From what I read, the 2x4s he installed are on the subfloor underneath the tub? Your tub was installed incorrectly and needs to be removed, especially being it is an acrylic tub. A support frame should have been created by doing exactly what the manufacturer said by installing horizontally, 2x4s to the existing wall studs. You cannot do this after the fact as you mentioned. If this is not done, you will have issues, the tub sides can flex downward with any kind of weight, causing cracking or a break in the caulk seal around the tile. The 2x4s support your tub under the flange. In addition, the tub should have been set in a bed of thinset or mortar to provide some securing of the tub and leveling. You can put some insulation around the tub.

Thanks Eric & HandyMac! Both are good ideas & will be remembered. Since DH is no longer able to do things I've become the maintenance person. Minor (and I do mean minor) electrical & plumbing, caulking, painting, changing oil in lawn tractor, and gutters are no longer a problem for me, but really on a learning curve as far as carpentry. Bought an electric brad nailer today that shoots one & a quarter inch brads. Thought it would help hold all 4 pcs of this "box" together just long enough for me to get screws into it & can also use it on baseboards & other small trim. I will add 2x2's to I/S corners for stability. These small, old, arthritic hands sometimes hinder me. I'm building a lil' patio doghouse for "Wrench," our doxie, and needed to get that first corner made. Suzi

Just thinking, depending on the dent, could one of the auto dent-remover guys fix it? It might be worth taking a photo of it and talking to someone. As for being magnetic, there are several types of SS and they don't all have the same properties. 300 series SS are not magnetic, but resist moisture and exposure to chemicals (acids, etc) better than some of the others, so they tend to be used in kitchen appliances and equipment. You've probably seen SS cookware advertised as "18/10" or something similar. This is 300 series stainless and the numbers denote the chromium and nickel content of the steel. Some of the higher strength stainless steels ARE magnetic, but don't hold up quite as well to some of the sources of corrosion that are common in kitchens. They are used more for equipment, aerospace, and military applications where it is critical for the material to withstand certain loads or forces. The high strength of these steels is not necessary for appliance exteriors, so the extra cost and more difficult manufacturing processes needed to use them are probably not cost effective. I did a quick check on my stainless appliances which are from different manufacturers. The range, range hood, and refrigerator are not magnetic. The front of the dishwasher is, but the handle and inside are not. Just thought you might want to cheer DH up! Let us know if you go for the fridge or not.

The replacement 36" Wolf Induction Range has been in place for a couple of months and not really used much as we completed the kitchen. We have now had it operational for several weeks. We are very excited by all of the benefits of the induction top: precise control, rapid temperature adjustments and the even performance of the convection oven. Unfortunately, this second oven has also developed a service issue. About one week ago, the unit began experiencing an E09 error condition on the front right hob. The fault is identified as an issue with Generator 2 and the service representative is ordering a part with a possible replacement date of this Friday. Admittedly, I am beginning to develop some genuine concern about reliability given the amount of money invested in this purchase. To have 2 different ranges have 2 different problems in the short term we have had them is upsetting. I'm not sure if it is coincidence or symptomatic of a larger quality problem. While the service process has been smooth and responsive, I'm disappointed to have to share that I've even had to use them this early in my experience with this new product. The service tech maintains that the failures that he's seeing in the field are few and far between. I'm wondering if anyone else is having issues with their range. I think Wolf is still exclusive with a 36" induction range but I'd love to hear from others who have either the 30 or 36" induction range models. How's your reliability?.