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Cutting Tub Surround
I enjoyed your response to a
question about a tub surround and took myself off to Lowe's to check
out the Sterling brand you'd mentioned.
My question is this: can a tub surround be cut to accommodate a
window? The contractor I spoke with recently indicated that cutting
it would affect the "integrity" of the surround, and I
understand this, BUT...is that necessarily true? Is there anything
that can be done to preserve its integrity? My bathroom is quite
small with a standard-sized window right over the tub -- STUPID! I'd
like a tub surround with an octagonal window instead. I'd appreciate
any information you can give me. Thanks.
C. P.
New Jersey
Many
types of tub surround can be cut, as long as the surround is a
type that is applied (glued) directly to the wall. There are some
tub surrounds that "stand off" the wall leaving a gap
between the surround and the wallboard. These could not be cut.
Also, some tub surrounds have molded-in shelves in the middle of
the largest panel. These should not be cut. I have cut window
openings in tub surrounds that were basically 3 flat sheets of
plastic with 2 molded corner sections that have built-in shelves.
So a flat sheet can be easily cut for a window opening. I prefer
to drill holes (1/4" or so) at the corners of the cut so
there are no "stress concentrations" caused by a sharp
angle. Most of the tub surrounds I have worked with are made from
plain styrene or high-impact styrene. These can be cut with no
problem. I use a jig saw or a fine-toothed hand saw. Avoid
coarse-toothed saws... they can chip the plastic.
Marking these corner points can be tricky. I would remove any
window trim and then re-install it on top of the surround
material, or use some alternative window trim that is made of
plastic. Nailing through the surround could crack it, so
pre-drilling the holes would be preferred. Just make sure to seal
up any gaps to prevent water from getting behind the surround.
Bruce W. Maki, Editor.
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