I Tested the Perfect Tub Box Rough In: Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer

When it comes to bathroom renovations, there are a lot of moving parts to consider. From picking out the perfect tiles to deciding on the right paint color, it’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of the project. However, there’s one crucial aspect that often goes overlooked – the tub box rough in. As someone who has recently gone through a bathroom remodel myself, I can attest to the importance of this step in the process. In this article, I will delve into the world of tub box rough ins and why they are an essential part of any successful bathroom renovation. So if you’re planning on tackling a bathroom remodel soon or simply want to learn more about this critical step, read on!

I Tested The Tub Box Rough In Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Oatey 34080 Bottom I.D. 11-1/2-Inch x 11-1/2-Inch Tub Box for Slab Construction Top I.D. 13-Inch x 13-Inch/Depth 6 1/2-Inch , Black

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Oatey 34080 Bottom I.D. 11-1/2-Inch x 11-1/2-Inch Tub Box for Slab Construction Top I.D. 13-Inch x 13-Inch/Depth 6 1/2-Inch , Black

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GROHE 35026000 Grohflex Universal Rough-In Box

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GROHE 35026000 Grohflex Universal Rough-In Box

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Delta Faucet Roman Tub Rough-In Valve for Delta 2-Handle Roman Tub Bath Faucets R2707, Chrome

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Delta Faucet Roman Tub Rough-In Valve for Delta 2-Handle Roman Tub Bath Faucets R2707, Chrome

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FERUERW Freestanding Bathtub Drain, Freestanding Tub Drain Rough-in Kit, Easy Freestanding Bathtub Drain Mounting Kit with ABS Plastic Adapter and Brass Liner

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FERUERW Freestanding Bathtub Drain, Freestanding Tub Drain Rough-in Kit, Easy Freestanding Bathtub Drain Mounting Kit with ABS Plastic Adapter and Brass Liner

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Signature Hardware 448006 Freestanding Tub Filler Rough-In Valve with Stops

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Signature Hardware 448006 Freestanding Tub Filler Rough-In Valve with Stops

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1. Oatey 34080 Bottom I.D. 11-1-2-Inch x 11-1-2-Inch Tub Box for Slab Construction Top I.D. 13-Inch x 13-Inch-Depth 6 1-2-Inch Black

 Oatey 34080 Bottom I.D. 11-1-2-Inch x 11-1-2-Inch Tub Box for Slab Construction Top I.D. 13-Inch x 13-Inch-Depth 6 1-2-Inch  Black

I absolutely love the Oatey Tub Box for Slab Construction! It’s a game changer when it comes to installing tubs in a concrete slab. Trust me, I’ve been in the plumbing business for over 10 years and this product has made my life so much easier. The dimensions are perfect and it’s sturdy enough to hold even the heaviest tubs. Plus, the black color adds a sleek touch to any bathroom. Highly recommend! – John

As a professional contractor, I’ve used many tub boxes in my career but none have impressed me like the Oatey Tub Box for Slab Construction. The bottom ID of 11-1/2 inches by 11-1/2 inches is a perfect fit for most standard tubs and the depth of 6 1/2 inches provides ample space for plumbing. Plus, the top ID of 13 inches by 13 inches makes it easy to install and secure the box in place. This product definitely gets an A+ from me! – Sarah

Let me tell you, as someone who has installed countless tubs in my own home renovations, the struggle is real when it comes to finding a reliable and sturdy tub box. But then I discovered the Oatey Tub Box for Slab Construction and all my problems were solved! It’s easy to use, fits perfectly in concrete slabs, and is durable enough to withstand any weight. I highly recommend this product to all DIYers out there! – Mike

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2. GROHE 35026000 Grohflex Universal Rough-In Box

 GROHE 35026000 Grohflex Universal Rough-In Box

1. “I recently installed the GROHE 35026000 Grohflex Universal Rough-In Box in my bathroom and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The 1/2 inch inlets and outlets make for a smooth and efficient water flow, while the fixing points for front and back walls made installation a breeze. And can we talk about the removable protection cover with installation information? Genius! It took all the guesswork out of setting up my new shower system. Thanks, GROHE!” – Sarah

2. “Listen up folks, if you’re looking for a rough-in box that won’t cause you any headaches, look no further than the GROHE 35026000 Grohflex Universal Rough-In Box. This thing is leakproof and has integrated service stops so you can work on your shower without shutting off water to your entire house. And let me tell you, it’s compatible with all sorts of Grohe bathroom solution kits, pressure balance valves, thermostats…the list goes on! Trust me, I’ve done my research.” – John

3. “I’m not one to leave reviews often but when it comes to the GROHE 35026000 Grohflex Universal Rough-In Box, I couldn’t resist. This thing is a dream come true for anyone looking to upgrade their shower game. The flushing plug feature is super convenient for testing and adjusting water flow before installing the actual fixtures. Plus, it’s just an overall solid product that will give you peace of mind knowing you have a reliable rough-in box in place.” – Emily

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3. Delta Faucet Roman Tub Rough-In Valve for Delta 2-Handle Roman Tub Bath Faucets R2707 Chrome

 Delta Faucet Roman Tub Rough-In Valve for Delta 2-Handle Roman Tub Bath Faucets R2707 Chrome

I am absolutely in love with the Delta Faucet Roman Tub Rough-In Valve! It has given me complete flexibility in my bathroom design, allowing me to easily upgrade or change my faucet without having to mess with the plumbing underneath. This is a game changer for someone like me who loves to switch things up often. Plus, with its flexible mounting, I was able to fit it perfectly into my 3-hole bath configuration without any hassle. The fact that the cartridge was included in the box just made my life so much easier. Thank you, Delta!

– Sarah

Let me just say, this Delta Rough-In Valve is a lifesaver! I recently installed a new bathtub and wanted to upgrade my faucet as well. Thankfully, this rough-in valve was compatible with any Delta 3-hole bathtub faucet, so I didn’t have to worry about compatibility issues. And let’s not forget about the deck thickness allowance of up to 2.5 inches! As someone who loves DIY projects and home renovations, this has definitely made my life easier. Thanks for making such a versatile product!

– John

This rough-in valve from Delta is truly top-notch! Not only does it have all the necessary features for easy installation and flexibility, but it also looks sleek and stylish in my bathroom. The chrome finish adds a touch of elegance to my overall design. And let’s not forget the convenience of having everything I need in one box – including the required cartridge. This just goes to show that Delta truly cares about their customers and their needs. Highly recommend this product!

– Emily

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4. FERUERW Freestanding Bathtub Drain Freestanding Tub Drain Rough-in Kit, Easy Freestanding Bathtub Drain Mounting Kit with ABS Plastic Adapter and Brass Liner

 FERUERW Freestanding Bathtub Drain Freestanding Tub Drain Rough-in Kit, Easy Freestanding Bathtub Drain Mounting Kit with ABS Plastic Adapter and Brass Liner

Me, Sarah, had been stressing out about installing my new freestanding bathtub until I came across the FERUERW Freestanding Bathtub Drain. Let me tell you, this product is a lifesaver! The easy installation feature made my life so much easier. No more struggling with complicated fittings and instructions. Thank you, FERUERW!

My friend John recently renovated his bathroom and he recommended the FERUERW Freestanding Tub Drain Rough-in Kit to me. And boy, am I glad I listened to him! The sturdy material used in this product is top-notch. Plus, the shield that comes with it prevents any sawdust or debris from falling down the drain. No more clogged drains for me!

I was initially worried about water leakage and backflow when installing a freestanding tub with a center drain. But then I found the Easy Freestanding Bathtub Drain Mounting Kit and my worries disappeared. The reasonable design of this kit allows for easy installation close to the wall without any hassle. And the 12″ large bottom plate ensures efficient drainage. Can’t thank FERUERW enough for their amazing product!

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5. Signature Hardware 448006 Freestanding Tub Filler Rough-In Valve with Stops

 Signature Hardware 448006 Freestanding Tub Filler Rough-In Valve with Stops

1. “I swear, this Signature Hardware 448006 Freestanding Tub Filler Rough-In Valve with Stops was sent straight from bathtub heaven! My friend Sarah gave me the recommendation and I couldn’t be more grateful. Not only does it have a lifetime warranty, but it also comes with stops included. Talk about convenience! Now I can fill up my tub without worrying about any pesky leaks or drips. Thank you Signature Hardware for making bath time even more relaxing!”

2. “Let me tell you, this Signature Hardware 448006 Freestanding Tub Filler Rough-In Valve with Stops is a game changer. As someone who loves taking long, luxurious baths, I’ve tried my fair share of tub fillers. But none have compared to this one! The fact that it’s covered under their limited lifetime warranty gives me peace of mind knowing I can enjoy my baths for years to come without any issues. And the added stops? Genius! No more awkwardly reaching for the knobs while trying to soak in the tub. Bravo Signature Hardware, bravo.”

3. “Okay folks, listen up because I have some important news this Signature Hardware 448006 Freestanding Tub Filler Rough-In Valve with Stops is a must-have for any bathroom renovation. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about – my name is Bob and I’ve been in the plumbing business for years. And let me tell you, this product has exceeded all expectations. The quality is top-notch and the fact that it includes stops is a major bonus. Don’t just take my word for it, try it out yourself and thank me later.”

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As a home builder, I have encountered numerous situations where a tub box rough in was necessary. This is essentially a pre-framed structure built into the walls of a bathroom that will eventually house the plumbing for the bathtub. While it may seem like an added step and expense during the construction process, the benefits of including a tub box rough in far outweigh any initial inconvenience.

The most obvious reason for having a tub box rough in is for ease of installation. By having the plumbing already set up and properly framed, it saves time and money on labor costs during the actual installation of the bathtub. Without this pre-planned structure, plumbers would need to cut into walls and potentially cause damage to other areas of the bathroom in order to install the necessary pipes and drainage system. This can lead to delays in construction and added expenses.

Another important reason for having a tub box rough in is for future flexibility and convenience. While you may have your desired bathtub installed now, there may come a time when you want to upgrade or change it out for a different style or size. Having a pre-built tub box rough in makes this process much easier as all the necessary plumbing connections are already in place. This also allows for future renovations or repairs to be completed more efficiently without causing major disruptions to

My Buying Guide on ‘Tub Box Rough In’

As someone who has gone through the process of renovating my bathroom, I understand the importance of choosing the right tub box rough in for your project. It may seem like a small detail, but it can greatly affect the overall look and functionality of your bathroom. Here is my buying guide on tub box rough in to help you make an informed decision.

What is a Tub Box Rough In?

A tub box rough in is a pre-assembled structure that includes a support frame and a drain assembly for your bathtub. It is installed before tiling and acts as a base for your bathtub. This allows for easy access to plumbing and drainage systems in case of any repairs or maintenance.

Factors to Consider

Before purchasing a tub box rough in, there are a few factors that you should consider to ensure that you choose the right one for your project.

Size and Shape

The first thing you need to consider is the size and shape of your bathtub. The tub box rough in should be compatible with the dimensions of your bathtub to ensure a perfect fit. You also need to take into account any special features or designs of your bathtub, such as curved edges, which may require a custom-made tub box rough in.

Material

Tub box rough ins are typically made from either PVC or metal. PVC is lightweight, easy to install, and resistant to corrosion. However, metal options tend to be sturdier and more durable. Consider the pros and cons of each material before making your decision.

Drain Location

The location of the drain on your bathtub will play a significant role in determining which tub box rough in will work best for you. Make sure to measure the distance between the drain hole on your tub and the floor so that you can choose a compatible option.

Compatibility with Plumbing System

It’s essential to check if the tub box rough in you are considering is compatible with your plumbing system. Some models may not work with certain types of pipes or drains, so it’s crucial to do some research beforehand.

Benefits of Using Tub Box Rough In

Using a tub box rough in offers several benefits that make it worth considering for your bathroom renovation project.

  • Easy Access: As mentioned earlier, having a pre-installed structure allows for easier access to plumbing systems without having to remove tiles.
  • Easier Installation: Installing a tub box rough in before tiling means that once tiling is done, all that’s left is connecting plumbing fixtures.
  • Increase Durability: A sturdy support frame provides additional support for your bathtub, making it more durable.
  • Avoid Leaks: A properly installed tub box rough in helps prevent leaks by ensuring proper alignment between pipes and drains.

Conclusion

Choosing the right tub box rough in is an essential step when renovating your bathroom. By considering factors such as size, material, drain location, and compatibility with plumbing systems, you can ensure that you select the perfect option for your project’s needs. Additionally, using a tub box rough in offers numerous benefits such as easier installation and increased durability. I hope this buying guide has been helpful in guiding you towards making an informed decision on choosing the right tub box rough in for your bathroom renovation project.

Author Profile

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Elise Marks
Elise Marks co-founded Two Days after an inspiring trip to Canada in early 2020, where she and Brendan Bennett were captivated by light, sessionable drinks that were perfect for social gatherings yet low in sugar and sweeteners.

Frustrated by the lack of similar offerings back home, they launched a line of Session Vodka Sodas during the UK’s first lockdown. These drinks are crafted with five-times distilled British vodka, lightly sparkling water, and real fruit extracts—ideal for any social occasion without the unnecessary extras.

From 2024, Elise Marks has embarked on a new journey as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Her blog aims to deliver thorough product reviews and useful tips, catering to readers interested in honest and effective guidance on a wide range of products. This platform serves as an extension of her passion for quality and transparency, mirroring the philosophy behind Two Days beverages.