I am installing a new tub and shower with tiles from floor (or tub) to ceiling. Would it make sense to have someone tile the top half of bathroom prior to installing tub? I’m afraid if ladders and such scratching the new fixtures.
Your concern over getting scratches on your fixtures is a valid concern. However, tilting the top half of the tub/shower, followed by the bottom seems like a bad idea. The wall boards on which the tile will be installed (hardibacker, dense shield, dura rock or whatever your contractor will use) run down over the top of your tub. Then the waterproofing system is applied over all the walls. If the tub is not installed until the end, this just throws everything out of order and means you will end up getting charged more. I would share your concerns with your contractor and make sure that he protects your tub properly. What I would recommend is that once the tub is installed, you cover the top and the apron with the cardboard that the tub came in. Then cut a piece of plywood/OSB that is the size of the tub and set it on top of the cardboard. This way the installer can set ladders on top of the OSB and not inside your tub. With a little extra care you will be able to keep that tub shiny and new. Good luck!
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