rec for new bath tub

RustyShackleford · Oct 16, 2014

I'd like to replace the scuzzy one piece bathtub/shower unit in one of my bathrooms with a nicer tub and a tile surround. Not a jacuzzi tub - having heard that sub-$1000 ones are junk and if spending more, maybe just do an outside hot tub.

Anyhow, I'm trying to pick out a bathtub. I gather that acrylic is the best all-round material. The space will allow 32x60". So I'm looking for specific recommendations. Other than good quality, the main thing is to optimize the amount of actual bathing space given the specified outside footprint.

Also, liking the idea of a "frameless" door, like:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_412427-9536...L=?Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar|1&facetInfo=

... but can't figure out what keeps water from leaking out between the bottom of the door and the top of the tub (since there is no frame).

Thanks.

bsruther · Oct 16, 2014

When I did my basement bathroom, I installed a tub and surround that was less than $1000. It rarely gets used, but it seems to be well built. I think the most important part of installing the non cast iron tubs is to be sure that the tub is well supported underneath and doesn't flex at all when you stand in it.

I removed the tub and built a tile shower upstairs and installed this frameless door.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_635862-2846..._dollar|1&page=1&facetInfo=3/8-in|Clear glass
It's not a swing door like the one you're looking at, but one of the things we really like about the frameless is how easy it is to keep clean. We squeegee it off every time we're done taking a shower and we can go for about 3 months without giving the glass a thorough cleaning.

semipro · Oct 16, 2014

Have a look at the Sterling Accord line. I just installed one of their shower bases and was impressed with the quality for the money especially after seeing the alternatives.
http://sterlingplumbing.com/whats-new/accord-bath-shower?id=SP0209
You don't have to use their shower surround with the tub so you can do tile or something else instead.

RustyShackleford · Oct 17, 2014

Hmm, yes, the Vikrell looks like it's a superior material. Some sites said it's exclusive to Kohler, but Sterling looks like a separate company. Not sure why you say to use their Accord line though, as I just want a tub (since the surround will be done with tile).

semipro · Oct 17, 2014

RustyShackleford said:
Hmm, yes, the Vikrell looks like it's a superior material. Some sites said it's exclusive to Kohler, but Sterling looks like a separate company. Not sure why you say to use their Accord line though, as I just want a tub (since the surround will be done with tile).

Sterling is a subsidiary of Kohler.
It appeared to me that the Accord line included tubs. Yes, the photos at the link show optional accompanying surrounds but as I said you can surround the tub with tile instead.

RustyShackleford · Oct 20, 2014

So is this Vikrell material only available in Sterling, or does "regular" Kohler stuff use it too ?

semipro · Oct 20, 2014

RustyShackleford said:
So is this Vikrell material only available in Sterling, or does "regular" Kohler stuff use it too ?

I don't know . I just know the shower pan we bought was well made and had great bottom support where a grout bed wasn't needed under it.
We've had 2 different tubs at two different houses crack on the bottom because they weren't either strong enough or supported well enough. (and we're not big people).

xman23 · Oct 23, 2014

If you need to keep the all the fixtures the same color, It's best to get it all from one manufacture. Mine was not white so we did all Kohler.

I filled under the tub with concrete. You would think it's a cast iron tub.

RustyShackleford · Oct 25, 2014

semipro said:
Have a look at the Sterling Accord line. I just installed one of their shower bases and was impressed with the quality for the money especially after seeing the alternatives.
http://sterlingplumbing.com/whats-new/accord-bath-shower?id=SP0209
You don't have to use their shower surround with the tub so you can do tile or something else instead.

Started looking around for where to buy one of these Sterling tubs, and it turns out Lowe's has them. The line for a basic tub line is called Ensemble; I looked at the reviews, and they are dreadful. But, at least one guy said he bought this based on the high quality of an Accord unit he has used earlier (agreeing with semipro's rec above). At Sterling's site there doesn't seem to be any such thing as an Accord tub-only. But it sounds like you're saying I can just toss the surround is made from pieces separate from the tub, and I just toss those and use tile instead. But then at Lowe's site, there DOES seem to be an Accord tub. (Edit: Actually, when I look at the "spec sheet" download at Sterling's site, it lists a separate part number for "tub only". So you were right all along. I blame Sterling for the confusion though, because when you click "browse all bathtubs" at their website, the Accord does not come up).

RustyShackleford · Nov 10, 2014

I went to a Kohler "showroom" and saw this type of alcove tub that I was unaware of - a "bow front" design:

http://www.us.kohler.com/us/Expanse...rch&hash=id=filters&startIndex=40&scrollTop=0

I'm thinking it's the way to go, because it can be mounted in my alcove that's only 35" deep (so only allow a 32" wide regular alcove tub) but then bulges out to 38" wide in the center to give a more spacious bathing well. Also, more interesting-looking.

I don't think anyone but Kohler makes these, but not sure.

I'm alos leaning away from any kind of shower door, and towards a curtain. I'm told the doors get scuzzy, and they're EXPENSIVE (I believe the one I linked above was more than this relatively-expensive tub). And I think the new curved shower rods work nicely with this bow-front tub.

firefighterjake · Nov 10, 2014

RustyShackleford said:
I went to a Kohler "showroom" and saw this type of alcove tub that I was unaware of - a "bow front" design:

http://www.us.kohler.com/us/Expanse-60-x-32-38-alcove-bath-with-curved-integral-apron-and-right-hand-drain/productDetail/Baths/427502.htm?skuId=406197&brandId=429324&isSeachPage=true&pageName=globalSearch&hash=id=filters&startIndex=40&scrollTop=0

I'm thinking it's the way to go, because it can be mounted in my alcove that's only 35" deep (so only allow a 32" wide regular alcove tub) but then bulges out to 38" wide in the center to give a more spacious bathing well. Also, more interesting-looking.

I don't think anyone but Kohler makes these, but not sure.

I'm alos leaning away from any kind of shower door, and towards a curtain. I'm told the doors get scuzzy, and they're EXPENSIVE (I believe the one I linked above was more than this relatively-expensive tub). And I think the new curved shower rods work nicely with this bow-front tub.

I always liked the glass doors we had on our shower/tub . . . kept them clean but we always had to use CLR, Lime-Away, etc. due to hard water deposits. At some point my wife wanted to go with the curtain so they came down . . . and I was a bit shocked with the gunk that had built up in spots that we could not access to clean.

semipro · Nov 10, 2014

We plan to use frameless glass doors but I can't see those working well with a curved front tub.
The new curved shower rods would work well with the tub you've linked.

RustyShackleford · Nov 10, 2014

semipro said:
The new curved shower rods would work well with the tub you've linked.

Yeah, exactly. I guess the main thing I'm asking is, does anyone know of any curved front alcove-type tubs besides the Kohler one I linked ?

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rec for new bath tub

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