We chose cast iron tubs (Toto 1525's) when we reno'd our two main bathrooms. They aren't huge, or fancy, just soaking tubs, but IMHO cast iron is the way to go if your floor can support it (or will after adding add'l support) and the budget allows for it. Definitely solid, and supposed to retain heat better, too. We love ours. If we had had bigger bathrooms, it would have been nice to have a longer version (for stretching out while lying in the tub) but we were constrained by room size. Even so, ours are pretty roomy and very comfy and as I mentioned, solid.

Donna, Um, every whirlpool I have ever heard of is also available just as as a soaking tub... If it's going to be your tub, go sit in the tubs (yes, the whirlpools! :)) and decide which one feels best. That was my criterion. Sit in them and then get your favorite one made as a soaking tub. (after checking step-in heights, since it will be used as a shower too) As I said, Maax Melodie and Palace felt the best by far to me, but everyone's different (I've heard the Palace is pretty popular with folks who can fit a 6' tub in). Also, if you can fit 6' in, try the Toto cast iron 6' tub. If after all that the Porcher Ardennes is the one that feels best, go with that. I'm sure they'd have a way to help you make an alcove situation for it. If the Neptune feels best, go with that (again, check the height wrt using it as a shower). So your assignment is to go to the stores in Chicago, step into the tubs, sit in them, and decide which one feels best entering and lounging in. Then report back :)

OK, I know this thread is ancient but I just had to add my two cents worth for people who come along later as I did. The idea that cast iron retains heat longer than fiberglass or acrylic tub materials is simply a myth. Cast Iron, even with porcelain over it is a better CONDUCTOR of heat than any of the modern tub materials other than steel. Steel and cast iron will conduct heat at more or less the same rate with differences that would only matter in a lab. Cast Iron will transmit heat to the surrounding air and other materials faster than fiberglass or acrylic, which are both better insulators than cast iron. This is the exact opposite of retaining heat. Anybody who doubts this: Take a cast iron pan, fill it with hot water. Take a plastic pan of equal size and fill it with hot water of the same temperature. Put the pans side by side with a thermometer in them. Check them an hour later. I guarantee you the water in the cast iron pan has lost more heat and is colder because cast iron is much better able to radiate heat to the surrounding air than plastic. There is no way that any metal tub whether steel or cast iron is going to keep the water in it warmer than fiberglass or Acrylic will. Yes cast iron does radiate some of the heat from the water back to the bather above the water line, which some people like, but it does this because it's a better conductor of heat, not because it holds heat. The sole advantage of cast iron is, admittedly, much greater strength and if you want maximum strength steel is stronger still. I've demo'd multiple cast iron tubs into pieces with a sledge hammer. It shatters easily. Try that with steel.

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