Many bathtubs are in the 19"-20" range at the bottom for a standard 60" long tub. I would personally not use these tubs for your application. Their beauty is in the fact they are a soaking tub, this is what they are. The angle towards the center can be an issue for little kids trying to step over the top and then getting foot placement over the slope to the flat interior area. And I would NEVER install alcove a tub without an integral tiling flange. I am just too picky regarding water damage. When you have personally experienced a bad install with water issues, your perspective becomes different. I would not "cut" back the edge of the tub to make it smaller either. I would search for something else, there are many brands and options that would be better for you and are made as a true shower/tub.

Ditto. Although beautiful baths, this is "NO GO" with no tile flange. I would not rely on a caulked edge for water protection. A tile flange provides 2 levels of protection; 1) The mechanical barrier the flange provides which is totally key for water infiltration behind the wall, and 2)Caulking.

Thanks for your input. I am asking the GC on Monday more about this, as they never raised it as a huge issue even though I asked about the MTI stating on its website that it was not suitable for a tub/shower combo.

MTI also has this tub, the Audrey, which on their product page they say IS suitable for a tub/shower combo. But I can't find any specific reference to an integral tile flange. Can I assume that if they say it is suitable, that it has one?

(Sorry I can't link to the product pages on their site, so this link is to the enlarged image).

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:1465175}}

atsmith,
I have read all the warnings against installing this type of tub and I am doing it anyway. Please let me know what your contractor says about it.
Donna

Some tub companys sell an "add-on" flange you place along the edgess with adhesive, which is garbage in my own opinion. Why would you even consider this installation if the manufacturer even says it is not suitable? You should call the manufacturer and discuss. I am hearing on these posts so many contractors have no clue, so you need to do your research and make the decision and direct the contractor accordingly.

" I have read all the warnings against installing this type of tub and I am doing it anyway."

that is a terrible idea donna. I guess it would be kind of like reading all the research linking smoking to lung cancer (not just the warnings, but the actual research) and then deciding to go ahead and try it anyway

"they never raised it as a huge issue even though I asked about the MTI stating on its website that it was not suitable for a tub/shower combo"

the contractor sounds like they will do whatever you want so long as they get your money. If the manufacturor says it is not suitable DO NOT DO IT!

Yes, I have moved past the tub where they say it is not suitable, and am considering the Audrey by MTI, linked in my last post. This one they DO say is suitable as a shower/tub, but it also does not have an integral tile flange. It does have an option for a factory installed 3 sided tile flange, however, and I am waiting for word from them on if they still fully warranty this tile flange. It seems to me that if it carries the same warranty as an integral flange, it isn't a ridiculous thing to consider (they also sell a site-installed flange, which costs less - I am hoping paying a little more for factory installed gets you a warranty but am waiting to hear).

The reason I am considering such tubs is because I have not found any tubs that are true alcove tubs in the style that we like. They tend to be more traditional, and our house and design style is contemporary - everything I have found seems to be influenced by crown moulding, with ridges and other elaborations that don't mesh with modern design. Unfortunately, the traditional styles are more mainstream and easier to find materials for - to do contemporary, you often either have to pay sky high prices or get creative using things in ways that are other than they were intended, but still work. . .nothing wrong with that, I don't think, as long as you manage your risks. . .such problem solving is fun, when you get to workable solutions (and extremely frustrating if you don't and have to make compromises that make you unhappy).

However, if anyone has any of the "appropriate" tubs in a very simple, modern design that are not more than 60", I would love some more ideas, so please pass them along.

Donna -

The contractor agrees that if the only barrier is a silicone bead, and the tub sides are not at all sloped to run water off into the tub, that it is risky - their words are "you are asking the silicone to do a lot of work". But they do not dismiss the factory installed flanges (not integral) out of hand and are going to talk to the manufacturer (MTI) about what factory installed means in their case, and will give me a recommendation based on that. I will let you know what more I find out.

Can I ask which tub you are planning on installing?

sid_79,
How can you compare installing a tub without a tile flange to smoking cigarettes? I called Porcher and they said I could install a universal tile flange. My contractor has been in business for many years and I have used him twice before this project. I know that it is not ideal but as I said I will deal with it.
Here is the same tub installed ten years ago.

atsmith,
Tea For Two by Kohler has a tile flange.
Donna