I know what you are going through because I am in this same situation now. I would add that I have to pick up a tub on top of what you have. Don't laugh, but I started with the towels . I got from Frontgate the colors that I wanted and I had them monogrammed . I have the bath mates too . I chose the glass tile that had both colors in it . I want my bathroom clean looking too, so I am going with honed Carrara marble on the floor . For the counter tops and the tub deck my GC suggested the cultured Calcutta marble, he is raving about it . He suggested using it in the shower too as a slab , so low maintenance for cleaning with no grout lines . I could use the glass tile in between two slabs to give an accent . I don't know if I helped you or not , but believe me I have your headache because after I chose the Moen faucets, I found out that some parts like the handheld shower head is plastic , and I hate that. Now I am in the quest for an all metal faucets for sinks , bathtub, and shower. Any suggestions ???

I wanted to share information here in case someone else searches for something similar, so here it goes: First, if you live in the SF Bay Area, go to TUBZ in Fremont. They have tons of tubs and really nice people working there. The prices are good too. I've been researching the deepest soaking tub for a 66x32 tub size. (For the most part the information is the same for the 60x32 versions.) Many tubs do not list the water depth information, but I found that to be the most important number (that and gallons). I don't understand why some manufacturers don't provide this info. Below is the water depth for the following models based on my own measuring with a tape (might be off by a fraction): Maax Pose 14.5" Maax Rubix 12" Hydro Systems Sydney 19" Hydro Systems Lacey 17.5" Kohler Underscore 1821 18" Duravit Stark 17" Vero 6632 C 17.25" Another issue is that I'm installing the tub into a corner and will be using it as a shower too. So I need a tile flange on 2 sides which is not standard (they all either have 3 sided alcove style or none). There are some nice tubs available that are curved on one corner, but those won't work for my installation because my drain is on the rounded corner side, not the wall corner side. HOWEVER, I learned it's possible to have a flange custom installed onto the Hydro Systems or Kohler tubs prior to delivery. For me this is the best option. This added on flange is not 100% as waterproof as a factory molded flange, but I'm going to live with the slightly higher risk of leak. It's going in our master bath and we are tidy. I promise to maintain my caulk and grout! Skirts: Maax and Hydro Systems are available as alcove tubs with tile flanges and skirts. Hydro Systems can do custom orders (2 flanges/2 skirts). Maax tubs are a noticeable step down in quality IMHO. They look a little more builder grade/extra shiny and the textured bottoms look like they would be a PITA to keep clean. Maax is less expensive so you get what you pay for in quality I think. The Maax tubs also have feet so they can be installed on top of the floor -- so even though the tubs are 20 and 22 inches high, the bottom of each tub is about 3 inches off the ground, so that takes away from the depth of the tub.

I second millworkman as I just finished a bath remodel with frameless shower enclosure with a door. After research and recommendations, I opted for Showerguard and I don't squeegee. After a shower I turn the hand held shower on the glass to rinse off any bubbles and my looks fine. The only smudge is where my cleaning woman wiped off the EXTERIOR when she was cleaning the glass :-) I would just go with your contractor's recommendation as he is then responsible for making sure everything is correct and correctly installed. Matching hardware wasn't an issue for me as my hinges, handle and such are oiled rubbed bronze to match the rest of my fixtures. I am sure that you would be able to get hardware that complements your fixtures.

Three months later...Research has shown me that a pony wall with tile on one side and glass on the top of the pony wall is not very stable since I will not have a tub against the pony wall to stabilize it. I know the pony wall can be bolted to the concrete and one side wall. Some have put a metal rod or pipe in the pony wall. I have read that sometimes the grout starts cracking on the pony wall...maybe due to wall movement or the wrong grout? I originally wanted a pony wall to make the bathroom lighter since it does not have a window. Now, I am thinking about having a full height wall because the pony wall has a view of the toilet. Now, I am worrying about having enough light.