I’ve been looking for a 54″ bathtub for a small bathroom space. I see that Kohler has a cast iron model in 54 x 30, Eljer has a 54 x 30 in stamped steel and Crane a fiberglass unit in the same size. I was hoping to find a high quality acrylic unit, but no luck so far. I just need a plain tub, no jets or anything fancy like that. In this case the tub is going to sit on a concrete floor so I’m a bit leary of the cast iron or the sheetmetal because I think they’ll be too cold here in our wintery climate. Although, a sheetmetal tub with an insulated backside might be good. The fiberglass unit from Crane has a gelcoat finish which I am skeptical about. As if I wasn’t being picky enough, I’d like also like to find my dream tub in a width of about 34″. Anybody got any ideas? — Matt
There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root. — Henry David Thoreau
Replies
If you go to a plumbing supply house that belongs to a buyers group you can order from about anyone. In fiberglass you can have modifications made by special order. If a long lasting finish and quality are the issue then the cast iron is the way to go IMHO.
Just go with cast, and lay it in a bed of sprayed foam to insulate it. I have also blown cellulose around them. The only issue when this is done is not the cold but if you get the water setting to hot initially it takes a fair amount of time for the surface to cool down. 34" wide I think you will be out of luck without a custom unit. DanT
Had to install one last year, and used this:
http://www.maax.com/en/Products/ProductInfo.aspx?CodeCategory=B&Brand=13&ProductType=1&Product=1119
It was just Aker Platics then, but it looks as though it has been bought out by Maax.
http://www.aquaglass.com/
http://www.lascobathware.com/index.htm
http://www.sterlingplumbing.com/
Hunt here.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time