alcove tub without apron

6 years ago

Hi! I am in the midst of my first every renovation of my first ever home, and looking for some guidance! In our basement bathroom, there will be a separate bathtub and shower. The tub I’m looking for has so far been challenging to find even when I visit showrooms. We’d like an alcove tub with tiling flange, and no apron. Must be no more than 60” long, but could be between 30-32” wide, and ideally 20” deep. My preference is for a modern look: rectangular without apron rests, texture etc. The tricky bit seems to be that no one has tubs with the optional apron and I desperately want to tile the front. I’ve attached a photo very similar to what I’m imagining with the same configuration of tub & shower (though probably a rectangle not oval tub). People treat me like I’m asking for something impossible - but I know this must exist as I’ve seen lots of tiled front tubs! In our case, keeping the price low is important (ideally under $1000 CAD) which I know presents a bit of a barrier - but tubs I like that have an apron seem very inexpensive! Anyway leads are very welcome! Would love to know if I’m being unreasonable in my desire and where I can look to try to fill it!

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Debbi Washburn

3 years ago

@B G - The Archer tub in my picture has an integrated tiling flange. This gives you the ability to install it like a regular tub would. You can then install a removable apron or do a tile apron in the front. You would then use a shower curtain or glass doors just like a regular tub. What you don't get with this tub, is the deck that runs all around the 3 walls

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Comments (27)

PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
6 years ago
Why not simply do a drop-in tub and have your contractor frame out the box for tiling? Duravit makes a 55" drop in that would likely work.
Shifra Cooper
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks Sabrina! There are some concerns about waterproofing with the drop in tub, because of how the overlap with the shower is designed, so our contractor recommended against it.
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Wow, $500 extra for the apron is not what I paid ! I live in Southern California and was quoted $1,000 for the whole tub/shower combo job. I have a tile front apron tub but I chose the Kohler Hourglass tub which is 60 x 32 x 20 for the 3-wall alcove install and the grandkids love it. The apron is tiled with 1x1 green glass mosaic from Lowe's and the rest is white subways run vertically for a modern twist. I also ran the green glass mosaic around every corner like a picture frame and cut one wall down to a 4 ft. pony wall. I still need to have a glass splash wall installed to allow more light into the tiny secondary bath. I love the posted pictures of the gorgeous tiled apron front tubs ! They look so custom and much prettier than the ordinary solid surface tubs with no personality.
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@marshallv73 The potential of a post-tensioned slab construction probaby varies from place to place and era of build, but our 1980s-era residential neighborhood contains many houses with post-tensioned slabs with no markings or warnings readily visible on the slab or anywhere else within the house. If erosion has occurred around the slab, you will be able to see the cables. It is recommended to use x-ray or preferably the newer ground-penetrating radar (GPR) services to determine the location of the posts prior to doing any foundation work. A layer of 2" of concrete is required to cover the posts at the surface, so you can't drill down too far without possibly hitting a cable, and once even a thread on a post is fractured, you'll be dealing with problems. Work can be done, but the slab must be removed from around the cables. The cost simply isn't worth it for most homeowners unless it is a non-optional choice for some repair situation. Hopefully you wouldn't have a post-tensioned slab so this wouldn't be a concern for you, but it would pay to confirm before authorizing any drilling.
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Awesome, thank you! This also lines up with what I have seen. Just in case anyone else comes across this looking for the same thing: -The Kohler "tea for two" tub works, but is pricier.- However, note the depth is at 24" . Might be a challenge to step over all the time if you are using as a shower most often. -Kohler Mariposa works! Has some different size choices, but the hourglass shape is a little less sleek than the MAAX line. So it will depend on your aesthetic preferences -MAAX models have a short depth at 18", and a more minimalist look
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Re: Is it normal for the tub then to reset and the gap close once the water is gone? Yes, if the tub is caulked without water weight in the tub. Your tub likely has incomplete support under it. This allows the tub to flex under load. Some tubs have a flat surface foam applied to the tub bottom that is meant to sit flat on the subfloor. I rarely have seen them sit totally flat, so there will be some flex under load. The installation instructions generally say the tub needs complete support underneath. Some plumbers place wet mortar in several spots underneath when setting the tub, this may be fine or may leave some areas lacking support. Our old house had a poorly placed shower tub and I could feel it flex whenever I stepped into it, eventually a cracked started in a corner. I'm finishing a bathroom in our current house and I went overkill on supporting the tub: I mounted a rectangular 2x2 frame slightly larger than the tub bottom to the floor. I completely filled the 2x2 frame with wet mortar and set the tub into place, then added several hundred pounds of softener salt (in bags) into the tub to fully seat the tub down to the floor. This squished mortar up and over the frame, but I was now sure the tub bottom was in 100% contact with the mortar. Only then did I fasten the tub rim to the framing. Then I let it set for several days to cure. The tub bottom is SOLID! Zero flex to it. I had done the same previously to our two showers as well. Solid!
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Shifra Cooper
Original Author
6 years ago
Oh this might help: Here is an early mock up he made - the dimensions of the benching at the back got reduced so the tub length is inaccurate, but this shows the slight overlap of tub and shower - where waterproofing is a concern
PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
6 years ago
I don't see how the overlap is a waterproofing issue; bathrooms are designed like this all the time. He just has to leave enough room for the waterproof substrate all around.
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
No real contractor would have an issue with that as long as it was properly section detailed by a real designer. Someone has to know the big picture of how the puzzle piec s fit though. And it’s concerning that you have neither a designer nor a contractor with a clue. You need to hire different Pros.
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
your contractor is not the ONE. Youve just got a warning of what may come so pay close attention. And your CAD budget is not going to get you to the quality level youll need im guessing you mean just the tub cost itself..
Kelly
6 years ago
I think you need to go to a kitchen and bath showroom. This is not at all uncommon. They will be able to show you ones that fit your space and the tub will come with all the specs for your contractor to do the build out.
Shifra Cooper
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi again - I appreciate all your support, insight and advice.

I should have also clarified though in my previous posts that it is my genuine preference to have the tiled-apron alcove tub, not a drop in (though I agree that the advice against the drop in may be slightly off and I know that that is a possible solution): the space is small and I’d prefer not to lose space to the frame; an alcove really will feel more elegant I think.

What’s been weird when I visited showrooms this week is that the salespeople seem so discouraging that the alcove without apron is so hard to find - when I know it’s not such an uncommon thing? so I’m hoping I can do some research of available products myself and point everyone towards it. Maybe I should be looking in catalogues? Is there an affordable brand anyone would recommend?

And yes, budget is pre-installation costs, which are already in the renovation budget.

Thanks everyone I so appreciate your help - I’m learning a lot!
User
6 years ago
Your budget is your real killer. You can’t find what you want at that price. And the renovation will not be cheap either. Better check your overall scope. You’re in for a 40-60K project here.
PRO
Hibou Design & Co.
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
We bought this a few years back for under $1000 http://www.sherlic.com/fr/produits/bain-quad.html

60" x 31" with optional apron
partim
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Is this what you are looking for? The foot end of the the tub is the same. If so I can try to see what kind it is and where we bought it, but it was about 15 years ago. In Canada. It wasn't expensive. It does have arm rests.
anjiz
6 years ago
Hi Shifra, see if this meets your requirements? Used this tub in alcove setting in a new build and love it. It does have a subtle non -skid bottom though...... Kohler K-1946. $579.90 at www.build.com
User
6 years ago
If it's not a tub shower, you don't need an alcove tub. You need a drop in. Waterproofing the deck shower wall interface isn't difficult. You may have the wrong contractor involved though.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
There is areason why , this requires a drop in tub what is your problem with a drop in IMO it works better for what you want than trying to jerry rig something that does not work.BTW get new contractor if they have no idea about waterproofing you are already in trouble.This is a basement bathroom do you really need separate tub and shower , why not solve the whole thing by just doing a tub/ shower unit tile where you want tile.
User
6 years ago
^Exactly. A tiny terrible shower plus a small tiny tub is NOT an improvement over just a nice tub shower setup. Which would also be eons cheaper.
Deborah Francine
6 years ago
I was told that an alcove tub should be used when a installing a tub/shower combo. You can order one with NO apron which allows you to tile face of the tub.
New Home Owner
5 years ago
Hello - I know this is an older post but I am having the exact same issue. Did you ever find a resolution? For everyone who said it is the contractor, it isn't. These tubs are very hard to find in a reasonable price point. And it seems silly because you are asking for less material. Just need a standard alcove tub with no apron! I feel your pain Shifra. Please let me know how you resolved.
Kim Bevard
5 years ago
I am planning renovating an hall bath with an alcove tub that I can tile the front of. The salesperson at the kitchen and bath store told me that the Kohler Archer series has an alcove tub without the front apron so you can tile the front. I didn't get the part number but when I looked on the Kohler website they do have one.
PRO
Debbi Washburn
5 years ago
Easy - Kohler Archer...

What I think was confusing everyone is the fact that this is basically a drop in tub with an integrated tiling flange. It installs the same way as a drop in tub does - there just isn't any sort of decking exposed.

You can order any drop in tub you want and get the tiling flange and it will do the same thing.

Good luck!
New Home Owner
5 years ago
We had to go with the Koehler mariposa. They actually couldn’t do it in the archer in 6’
moebus
5 years ago
Found a 60x30 rectangular alcove tub with tile flanges and no apron made specifically for tiling the front. Fits my requirements perfectly.

Mirolin Aura BO63L/R List is C$940 for soaker version, more for whirlpool
Inna Maz
3 years ago
Hi all,

I know this is somewhat of an older thread but I’m struggling with this issue now too. Would the tubs above work for a tub shower combo? What if I wanted to tile the top rim of the tub too and not just the apron? Could I still do that with those tubs or what type of tub should I be looking for?
lauren powell
3 years ago
K-1946-L-0
B G
3 years ago
@Debbi Washburn, Can the Archer be used for tub shower you think? I was under the impression only an alcove tub should be used when a installing a tub/shower combo.
anjiz
3 years ago
Agree with Debbi, we have this tub in our boys’ bathroom and it functions perfectly as a shower as well. Very comfortable to soak in and the non-skid bottom feels safe to stand on while showering.
B G
3 years ago
Thankyou, @Debbi Washburn and @anjiz. I will go ahead and order that.

alcove tub without apron

Debbi Washburn

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Sabrina Alfin Interiors

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alcove tub without apron

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