Not too late at all-- we have not even broken ground yet, I am just trying to get all the decisions made, or at least narrowed down, as soon as I can. I'm glad to hear you like the Andrea, and that you found the 60 x 32 to be comfortable. That is the one I have tentatively decided on, even though I haven't found one to sit in. I looked really carefully at the specs and it seems the closest in back slope and arm rests to the tub I have now, even though this one is much longer. I do like the modern lines as well. Are you doing the drop-in or undermount? I guess if i do a tile deck, I'll have to do the drop-in, but it should look fine. (You are so right, a lot of the modern sleek-looking tubs have way to straight of a back for me.)

Bmh--I'm glad you brought this subject up. After R8 mentioned under mounting tubs, I did a google search for the undermount Tea for Two by Kohler (which is a tub I like) and found some cool pics. It hadn't occurred to me to undermount a tub. I have the Kohler Ironworks in this house and it is 66" which is as long as I could go with my space and still have adequate decking. Frankly, 66" is too short for a tall man and my dh does occasionally like to bathe. It is almost perfect for me...average height and very comfortable. I actually could have gotten a longer tub and undermounted it ( she says as she pops herself on the head). The Tea for Two is 72" and although this is not my style this is a pic of it undercounted. Nice. I would not be afraid to undermount because of germs or crud. Here's a pic of my Ironworks which is 66" . These are both Cast Iron tubs and can be purchased cheaper than the Price on the Kohler website. The floor has to be built differently under these tubs according to my builder. On my tub, I used a panel on the front that matches my cabinetry. Just another option besides tile to consider. I also love the freestanding tubs. Would love to see a pic of yours Nini.

An undermount is much easier to sit on the ledge and swivel around to get in the tub. When you're naked, (or even if you're not!) it's just not that comfortable to sit on a ledge with a ridge in it that cuts into your legs or backside. Grab bars can be placed on the wall to the side of the tub entry at any point if you install the blocking needed in the walls before they are closed up. Be sure to place the Roman tub faucet on the deck appropriately to give you the room you need to enter and exit and still be able to reach it from the exterior. And be sure and get the option with the hand held sprayer to be able to actually clean the tub! It can work for rinsing shampoo out of the kids hair too, if you let them use your tub.

I like drop-in with a deck surround. That way you have a place to put things. DS has under-mount with deck surround. It's uncomfortable to lean your head back in that scenario because the deck (marble, granite, etc.) is poking you in the neck or head. With drop-in, your head will rest on the contour of the tub you choose. Also, depending on the size of your decking, you can lay a stack or towels there, sit down to put on shoes, etc. My friend has all kinds of pretty jars of bath salts, etc on hers. Mine's not so big, but I do put a pretty soap dish there, a small picture, candles, etc.