hmmm - I checked the kohler site - the Maestro does say it can be installed in your application but the "vinyl tiling-in bead" - is what I'm not certain or familiar with... Is there a lip/glange on the tub? like the alcove type has or is the vinyl tiling in is what is keeping water from seeping back into the wall - If that is the only thing keeping it from getting back in - I'd prefer the alcove type w/flange - water sits on the edge of tubs I personally wouldn't want to rely on the vinyl. BTW - if you look at the specifications of tubs the Memoirs has nearly the same size basin as the Maestro Maestro basin 47" x21" 13" to overfill holds 55 gal Memoirs (alcove 5' model) 45x23 115/8 to overfill holds 52 gal In the 5'5" models you have tea for 2 or Kathryn both of which require nearly 2000lbs of floor support If you are a "Bather" DON'T get plastic - you will regret it - These tubs simply do not hold the heat. Here is a link that might be useful: kohler link

I have had cast iron tubs for my entire life until about 15 years ago when we moved into a home with a cultured marble tub. Never had a problem - ever - with cast iron, no chips or scratches and I always found it held the finish well. (At least the older tubs did, not sure about today's manufacturing processes.) The cultured marble however, as well as the high end acrylic tubs my kids have in their homes, have not held their shine as well. I also find they are so much harder to clean. Just think about how difficult it is to get something oily like spaghetti sauce out of a plastic container as opposed to how easy it is to wash it off a china plate. Bathtub rings are the same. I find it is easier to get them off the porcelain finish on cast iron than it is on the plastic like acrylic tubs. They are really pushing the lighter weight tubs as they are easier and cheaper to ship but my money is on cast iron. I just ordered a Cheviot tub for our MB.

If you go cast iron, order the tub early so it can be placed in the bathroom when the house is being framed up. Have the GC build a plywood box, a strong one, to cover it. They are a real problem when people wait until the place is framed and you try to carry them up stairs. They are heavy. I absolutely prefer CI to acrylic. As previously pointed out you do have issues with the mass of the tub. If you maintain 70* in the house the tub will reach that 70 degrees and sit there until you fill it with hot water. The tub will then absorb whatever heat it needs to get up to the new equilibrium temp of around 105*, your max bath temp. It takes some energy to do this and you have to be prepared to replace that energy, or you end up taking a lot of short baths, which is REALLY annoying when you get a soaking tub. When I was in the business I used to run a 4' loop of hot water baseboard element below/behind the tub. It would turn the CI tub into a radiant heater and provide rely nice bathroom temps. In fact, it could get hot in the bathroom. You could do this if you are using a boiler for your space heating. Coupled with a radiant floor, you have a nice package. In our almost finished re-model I installed a Victoria Albert Asia model tub. It is a cast limestone product and I had one in my previous home as well. It has much the appearance of CI without the weight and mass. They are worth looking at. To feed the tub I use a tankless water heater. I have mine set up with the bath fill control that allows me to set the bath temp I want (104*) and the vol I need (35 gal) to fill the tub. I then turn on hot only and when the 35 gal of 104* water is delivered to the tub it shuts off the water and beeps to tell me my bath is ready. Very cool, imho! The other advantage to tankless in this application is that I can peak the tub for as long a soak as I want. Good luck with your new home.

Posted by landngarage (My Page) on Tue, Jul 17, 12 at 5:39: Curious if anyone knows of a larger version of something like this "traditional" free-standing tub? It's a 64".... We worked with these folks (Bath of Distinction) & they were wonderful to deal with. Prices are very competitive. We were lucky enough to visit their warehouse near Tampa & got a first hand touch & feel tour of each of the bathtubs we were interested in. Includes Faucet, Drain & Supply Lines also which a lot of other places charge you $500+ in addition to the tub. Free delivery & great warranty & customer service. Check out the link below for a 67" single slipper resembling your request. There is also a 59" & 73" sizes also. Also check out the size chart link for how it would look inside the tub @ various sizes. (http://www.bathsofdistinction.com/size_chart_s/143.htm) Here is a link that might be useful: Baths of Distinction 67 Single Slipper