A good tub is a small luxury you use every week or twice a year — either way, the install has to be right. We swap old tubs, install freestanding showpieces, and rebuild the surround so the new tub doesn’t inherit the old tub’s problems.
Tub types we install
- Alcove tubs — the most common, three walls enclosed, one tub apron. The bread-and-butter replacement.
- Drop-in tubs — sits inside a tiled or solid-surface deck, very custom-looking.
- Freestanding tubs — modern, classic, oval, slipper. Centerpiece of a master remodel. See master bathroom remodel and luxury bathroom remodel.
- Soaking tubs — deeper, designed for actual soaks, not splash baths.
- Clawfoot tubs — vintage look, new or refurbished, with proper supply and drain plumbing.
Why a tub install is more than a tub install
When we pull an old tub, we usually find things — failing surround, soft drywall behind tile, a slow drain leak that ate the subfloor. We don’t put a new tub on top of old problems. The install includes:
- Plumbing rough-in inspection and updates (modern shutoff valves, new supply lines, sealed drain assembly)
- Subfloor inspection, repair, and reinforcement if needed
- Proper backer board behind tile surrounds (not green drywall)
- Caulked-not-grouted change-of-plane joints — the spots where most tub-surround failures start
- Surround tile reset or new install — see bathroom tile installation
Tub vs. shower conversion
If you’re sitting in the “replace this thing or rip it out” decision, we’ll walk through how you actually use the bathroom. A second master tub almost always converts to a shower. A guest bath tub usually stays — buyers expect at least one tub in the house. More on conversions.
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