Selecting a Bathtub

maryb · 02-20-2010, 01:30 PM

Getting ready to remodel our 1950's home guest/kids bathroom. Pulling all old out, down to the studs and putting all new in. The biggest question is what kind of tub to buy? WE are pulling out an old cast iron tub that the previous owner reglazed and the galzing is coming up.I want a true white tub, no deeper than 15". It fits into a three wall alcove. I have been to the two major home improvement stores, not a lot of options in the 13"-15" deep categories. Acrylic, americast, fiberglass? What is the best finish or brand to use?

Mop in Hand · 02-20-2010, 09:50 PM

I install and recommend Kohler Cast Iron for a basic bath. The fiberglass and acrylics get dull over a shorter period of time. HD carries a 14" cast for less than $400.00.

**oh'mike** · 02-20-2010, 10:03 PM

I second the Kohler Villager tub.

sdsester · 02-21-2010, 04:38 AM

Test drive first? When was the last time you got away for a weekend anyhow? You were saving up for Tahiti? The American Club in WI will let you try out just about anything the company makes. Stay in one of the habitat/immersion rooms if you can. Not bragging but it helped me "get some" once.

http://www.destinationkohler.com/hot...tac_index.html

Stay away from box store crap. Buy a decent tub or your decision will come back to haunt you. Buy decent plumbing fixtures too for the same reason.

Jim F · 03-04-2010, 07:26 PM

I am currently considering this myself. I have a Kohler cast iron upstairs. I understand they are very heavy though and wonder how difficult it would be for two DIYers to install this in an alcove considering the integral apron.
The only other alternative to fiberglass/acryllic seems to be a flimsy looking procelain over steel tub made by Crane plumbing.
I have read horror stories about the fiberglass and acryllic models, particularly Aquaglass. Can someone reccommend a good fiberglass model that won't crack after only 1-2 years?

Mop in Hand · 03-04-2010, 11:38 PM

If I had to recommend an acrylic, Lasco, maybe? The problem I've found (in addition to above) the size is not always the same. Some that I have installed have been as much as + - 1/2". Getting out an old cast is easy, use a BIG hammer and break it apart. Installing a new one can be trying, but worth the effort. Go slow.

02-20-2010, 01:30 PM	#1
maryb Newbie Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 1	Selecting a Bathtub Getting ready to remodel our 1950's home guest/kids bathroom. Pulling all old out, down to the studs and putting all new in. The biggest question is what kind of tub to buy? WE are pulling out an old cast iron tub that the previous owner reglazed and the galzing is coming up.I want a true white tub, no deeper than 15". It fits into a three wall alcove. I have been to the two major home improvement stores, not a lot of options in the 13"-15" deep categories. Acrylic, americast, fiberglass? What is the best finish or brand to use?

02-20-2010, 09:50 PM	#2
Mop in Hand Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 344	Selecting a Bathtub I install and recommend Kohler Cast Iron for a basic bath. The fiberglass and acrylics get dull over a shorter period of time. HD carries a 14" cast for less than $400.00. __________________ Work is for those who can not fish.

02-20-2010, 10:03 PM	#3
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,762	Selecting a Bathtub I second the Kohler Villager tub.

02-21-2010, 04:38 AM	#4
sdsester Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Chicago Posts: 8,923	Selecting a Bathtub Test drive first? When was the last time you got away for a weekend anyhow? You were saving up for Tahiti? The American Club in WI will let you try out just about anything the company makes. Stay in one of the habitat/immersion rooms if you can. Not bragging but it helped me "get some" once. http://www.destinationkohler.com/hot...tac_index.html Stay away from box store crap. Buy a decent tub or your decision will come back to haunt you. Buy decent plumbing fixtures too for the same reason. Last edited by sdsester; 02-21-2010 at 04:47 AM. Reason: Added URL

03-04-2010, 07:26 PM	#5
Jim F Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New York Posts: 1,571	Selecting a Bathtub I am currently considering this myself. I have a Kohler cast iron upstairs. I understand they are very heavy though and wonder how difficult it would be for two DIYers to install this in an alcove considering the integral apron. The only other alternative to fiberglass/acryllic seems to be a flimsy looking procelain over steel tub made by Crane plumbing. I have read horror stories about the fiberglass and acryllic models, particularly Aquaglass. Can someone reccommend a good fiberglass model that won't crack after only 1-2 years?

Selecting a Bathtub