That's an awesome bath tub -- we were going to go with the 6ft model but it's just too heavy (and expensive). Installing one of Kohler's 5ft tubs years ago that weighs 300lb was more than enough for me, thank you!

Go to Kohler's web site http://www.kohlerco.com/ and look up your tub. Click the For Installer and Designers tab and then choose the Installation Instructions link to see how it can be installed. It appears that you can install it in many different ways.

I plan on getting that exact tub. I just did a search to see how other people felt about theirs and here was your post! I fell in love with it when I laid in it at the showroom. I had a 66" area on the paper plans for a tub. I want a 66" tub. (A 60" tub is just too small to be useable for me and we're going through a lot of this addition/remodel just to have a separate, nice tub the master.)

I told my GC the tub I wanted, and he said it HAD to have a tub deck around it. You need someplace to put the faucet and whatever other structural issues. (And remember, since it is a two-person tub, you can't put the faucet centered at the short end.) The minimum for a tub deck is 3" on each side. Therefore, because I now really love this tub, we are going to bump out the addition another 6" so I can get a 3" deck on each side.

I can't wait for my new tub!!

I just pulled the tub specs up from Kohler's website and the installation guide showed an alcove drawing as well as a tub deck drawing. I called Kohler to ask about it. The very nice gentleman there said it CAN be installed as a alcove (3 wall) or corner (2 wall). If you're going to use the tub as a shower also, you need some special tile flange-thingy for water tightness, but that shouldn't be a problem. I'm using mine for a tub only. Faucet placement for a tub only install include wall mounted or floor mounted. If you're DIY'ing it, the people at Kohler seem very helpful. Keep in mind, this tub weighs 440 lbs!!!!! Apparently it needs a beefed up floor.

I still think I'm going to go for the tub deck since this is just a tub for me and I want all the grandeur of a TUB. You know, a place for the candle, my wine glass, etc.

Good luck!

I'm giving up my big Kohler tub in a deck (but it's to trade up from a veeeerrrrrry small shower so it's worth it for us). I do mourn the loss of the deck -- so convenient for placing your towel at the end, soap dish and razor, yes, but also I have a lovely basket with all my yummy bath supplies, etc. A deck is a beautiful thing if you've got space for it!

Hi. We put in a 5.5 Tea for Two without a deck. It does have a shelf at one end, only because we had the space, but I wanted the clean sleek lines of no deck. It is also a shower, which our three girls use. We got the alcove model, with a left-hand drain. The faucets come out of the wall, so a contractor is wrong when he says you need a deck for that reason. We love the tub and the set-up. It totally works for us and doesn't look so bulky in there.

Hope this helps.

Hap

If you are putting the tub going the width of the bathroom 5'5" - I would double check that can be done - There is virtually no margin there - I would be leary of spending over $2k for a tub, weighing in 440#'s to find it is not going to fit in the specified spot

Good luck

Here is a link that might be useful: specs

The only tub type that is suited to being used as a tub/shower combo is one with an integral tile flange. All else are moldy water damages waiting to happen.

If the tub doesn't have a tile flange, then it's a drop in tub that is designed to be a soaker tub only with a deck, not for a tub shower situation. And, soaker tubs with decks aren't suitable for shower usage either.

It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when the water damage will occur if you use an unsuitable tub for a tub/shower.

I have the tub sitting in my framed out master bathroom. It is one heavy big monster.

got it to the second floor with a lift and 4 guys. having lifted it out of the pickup with 3 other guys, I can tell you, its freakin heavy.

we're doing it just as a soaker, Livewire is right about flanges, if you don't have a flange, you can't shower in it. I would warn you, it is very tall for a tub, I don't think I'd like to shower in it regularly, but for a guest, it should be OK, as long as they're stable.

Live wire oak: The Tea for Two is available with integral tile flange. See the link below for the 'Tea-for-Two� 5.5' bath with integral tile flange and left-hand drain,'' which is what I have.

http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=6840502&section=2&category=10

Did you get it installed, Hapahaole? I would love to see pics from you or anyone else that has used the alcove version.