Gap on Tub

What’s the gap?

The gap is the space between the tub deck and the wall, which can be anywhere from ½ inch to 6 inches. It usually happens because the tub is smaller than the opening, or the space was framed too big for the tub. This leaves a gap between the sheetrock and the tub.

How to Fix a Gap Between a Tub and a Wall

Option 1: Use a Cleat and Trim to Cover the Gap

  1. Attach a cleat to the sheetrock at the height of the tub flange. This can be a piece of wood, a marble scrap, or screws.

  2. Cut the tub panel so it fits and sits on the cleat.

  3. Then, cut a trim piece to cover the gap. Lay it over the gap so it rests on both the cleat (under the panel) and the tub flange.

  4. At the end of the tub, cut the trim at a 45-degree angle and run it down the front of the tub to the floor.

  5. If the top trim piece has a finished short edge, let it overhang the piece running down the front of the tub.

Need to Cover the Tub Flange?

  1. If you want to cover the tub flange too, cut a small riser piece from ¼-inch material.

  2. Shape it to match the tub’s contour.

  3. Slide the riser under the overhang of the cap piece that’s covering the gap.

Option 2: Install Trim First

  1. Start by attaching the cleat to the sheetrock at the tub flange height.

  2. Cut the trim or ¾-inch piece to cover the gap and angle it at 45 degrees down the front of the tub to the floor.

  3. After the trim is in place, cut and install the tub panel so it sits right on top of the trim.