[Startingover]

Existing tub in guest bath is only 10” deep to the runoff drain. (14” outside to floor). I’d love a deeper tub.

My ceramic tile is small beige. Not fond of them but good condition so to save money assume they still could be used except for near where old tub is torn out?

Doorway is only 24” wide. So if I didnt choose a tub over about 22” it would work, right!

Maybe for such a slight bit of difference its not worth while?

The 2nd bathroom door is same size. Looks like 23”. Theres no tub but a tub size shower. This shower backs up to the garage so a wall could be busted out to get a tub in but i think that would go over my budget.

 

[Startingover]

How many inches are gained by removing door trim?

 

[Colbyt]

Figure 1.5-2" and the 2 is real iffy.


They larger problem is getting the tub into place, the handling and the turning.


The chances of saving and reusing the wall tile are fairly low.

 

[huesmann]

I don't think you'll find it so easy to even locate a tub that's 24" high. Find the tub you want, then worry about getting it in the door. If the tallest tub you can find is 22" you have no problem.

 

[Startingover]

This turned into a bigger decision. What are average but good tubs made of? I think when I was pricing and thought I could afford it I was looking at cheap tubs. Plus, I read some are harder to clean than others.

Current one is solid. Im going to try a magnet on the side to see if it sticks. I rented once and the tub creaked when I stood in it.

I think I need to review soaking tubs. But the more I check the more I think this will be over my budget for now.

There was a new home for sale nearby over 200,000. The tub an shower surround looked shiny and cheap like it was a one piece drop in thing.

 

[Colbyt]

Older tubs that were solid were made of cast iron. Magnet won't stick.
Cheaper older tubs were enamel coated steel. Magnet will stick.


Cast iron tubs are often broken into pieces with a sledge hammer to remove them as they weigh about 300 pounds.



In the 70's I think, Tubs were made of acrylic material at all different price points. No magnet.


Fiberglass reinforced is another name for some of the better acrylic tubs.



Our 90's MBR tub is cultured marble. Guest is acrylic.



Modern tubs may be made out of any of the above though I don't recall seeing steel lately. HD still sells them. PVC tubs are now an option.



Chances are that you would never be able to maneuver a cast iron tub into place with out a complete gut of the bath because of the weight.


I have used medium quality acrylic tubs on all my remodels for the last 35 years in my previous home and in rental units.

 

[huesmann]

In what universe do you live where a magnet not stick to cast iron?

Anyway, all tubs should have a mortar (or other material of your choice) bed, but composite tubs need a much better job to keep them from creaking and eventually cracking. If you get a composite tub, consider filling in the walls underneath with some kind of insulation (maybe spray foam) to give it a less hollow and flimsy feel.

 

[Calson]

A number of options for soaking tubs but if space is limited the Kohler K-1490 tub is a good one to consider. It is 48" long and 32" wide and 23-3/8 inches deep. Water depth for bathing is 10" greater than for a standard bathtub. It is made to be installed with a wood frame surround that can be tiled and provides flat space for bath items so they do not have to sit on the floor.

It is less than 24" deep and it is made from acrylic and relatively light with a weight of only 60 lbs and so easy to carry through a standard doorway as it needs only 24 inches of doorway width.

It sits on a mortar bed that conforms to the shape of the bottom and the tub is filled with water and left to sit overnight to allow the special bedding mortar to set.

 

[Nealtw]

Figure 1.5-2" and the 2 is real iffy.


They larger problem is getting the tub into place, the handling and the turning.


The chances of saving and reusing the wall tile are fairly low.

rough opening is slab plus 2" :smile:

 

[huesmann]

A number of options for soaking tubs but if space is limited the Kohler K-1490 tub is a good one to consider. It is 48" long and 32" wide and 23-3/8 inches deep. Water depth for bathing is 10" greater than for a standard bathtub. It is made to be installed with a wood frame surround that can be tiled and provides flat space for bath items so they do not have to sit on the floor.

It is less than 24" deep and it is made from acrylic and relatively light with a weight of only 60 lbs and so easy to carry through a standard doorway as it needs only 24 inches of doorway width.

Note that a 24" doorway may not have clear 24" through it because of the door stop on each side. Although you might get luck and the two stops might be less than 5/8" total.

 

[Calson]

Door stops are usually made of wood that is nailed to the framing and this takes seconds to remove and it need be done only on one side. I think about what I want when the project is completed as that provides perspective when evaluating the "degree of effort".

I wanted a 42x48 inch triple pane window in my bathroom and it was 12 feet above the ground and too heavy to carry up a ladder. I got scaffolding installed so workers could stand at the same height as the bathroom floor and safely install the window with its 6 week order lead time.

I knew I would be going into the bathroom for the rest of my life and seeing through that window and anyone using the soaking tub would also be enjoying the view. The scaffolding cost was trivial in the overall scheme of things. But the perspective does require more than a little real world construction experience.