Building a half wall and a podium tub - global village style

With its idea of a lovely recessed shelf, this project is sure to enhance the look of your bathroom. Use it to showcase your prettiest items: soft fluffy towels, candle holder, scented oils, etc. Ideal for creating a cozy ambiance.
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Materials and tools
Before starting
Half wall structure
Assemble the longest wall structure
Assemble the shortest wall structure
Secure to an existing wall
Build the walls
Build the casing
Cut the opening
Plumbing and faucet
Finishing

Materials and tools

To build the structure :
  • 2 parts of 69 in. (A)
  • 2 parts of 57 in. (B
  • 2 parts of 36 in. (C)
  • 2 parts of 55 1/2 in. (D)
  • 2 parts of 34 1/2 in. (E)
  • 6 parts of 22 in. (F)
  • 2 parts of 13 in. (G)
  • 6 parts of 30 1/2 in. (H)

    For the podium :
  • 1 plywood 68 X 40 X 5/8 po (A)
  • 2 plywoods 68 X 23 3/8 X 5/8 po (B)
  • 2 plywoods 38 3/8 X 23 3/8 X 5/8 po (C)
  • 4, 2 X 3 de 38 3/4 po (D)
  • 4, 2 X 3 de 61 3/4 po (E)
  • 16, 2 X 3 de 20 3/8 po (F)

    For the assembly :
  • 10, 2 X 8 X 96 in
  • 10, 2 X 3 X 96 in
  • 5 damp-proof gypsum
  • 2 plywood sheets
  • Wood shims
  • Nails and screws
  • Tiles, glue and grout
  • Plaster
  • Drywall tape
  • Drywall knife
  • Pencil
  • Stud finder
  • Electric drill (plug-in or portable)
  • Measuring tape
  • Circular saw or sliding miter saw
  • Plastering trowel
  • Square
  • Hammer
  • Level

    • Before starting

  • As with any major project, good preparation will contribute to the project’s success. So please follow these instructions:
  • Check the floor’s level and solidity. The floor must be able to support 50 lbs/ft.² (245 kg/m²).
  • Don’t build the podium before obtaining the tub’s specifications.
  • You may find a full-length template printed on the tub packaging. In that event, keep it for guidance when cutting the plywood that will be installed over the podium.
  • If a plastic film is covering the tub, leave it there.
  • Place cardboard at the bottom of the tub to protect it
  • If your bathroom is new (e.g.: new construction, basement installation), place the tub inside that room before building the walls.
  • If carrying out a renovation project, the existing wall covering must be removed where the podium is to be supported (if applicable).
  • Plan for a trap of at least 30" × 15" (75 × 40 cm)* on the podium of a whirlpool or therapeutic tub, so you can easily access the piping and system.
  • Use only pipes recommended for bathtub faucets (inside diameter of 1/2 in.): those pipes are not the same as for sinks because they supply a greater flow.
  • The bottom of the tub must rest on the ground; the tub must never be supported solely by its rims.
  • The tub’s contours must be level, and not its bottom. So place a spirit level on the tub’s rims, in both directions: the tub must be level on both its length and width.
  • Make sure that your installation will comply with building codes in effect in your area.
  • It is strongly suggested to have the plumbing and electricity (if applicable) installed by a professional.

    • Half wall structure

    Prepare the wood parts.Cut your parts with a circular saw or a sliding mitre saw. In case you don't have the necessary tools, certain renovation centres offer a cutting service.

    Assemble the longest wall structure


    1. On each side of the parts A, indicate the top (e.g.: with an arrow), then use a square to trace lines at 22 in. starting from the top at 30 ½ in. from bottom (always on both sides of the part):
    2. On both sides of two parts B, trace lines 19 1/4 in. from each end.
    3. Assemble structure bottom using part B, 3 parts H and 1 part D
    4. Assemble top structure using part B, 3 parts F and 1 part D
    5. Fix both structures to part A to close the wall.
    6. Insert part G between the two structures at 28 ½ in. from opening side.

    Assemble the shortest wall structure


    1. On each side of the parts A, indicate the top (e.g.: with an arrow), then use a square to trace lines at 22 in. starting from the top at 30 ½ in. from bottom (always on both sides of the part):
    2. On both sides of two parts C, trace lines 12 1/4 in. from each end.
    3. Assemble structure bottom using part C, 3 parts H and 1 part D
    4. Assemble top structure using part C, 3 parts F and 1 part D
    5. Fix both structures to part A to close the wall.
    6. Insert part G between the two structures at 18 in. from opening side.

    Secure to an existing wall


    1. On each side of the parts A, indicate the top (e.g.: with an arrow), then use a square to trace lines at 22 in. starting from the top at 30 ½ in. from bottom (always on both sides of the part):
    2. On both sides of two parts C, trace lines 12 1/4 in. from each end.
    3. Assemble structure bottom using part C, 3 parts H and 1 part D
    4. Assemble top structure using part C, 3 parts F and 1 part D
    5. Fix both structures to part A to close the wall.
    6. Insert part G between the two structures at 18 in. from opening side.
    Prepare the wood parts for the podium. Cut your parts with a circular saw or a sliding mitre saw. In case you don't have the necessary tools, certain renovation centres offer a cutting service.

    Build the walls


    1. Build the two longest sides using parts E (2) and F (10). 2 X 3 should be 15 1/16 in. apart.
    2. Build the two shortest sides using parts D(2) and F (10). 2 X 3 should be 17 1/8 in. apart.
    3. Screw the 4 walls together making sure the longest walls are inside.

    Build the casing


    1. When the casing is completed, place the bathtub on it and check whether the bottom rests well on the ground and whether the bathtub fits well in it. Its contours should “hover” over the casing by approx. 1 in., because the plywood and the podium cover are not yet installed. Then remove the bathtub from the casing and make corrections if necessary.
    2. Make sure that the casing is truly level, lean it against the wall(s) and then screw it to the floor and to the wall studs.
    3. Install the top of the casing, part A.

    Cut the opening


    1. Trace the bathtub contour on the plywood. To do so, cut out the template printed on the box and then follow the template’s contours on the plywood sheet.
    2. On the contour traced, drill a hole sufficiently large to insert the jigsaw blade.
    3. Using the jigsaw, cut along the contour traced in previous step.

    Plumbing and faucet


    1. Connect the plumbing.
    2. Install the tub fallowing manufacturer booklet.
    3. Install the faucet.
    4. Mark the locations of the faucets, spout and hose spray on the bathtub or on the casing and pre-drill “pilot holes”. Check whether they correspond well to the faucets.
    5. Drill the final holes with a hole saw.
    6. Install the faucets according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you install the faucets on the casing, you must have installed beforehand the ceramic cover.

    Finishing


    1. Close the casing with parts B and C.
    2. Cover the half-wall structure with damp-proofing gypsum.
    3. Install ceramic tiles.
    There is nothing trendier than a platform bathtub around which you can set up your own decor. Adorn it with beautiful tiles then add an elegant faucet, and already the look of your bathroom is completely changed. Just a few accessories, warm handsome towels, your best wares, so you can experience the bliss of basking in your own oasis of calm!
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