The Foundation of How to Make a Concrete Bathtub

The idea behind how to make a concrete bathtub is based on the individuals’ intentions to save money and essentially have the ability to design the tubs they envisioned. However, they’re relatively challenging to make and would take you time and much effort to finish.

But if you’re determined to build one for your home, then the step-by-step guide I have prepared for today will serve you just that! In this article, I laid out some of the basic types of tubs you can make and how to make a concrete bathtub from scratch. So without any further delays, let’s get right into today’s discussion…

• Types of Concrete Bathtubs that You Can Make

• Preparation Before Making the Concrete Bathtub

• Step by Step Guide on How to Make a Concrete Bathtub by Yourself

Types of Concrete Bathtubs that You Can Make

In the following section, I have listed the several types of bathtubs made from concrete you can make at home. Below are just some of the most common examples of bathtubs people make by themselves—

Freestanding Tubs

If you’re familiar with commercialized freestanding, the homemade freestanding tubs look similar and serve the same purpose. This type of bathroom project is ideal for either against the wall or in the middle of the room, whatever your taste may be. However, you’ll have to find a concrete bathtub mold for this project which would be a challenge since concrete is heavy and challenging to move around.

Sunken Tubs

As the word suggests, it is a homemade bathtub constructed by digging a hole in the ground. And depending on the depth of the tub, you may have to mold a step ladder as well for better accessibility which makes it a sort of mini pool as well. In addition, they’re a popular option to many because it provides better access to the plumbing system.

Deck Tubs

A deck tub is basically a fixture that fits into a frame or extension. The deck is supposed to fully envelop the side of the bathtub to secure it from falling and breaking apart. The great thing about deck tubs is that they can be re-purposed as a table and storage for bathroom essentials like shampoo or toiletries.

Preparation Before Making the Concrete Bathtub

Concrete can be less expensive compared to your regular premium bathtubs. However, if you are keen on saving more money from the project, here are the estimated costs you have to consider for a cheap DIY Bathtub—

• About four plywoods – $15 to $35
• #2 Lumber (2×4, 80 to 150 feet needed) – $12 to $15 per piece
• Drain and Plumbing – $80 to $150
• Six bags of High Strength Concrete – $5 to $25 per bag
• Concrete Bathtub Mold – $20 to $50

Now, below are the materials you will need for the project—

• Sealant
• Screwdrivers
• A table or circular saw
• PVC pipe and silicone tube
• Frame clamps and casting rubber

Step by Step Guide on How to Make a Concrete Bathtub by Yourself

The following are some of the guidelines on how to make a concrete bathtub in your home and create the design you like—

Construct the Frame

The very first thing that you have to do is to build the plywood frame of the bathtub. Measure the floor spacing of the bathroom where you are going to place the fixture. Be sure to be precise and double-check the measurements to prevent you from the hassle of going back to the drawing board.

Once you have to have measured the floorings, you have to make the plywood frame thick and ensure that they are properly screwed in order to effectively hold the cement

Drill the Plumbing System

Identify where you are planning to place the drainage and plumbing system. After you have drilled the holes, use a vacuum to clean the dirt as a result of the process. The next step is to insert the pipes into the holes from end to end. Again, you have to be certain of the placement of the pipes to prevent unnecessary inconveniences.

Seal the Frame Box

It is important to properly clean the drills to avoid any imperfections and so that the sealant would attach. If it happens that holes and cracks start to occur, there are two ways you can do to seal them off and achieve a leak-free frame—

• Impregnate the wood by using formulated mold release for woods and concrete
• Apply silicone on areas where you suspect that there are cracks or holes

Concrete Mixture

As for the concrete, you’re going to use in constructing the bathtub, it is highly important that you choose the heavier and finer concrete. Select the ones that do not have gravel in the mixture so that the surface of the tub isn’t coarse and uncomfortable to bathe in. And in mixing the concrete powder, just follow the instructions relayed on the bags thoroughly.

Pour in the Cement Mixture

Pour the concrete mixture into the frame. Be careful as you do so to avoid spillage or any mess. Also, it prevents any imperfections from forming on the surface, especially when the cement hardens. After you have completely filled the mixture to the frame, wait for at least three to five days before resuming the project.

Remove the Frame

After waiting for the specified period, you can remove the wooden frame and proceed to the next steps of the process. First and foremost, you have to unscrew the bolts and remove the plywoods. Carefully detach the plywood from the cement bathtub so as not to damage the surface and plumbing system you have set in place.

Sanding

After the concrete mixture has dried up, expect rough surfaces on the bathtub. To effectively address the matter, use sandpaper to smoothen the rough areas until there are no longer bumps and it has softened enough and becomes comfortable to the touch.

Finishing Touches

The finishing touches include sealing and polishing. What this means is you will apply sealants on the bathtubs. You also take note that the layer of sealant solutions depends on your preferences. However, be aware not to make the application too thick.

Takeaway

It might appear complicated at first sight, but as you see, building a bathtub can be both challenging and rewarding at the same time once you have seen the fruits of your labor. Thus, there are concrete bathtub pros and cons that you have to remember you seriously consider a concrete bathtub. To briefly summarize, here are some of the advantages—

• It is much safer for the elderly and people with mobility health problems
• You have the freedom to create the design you envision
• The materials needed and installation costs should be much more affordable in comparison to commercial bathtubs

Now, here are the disadvantages—

• It is challenging to construct
• It will take time to finish
• Imperfections are expected, especially if it’s your first time

That’s just about it in today’s article! I hope the discussion on how to make a concrete bathtub helped you with the subject matter.

Frequently Asked Question About How to Make a Concrete Bathtub

Now, here are some of the common concerns about how to make a concrete bathtub—