Step 5 · Expose Tub Nailing Flange

This is the step most people slow down on. Take it one move at a time — there’s no rush, and you can rewind the clip as many times as you need.

To completely free the tub, the wall material covering the tub's nailing flange must be removed. This typically means removing tile and backer board for about 6-8 inches above the tub deck around all three sides of the alcove. Use a hammer and chisel or a small pry bar to carefully chip away the tiles. Once the tile is gone, cut through the drywall or cement backer board with a utility knife or reciprocating saw to expose the wall studs and the tub's nailing flange, which is a lip that extends up onto the studs.