Adhesive tile bead for bathtubs

last year

last modified: last year

Hello everyone,

I'm having great difficulty finding a tub that suits our desires.

I found that for some reason, island baths often come wider than those with a tile bead designed to be built into the wall. But I don't want to install a bath designed as an island bath against a wall and risk water damage. I've seen plenty of cowboy installation methods where the top silicone bead seems to be the only line of defense. (Please let me know if there's more than meets the eye here.)

Then today I came across this product https://www.us.kohler.com/us/tiling-in-bead-180-length/productDetail/product:415980/415980.htm

Specifically designed to convert a drop in bath designed for island installation into one suitable for wall installation.

Install instructions https://www.us.kohler.com/webassets/kpna/catalog/pdf/en/1019822_2.pdf

Just I can't find anything like it in Australia! The Australian branch of Kohler doesn't show it. I can get it on amazon but international delivery. That's the only place I can find it... For a whopping $164.

Anyone know where I can find something like this? Any opinions on its use?

(Anyone curious, the tub we're after has nice simple lines, good for a shower over bath - hence building into the wall and not freestanding or island installation where water will always sit on the surround, slightly wider than standard 735 or 760 to allow for elbow room, length of around 1670-1750 for our 1790 alcove, deeper than 430 as yes, we do actually bathe and love a good soak, wouldn't mind a non-slip bottom surface, but that's no deal-breaker considering how hard it is to find the rest to suit. )

Thank you! Looking forward to seeing your responses.

Featured Answer

Kate

last year

Waterproof behind bath and whole floor

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Comments (7)

bigreader
last year
I have a shower over the bath. Like you I choose deep and wide because I love a bath. It has the tile bead area. Before you look at add-ons have you absolutely exhausted the bath options? Mine was from a local plumbtec and not a brand name. I think you’re right to be concerned as water sits on the edges of mine almost all the time in a heavily used bathroom.
bigreader
last year
I’m wondering if it’s not available in Australia it may be due to different waterproofing regs between the two countries. A qualified plumber may be able to advise more.
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HU-519487616
last year
Hi Belle, Have you looked at Kaldewei baths? They have quite a large range of styles and sizes. A little more expensive as they are steel enamel baths. We are in the process of installing one in our new bathroom.
Belle
Original Author
last year
True the standards will be different, but as far as I know, the standards in Australia for waterproofing tubs only state what the outcome needs to be, not necessarily the exact equipment used to achieve it. I think something like this on the market would solve a problem for many people.

I've just seen horrendous installations on NEW buildings that included MANY APARTMENTS especially where water clearly runs down between tub and wall and not to standard at all. I can't believe what builders get away with.

The way I found out about this stuff is because I've pretty much exhausted my options. Scrolled till my eyes could scroll no more! :) Over many days.

I saw a bath on Temple and Webster of all places which stated that it comes with an adhesive tile bead, and I was like, what is that?!

I am now actually considering that tub, so I might not need to get a separate thing. But otherwise I was thinking another type of trim or flange attached to the tub could very well do the job just fine.

I'm still very confused why island baths are more often offered as a wider bath and flange baths (and especially anti-slip ones clearly concepted to be shower baths) are narrower. I'm guessing they know what sells, but it goes against my design instincts!
Belle
Original Author
last year
And I was looking at acrylic baths as they keep the water hotter for longer.
Belle
Original Author
last year
Thanks Kate. I always considered the waterproofing membrane as the last line of defense, I guess.

Adhesive tile bead for bathtubs

Kate

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bigreader

bigreader

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Adhesive tile bead for bathtubs

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bigreader

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