There are no hard and fast rules for tile orientation. You can run them whichever way looks best to you. My daughter and my son both recently redid their bathrooms and put 12x24 tiles stacked vertically on the walls. They didn't have to decide on vertical vs horizontal for the floor because they used 24x24 squares on the floor. In my bath I have 10x13 vertical on the walls and 18x18 on the diagonal on the floor. IMO the large square tiles make their small floor spaces look bigger. Do your tiles come in squares too? Maybe you could put them on the floor. If you stay with the 12x24s on the floor placing then horizontal ( long side parallel to the tub may make your room look wider). You can still put the wall tiles whichever way you want. Here's a couple shots of my DD's tiles Good luck in your remodel.

[When I've posted before, I've been able to select more than one forum, but not this or previous time, so am posting in three forums.] Is waterproofing always needed around a tub with shower and Swanstone surround? No vapor barrier was used, so I asked the contractor if he would be using Redguard or something similar. He said he will use it if I want, but it isn't necessary. He pointed out that the insulation (this is on an exterior wall) is labeled as moisture or water retardant, but obviously that's not the same as waterproof. He also said that the high quality silicone he will use where the back and side walls of the Swanstone meet will last 25 years with no moisture penetration. Is there something I'm missing? Is waterproofing not needed? Seems I've read a lot about problems when it was omitted. The alcove is framed (went smaller than original tub), the insulation is in place, and they've been working on tub installation prep. What should the next steps be? I will appreciate advice!!

I have an acrylic tub and I bathe every day not one problem in 10 yrs in this house . You are looking for a very standard size tub but I would suggest hubby goes to test drive they certainly are not all comfortable. I like Maax tubs I use them often for clients too.

I don't see where the specs indicate a weight limit? Maybe check with Kohler?