Thanks, advertguy. I think I can picture what you did now. I had thought you put the marble *on* the tub, and I was wondering how you attached it -- but now I understand you put it *under* the lip of the tub, and then tiled up to it. That's an interesting idea I might consider, although it might be hard for me to bring the front end out the extra two inches because of the depth of the alcove; I want the tiled face of the tub to be a flush continuation of the full wall entry to the bathroom, and I think I'd need to move a wall a few inches to do what you did. But thanks for the idea, and thanks for the lead on the Kohler tub! By the way, do you have any regrets about using an acrylic tub versus porcelain-on-steel (what we have in our 30-year old tub now) or cast iron (which seems to me to bean unnecessary extra expense for a fixture in a guest bathroom we don't use often) or other tub materials. I know some people have very strong opinions about what type of tub they want, but having never bought a new tub before, I don't think I really care as long as it looks and feels okay. -- Eric

With a solid deck top that has any seams in it epoxied, no waterproofing other than caulk at the joint is needed. No grout under it either. It sits straight on the exterior grade plywood deck and is siliconed in place. This is assuming that it is being used as a soaking tub only. If it's also to be used as a shower, then it's an inappropriate choice for that installation. This post was edited by live_wire_oak on Mon, Apr 1, 13 at 13:08

Can I get some recommendations for cast iron (not acrylic) undermount plain (no jets or whirlpool) tubs? Not sure how long I want or need it to be. And can folks tell me what I should be looking for in such a tub? Depth of the tub and ability to accomodate two people (width) seem to come up. I'm planning to put a marble deck around the tub and have vanities with sinks on either side. The shower is separate.

Snoony, Thx.. to make sure I am understanding correctly it sounds, in layman's terms, you are adding support material (wood or metal) that will rest directly under the flat surface of the tub (The kallista Small Perfect has a flat edge but it is hollow so any cleat would nee to be slightly offset from deck edge to allow cleat to fit flush against flat underside). If I am correct the cleat offers additional support to the tub lip that will keep it form flexing. When granite slab is mounted on top with the sealant, it will be supported by both the wood of deck and the cleat supported tub edge. Is this correct? Thx again... tomorrow will be a busy day with contractor and several trips to select a different tile and back in opposite direction to return drain fixtures and figure out some billing issues. Am learning I really do not enjoy these projects but do appreciate the willingness of the people here to help out. While I trust my contractor I also believe in trust.. but verify. Just not sure to what degree his experience lies in under mounting tubs. I know my experience is nil but also know when to ask for help :)