Doing your own concrete bath construction can be a fulfilling project that gives your house a special, personalized touch. At first, it might seem overwhelming, but you can accomplish amazing results if you have the right tools and a little perseverance. This tutorial will lead you through the procedure while offering advice based on the author’s own experiences and ways to simplify the work.
The longevity of a concrete bath is one of its main benefits. Concrete, in contrast to conventional materials, is extremely durable and long-lasting. It also has a sleek, contemporary appearance that can improve the appearance of any bathroom. A custom concrete bath can completely change your space with a few simple materials and a weekend’s work.
It’s crucial to plan thoroughly before you begin. Think about the bath’s dimensions and shape, the kind of concrete mix you’ll use, and the equipment you’ll require. To guarantee a seamless process and a stunning outcome, proper preparation is essential. We’ll break down each step in the sections that follow, offering precise instructions and practical advice gleaned from our own experiences.
- Where to start?
- Removing the formwork
- Decorative and protective treatment
- Video on the topic
- How to make a concrete bathtub in a loft interior. Part 2
- Bathtub made of concrete "Begemotik")
- Experience of creating a concrete bowl bathtub
- DIY mosaic bathtub.
- CONCRETE BATH. Made to order. Odessa. #concreteloft @loftstudioodessa
- Bathtub made of concrete?Yes!Such a bathtub will serve you for many years, because over time, concrete becomes even stronger!
Where to start?
Firstly, using the press form that I had purchased as a guide, I drew a drawing showing the room and bathroom dimensions. Overflow and drain locations were marked as well. After that, I installed the sewerage system, but first I had to break through a section of screed to get it to sit below the bath’s level.
The drain’s design comes next. The drain flange is fixed at a modest height of 10 to 15 cm from the floor in the sewer pipe’s outlet. This represents the bath’s lower portion’s thickness. You must precisely line up the drain flange with the mold’s drain point when putting the template in place.
It is now time to construct the frame that will hold the template in place while the concrete is poured. I affixed the support bars straight to the walls because my bathtub will be wall to wall. Since there are no supports at the bottom and the concrete pouring must be continuous, I also used spacers to adjust the bowl’s slope in the direction of the drain.
I then put the overflow pipe in place. I had to remove the mold, prime the walls and floor up to the pouring height, and seal the wall-floor junction after the entire supporting structure was put together. In order to facilitate the removal of the mold from the concrete, I next applied a special spray of vegetable and mineral oils to the sides of the plastic template after rubbing it with wax.
I then resecured the mold after I had put it in place. I put in a spacer up to the ceiling to keep it from being forced upward by the concrete. I used an OSB sheet with a laminated coating as formwork, and I also gave it a wax rubbing to help prevent the concrete from sticking to the surface too much. This is the final structure that was created.
The pouring of concrete is the next and most crucial step. In order to prevent joints, you must pour continuously. I placed an order for a concrete mixer and concrete pump for this. I filled the lower level beneath the template and then used my hands to compact the concrete and a stick I made for support to get rid of all the air bubbles underneath the mold. After leveling the edge and pouring concrete into the formwork to the fullest, I let it set.
Constructing a DIY concrete bath can be an enjoyable and economical undertaking that gives your house a special, personalized touch. With the correct supplies, equipment, and a little perseverance, you can make a unique, long-lasting bath. In order to ensure that you can complete this do-it-yourself project with professionalism, this article offers practical advice and personal experiences on how to approach every step of the process, from planning and preparation to the last touches.
Removing the formwork
When the concrete had solidified for five days, I disassembled and took down the formwork. The front panel removed without any issues. However, there were issues with the template removal; I was unable to do it by hand. I had to construct supports and use screw clamps to slowly pull it out. Since I was limited to two of these clamps, I had to reorganize them and raise each edge individually. When the template came off the concrete, I pulled it out with my hands.
I then used sandpaper to sand the entire concrete surface and slightly filed down the edges to make them less sharp. I primed and vacuumed the surface first, then filled the numerous pores and cavities in the concrete with putty made of white cement. After that, I used a felt wheel to polish and sand once more.
Decorative and protective treatment
I applied oak stain to the concrete bathtub’s bowl to give it a more appealing appearance. I got the bathroom ready for tiling while the concrete was strengthening and drying, and once the concrete was completely dry, I started putting the protective layer on. I started by using acetone to treat the concrete, which helped to clean off all of the dust and grease the surface.
I primed the bathtub twice more to seal the pores after that. I used a special liquid sealant that I sprayed on with a spray gun to create a layer of protection against water. Sealant had to be applied in three layers to get a good, long-lasting film.
The overflow and mixer need to be installed as the last step before the concrete bathtub is ready for use.
Step | Description |
Planning | Decide on the size and shape of your bath. Make a sketch and gather all necessary materials and tools. |
Formwork | Build a sturdy frame to hold the concrete in place. Ensure it is level and secure. |
Mixing Concrete | Mix concrete according to the instructions on the package. Aim for a smooth, workable consistency. |
Pouring | Pour the mixed concrete into the formwork. Use a trowel to smooth the surface and remove any air bubbles. |
Curing | Allow the concrete to cure for at least a week. Keep it moist to prevent cracks. |
Finishing | Remove the formwork carefully. Smooth any rough edges and apply a sealant to protect the surface. |
Constructing a concrete bath on your own is a satisfying project that blends imagination and usefulness. You can make a distinctive and long-lasting bath that fits your space perfectly by using easily accessible materials and adhering to a thorough process.
You will receive a custom-made fixture as well as useful skills and a sense of achievement from this project. At first, the process might seem overwhelming, but with perseverance and careful preparation, the outcome will be well worth the work.
Building a concrete bath is a rewarding project, regardless of your motivation—saving money, enjoying a custom design, or just enjoying the idea of a hands-on project. Accept the challenge and be proud of the piece you’ve created.