It's a matter or personal preference, you can do either. But it can sometimes dictated by how much wall space you have or the tub style that you have selected to install. If using a vertical bullnose to contain the subway, most people will take the bullnose and just use that down the outside edge of the tub.

OK, now I'll be an image pasting fool :) I wanted the bench at the end of the tub/shower for shaving legs, or maybe I just want to sit around with conditioner in my hair. I think something like this could work (though again, not sure if its alcove or other type of tub) [Contemporary Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2103) by Houston Interior Designers & Decorators Dena Brody, ASID, RID This is nice too (but doesn't look like alcove, looks like drop in and the deck/front looks like it would be $$$) [Traditional Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2107) by San Francisco General Contractors Cardea Building Co. Also love the modern look of these tubs [Contemporary Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2103) by Portland Kitchen & Bath Designers Kirstin Havnaer, Hearthstone Interior Design, LLC [Contemporary Bathroom[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2103) by Toronto Interior Designers & Decorators Toronto Interior Design Group : Yanic Simard

I have an Expanse and was going to recommend that, but it won't work for you. I just love the additional space. I also use it 99 percent of the time for showers, which was why I wanted a wider tub. I am so happy with it. The only downside is that it is hard to clean the far side of it because it's a long reach from outside the curve. I usually just get in the tub to clean it. That is a minor nit-pick. Good luck with your search.

Sorry I never closed the loop on this for so long. It all turned out well in the end. I did accommodate the 32 inches and went with the Kohler Highbridge. It was not a big deal for the workers to get it upstairs although that was something else I read about in terms of cast-iron being a negative. In the end, I’m very happy I went with the cast iron. It was a big learning curve but this tub worked well, I never did find a good solution if I had to go with 30 inches though.