome.

The nice thing about this is it switches them from arguing with you to arguing with the tub manufacturer. You can tell them this isn't your opinion, it's the opinion of the guy who made the tub.

I deviate from manufacturer's instructions very carefully and only with excellent reasons. They better come up with something better than they have so far.
jewelisfabulous
Original Author
10 years ago
Just an update that the granite has been installed to our specifications (backed off the lip of the tub about an inch all the way around, following the tub shape). The fabricator was reluctant, but pleasant about it. I let him say his piece and assured him that while I valued his input, we really wanted to use the grab bars without banging our knuckles against an overhanging granite lip. It all looks fabulous! :)
engrgirl
7 years ago
I know this is an old post but since I see that jewelisfabulous is still active on GW I was hoping for a followup.... I'm also looking at a similar installation of an Americh Nadia tub, but since there aren't showrooms with Americh within 500 miles of me I was hoping I could ask some questions...

- Are you happy with Americh quality? If you happened to also look at Kohler Underscore type would you say they were similar or better/worse in quality and thicness/strurdy feeling, etc?

- has the color of the tub changed or yellowed, or sheen changed with use?

- with the undermount installation, did you have all of the center cutout edges square, or did you try to angle the cut to match the slope at the back? If it is square, do you feel that more squared edge against the back of your neck when lounging in the tub?

Also if you'd be willing to post pictures I'd love to see them! Thank you!
jenndfraser
2 years ago
I know it’s been years now, but our Americh is being under mounted tomorrow. I’m nervous about what the frame around it is suppose to be doing. The install pic shows the 2x4 frame amd then wood built up around, but is the marble going to sit on the wood? Or was there waterproof material first? The diagram isn’t 100% clear. Do you remember how yours was framed? Jere what we’ve got. I think my tub skirt has to be planted down, and the wall side of wood frame is actually slightly recessed from tub edge. I dont know if the adhesive they use will balance everything out??