I am remodelling my bathroom and haven’t had much luck finding a tub and shower that I liked. Looked mostly at Kohler and American Standard. Yesterday I found a couple that I like by “Sterling”, which is evidently owned by Kohler.
Does anyone have comments on the quality of the Sterling line. They seem to be priced lower than the others and I don’t want to skimp on the important parts. I haven’t seen them in any showrooms.
thx.
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One of the threads has a post mentioning Sterling, which is how I found out about the brand.
You may do a search.
One of the largest apartment complexes in our area uses Sterling's three-piece surround and tub setup and replaces with the same as needed.
I know, or assume, that you are a clean person, but when's the last time you took a bath? we've decided in most restorations to ask that question. People seem to install bathtubs in bathrooms today because "that's the way it's always been done". The bathtub is probably the most unused device in the house, and besides, its downright dangerous to climb in and out of the tub, time and time again, just to take a shower. Use all the space available and build in a really cool curbless shower with nice stone or tile walls. The bucks you save by not putting in a tub can make a really cool bath.
I know (agree). except we have small children and the wife likes to soak. And then there is the resale question. Right now I am squeezing in both a shower and bath, tight fit.
Like me, you probably need to squeeze yourself into that tub after a hard days work.
There are reasons to have a tub:
Anyone with small children uses their tub regularly (one hopes!), so if your home is big enough to house a family, it should have a tub if you ever plan on children, grandchildren or selling your house. Plus, when you list the home for resale, it doesn't count as a full bathroom unless it has a tub, showers only count as 3/4 of a bathroom. So for resale value (that is how much the bank is willing to appraise it, not just how much somebody is willing to pay), a full bathroom is important.
I am trying to fit in a tub and shower in a limited space area. Wife insists on a "special" tub rather than the typical insert. She would like a 66 x 36 tub insert, already has it picked out. My question is, if you look at the attached diagram is 24-26 inches enough clearance between tub and shower? It looks tight but the tub area will only be 24 inches tall so I hope not a problem.
ps. It is a remodel and I am limited in where things can be located. Trying to avoid major plumbing.
Appreciate your comments...
DIY Subscriber.
Just remodeled a bath for a client. Took a sledge hammer to the cast iron tub and a hand sledge to the alcove wall tile. In its place I installed an Aker 2-piece unit consisting of the tub and 1-piece surround. The Aker seemed to be a good unit (it was the only tub I found that fit the 54" alcove.)
I've installed 3 and 5 piece surrounds, but the 1-piece was nice, and no worries about leaks. I had to go through the back wall to get it in, however, so make sure it fits before you order.
BTW, the Aker utilizes a sandwhich construction that includes either thin wood or corrogated cardboard to stiffen the unit. And it works; don't count on flexing the surround to squeeze it into the alcove, because deflection is very little.