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In my last post, we were ready to install the American Standard Princeton Tub. Due to a family illness, we had the project on halt. Thankfully all is back to normal and we can work on our kids bathroom remodel.
First, we removed the old tub and the drywall around the tub area. There was some dampness some point in time so we wanted to be sure that there was no mold to worry about.
Next, we brought in the new American Standard Princeton Bath with Integral Overflow. Doesn’t it look beautiful, shiny, and clean?! Having a nice tub for my kids is going to make a huge difference in the bathroom and I’ll feel so much better knowing that my kids are in a clean, safe place. Now, I have no worries of mold and don’t have to look at that disgusting tub with stains with my kids in it.
American Standard Princeton Tub with Integral Overflow
The American Standard Princeton Tub has an integral overflow. I didn’t know what this meant or what the big deal was. My husband and father-in-law explained that this is a huge deal and cuts a lot of time down with plumbing! Without the integral overflow, they would have to make their own with pipes and trying to find a spot behind the tub for it. This is one step less, less hassle, and less expense. I’m all for making life easier and saving time. My kids want their new bathtub now!
On to Installing the Princeton Tub…
The first step in installing the American Standard Princeton Tub is to install the drain. Yes, it actually comes with a drain, unlike many tubs on the market. This is a very convenient feature. This is a super easy to use drain with easy instructions. First, check out my nasty drain that is being replaced. It is stained, corroded, and has large holes that toys could easy fall through causing major plumbing problems!
The included train is an easy pop open and close drain. It is so beautiful, yes a drain can be beautiful! It is easy enough for kids to use too.
Next, we framed the tub area to install the American Standard Princeton Tub. The instructions are excellent with detailed steps and diagrams with measurements.
In the above picture you will see the leveling support that my father-in-law with Good Life Remodeling is putting up. When purchasing your American Standard Princeton Tub, you will select either a left or right hand tub rough in. Instructions for both are included. Be sure to keep the box cut out in the base of the tub when installing to avoid scratching or damaging your new tub during installation. The tub is connected to a base for easy tub installation. The instructions explain how to make the tub level, how to secure to wood studs, and what tools are needed along the way.
Dry wall or Green Board in a bathroom?
Green Board is regular drywall with a water resistant barrier. It is good to use in rooms with damp conditions, humidity, and the occasional minor splashes of water. It is moisture resistant drywall but is not intended for very wet conditions. We decided to cut out all of the old drywall around the entire tub area and along the whole wall where the sink and toilet will be. We replaced it with Green Board. Green board is just an extra protective layer against problems that can come with moisture such as mold and mildew. You can use regular joint compound on the joints and sand it down just like you would with regular drywall.
- American Standard Princeton Tub with Green Board
After the joint compound dries, I will sand it down only on the portions that will be seen around the tub as we will be installing a tub surround. I will prime the entire green board drywall with Glidden Interior PVA Drywall Primer & Sealer. This is great for new drywall to seal it while priming for our color paint. You can use any brand as long as it both primes and seals. Kilz is another great paint for priming.
If you like to do it yourself like we do, this is the tub for you. It has easy instructions, included base, integral spillover, and easy drain included.
This was not a paid post. My own opinions were used based on my perceptions and experience. Thank you to American Standard who supplied the product for review and the ongoing relationship with AkronOhioMoms.com. Check out the great selection of products at www.AmericanStandard-US.com.
Sounds like a job!-but great that the instructions are provided-looks great!
We really need to do this but aren’t sure we want to undertake the project right now! We’ve even thought about those bathroom covers?? Not sure if those are worth it though.
Hi Bill, thanks for the comment and advice. I did find the princeton tub at either Home Depot or Lowe’s in Akron, Ohio. I can’t remember which as we go to both way too often! LOL I believe you are right regarding the cement board, I just learned about it. I still feel that the green board offers a lot more protection than regular drywall and it is sufficient for a typical bathroom, especially if money is an issue as cement board is more costly.
Nice pics and layout, were you able to find your tub at any store as nobody seems to stock them around here… , on another note I would have to strongly disagree with the use of greenboard around the tub area because its only water resistant not waterproof, basically just regular drywall with a coating. Greenboard is fine and recommended for the remainder of the bathroom, but for the area specifically around the tub you should always use either cement board or something even better DensShield which is 1/2 the weight of cement board, has a built in moisture barrier (which is important and should be noted for other reasons), mold resistant and actually has a lifetime warranty in a residential application 20 years in commercial application, thats how good it is. Just some advise….
I didn’t know about Green Board – good to know, thanks!
Then do it, Chelsea! Walls can be torn down (that is the easy part) and built back up! Don’t let walls limit your full enjoyment of your home.
I want a new bathtub! Our tub is so small you cant take a bubble bath in it and relax. Ou bahroom is tiny. I would love to rip out the wall and expand it in to the guest bedroom.
It saves money and gives you memories to look back on, that’s part of the fun of doing it yourself. :)
This brings back memories of when my husband was remodeling our bathroom. It’s a big job, but it saves so much money to do it yourself!
WOW glad I found this with the pictures we dont have a tub just a shower and we are going to be tackling this job also. It seems alot simpler with your walk through. Thanks for posting it
The change this tub made for you is incredible, I’m sure. I would like a new tub but thought it would be a much bigger project. My current tub is very old and stained. I can see your point on bathing children in such a tub and how this new tub must make you feel.
Thanks, Michelle. Remodeling is something you just add to your schedule since it just HAS to be done. lol My kids are super at being patient when we work. They usually go to Grandma’s house and we knock out a lot of the project all at once! :)
Another amazing do it yourself project, done! I don’t know how you figure all these out, esp with two young ones to look after. Good job.
Yes, it is worth it for the kids. I know what you mean, Shanna. I didn’t like bathing my kids in a nasty tub either. With years of iron buildup, there was no way to get it looking clean. I will treat this tub like gold and keep it spotless!
That was a lot of work but definitely worth it for the kids!
Amazing! That is something we are saving up for, I can’t stand putting my son in the tub that still looks dirty after hours of scrubbing.
Ugh!
Yes, we gotta look out for our kiddos. They always get the best. :)
We did this same project last yr & whew its a doozy! Love a new tub for little ones tho!