The WetStyle f/s tub has a removable tray that sits across the tub. I like numberjunkie's idea of a shelf or ledge behind the tub for placing items and also like the idea of having the shower wall next to the tub tiled half-way up to have a space for installing a grab bar. WetStyle has an optional shelf that surrounds the tub, but I think it would make it more challenging to get in and out of the tub - would need to hop over the shelf. The drop-in tub I was initially considering was 72"x42" but that would likely not fit, so would need to be 72"x36". This weekend I looked at an open house (new construction) in my area that had a drop-in tub with a narrow space for the deck surround (see attached photo). The deck was tiled on the top and on the apron with white subway tile. I noticed that with the narrow deck space (about 2") and the tub overhang, it would be awkward to sit on the edge of the tub and swing my legs in or out of the tub. Wiithout space for a deck that is wide enough to comfortably sit on, ease of entry or exit may come down to depth of the tub and options for placement of grab bars. The Wetstyle tub is 22" deep; the drop-in tubs are generally deeper, more like 26"

Yes, a cast iron tub is a lifetime tub. We are remodeling our upstairs bath and keeping the tub. Its 30 yrs old, because it still looks new, and its white, which is what we are going for anyway. Cast iron is made to last. When we first put the tub in 30 yrs ago, we were in our late 20's so we, with the help of a friend, hauled that tub up a flight of stairs and into place. No way could we lift that now. We could, and probably will order another cast iron when the time comes and have it put in place. Right now we are in the middle of our DIY upstairs bath renovation, so I haven't hit my DH with the idea of remodeling the other bathroom, I can imagine the reaction I will get. All in good time...............

I bought an AMERICH WRIGHT base level acrylic tub for $1,000 from a bath and kitchen store in 2017 and it is a piece of plastic. After two years It was stained, difficult to clean and never feels entirely clean, the caulk around the tub has needed replacement several times, and the Americh label partly wore off almost immediately. I never use any abrasive cleaning products (all organic). When I contacted the manufacturer they pointed out that I the care instructions said I was supposed to WAX my tub with high-quality carnauba paste type wax. Wax my tub? They also referred me to a very expensive tub cosmetic repair company. Unfortunately I removed an old enamel tub instead of refinishing it. Number 1 worst decision in my remodel after seeking lots of advice. I dream of ripping this one out and replacing it with an enamel tub. Taking a bath in an acrylic tub feels cheap even though it wasn't..

@cpartist that's very pretty. Thank you. Obviously my look is not contemporary like you're looking for but I wanted you to see it can be done. I thought about doing a ledge and then wall mount...that way i can have products candles etc... That could be quite attractive. do you find issues cleaning? anything to worry about. It's a bit tight behind my tub but it's doable. I'm glad I didn't get a clawfoot tub so no dirt under the tub. folks tried to talk me out of freestanding. but i just want that look now. i've had drop in for almost 20 years. I'm with you. My last tub was drop in and I do love the look of this one. Was talked out of a free standing in my condo and regretted it. good to know about the faucets.. There are lots of choices. i can't buy tub drilled unless comes with the faucet...is that not an issue? Yes you can. I had the choice at Signature Hardware to have it drilled or not and didn't have to pay for a cheap and poorly made faucet. i read that acrylic retains heat better than cast iron. plus cost. No cast iron holds heat more. Yes cost is an issue. It's a bit more expensive. The other problem is the cast iron tubs are more traditionally styled. My drop in tub was acrylic and it was fine. I was just curious. Here are a few that have tub drillings and no faucets with it: https://www.signaturehardware.com/bathroom/bathtubs/freestanding-tubs/boyce-freestanding-acrylic-tub-1.html https://www.signaturehardware.com/bathroom/bathtubs/freestanding-tubs/70-ashington-acrylic-freestanding-tub.html This is the one I have: https://www.signaturehardware.com/bathroom/bathtubs/freestanding-tubs/67-aiden-cast-iron-dual-tub-on-beveled-plinth.html