Buying new Alcove Bathtub and Bath fixtures - Need Advice on Models and where to purchase - Big Box vs. Plumbing Supply

Finally renovating a bathroom with combination shower/tub and need advice on model of alcove bathtub to get (I have seen conflicting reports on Kohler, American Standard and Maax).  Will likely get an acrylic tub (cast iron is too heavy), although I have heard about a coated lite cast iron version.  I want the tub to be sturdy - not feel unsafe, bowing or seem like it will chip in a few years, but don't want to spend a ton of money.  

Would like to give local plumbing supply my business, but am afraid of their less generous return policies.

Would love to get thoughts from people who have renovated alcove bathtubs - what has worked and what hasn't.

Thanks in advance for your help!

windycity said:

Finally renovating a bathroom with combination shower/tub and need advice on model of alcove bathtub to get (I have seen conflicting reports on Kohler, American Standard and Maax).  Will likely get an acrylic tub (cast iron is too heavy), although I have heard about a coated lite cast iron version.  I want the tub to be sturdy - not feel unsafe, bowing or seem like it will chip in a few years, but don't want to spend a ton of money.  

Would like to give local plumbing supply my business, but am afraid of their less generous return policies.

Would love to get thoughts from people who have renovated alcove bathtubs - what has worked and what hasn't.

Thanks in advance for your help!

I installed a Delta last year. It’s been pretty good, the key issue with installing these alcove tub/shower units is the floor has to completely level, and the walls surrounding it has to be plumb. There’s no room for error or else you will hear the creaking noise whenever you step into the tub. Also you have to lay a bed of concrete underneath the tub just before you install it to have the tub feel solid enough. Most people install these things incorrectly and end up hating them because of the noise the tub makes if the cement is not there. 
The issue is not the brands, it’s poor installation. And get the fiberglass ones because they don’t flex as much as the acrylic ones.

If you’re handy enough you can do it.

Jaytee said:

I installed a Delta last year. It’s been pretty good, the key issue with installing these alcove tub/shower units is the floor has to completely level, and the walls surrounding it has to be plumb. There’s no room for error or else you will hear the creaking noise whenever you step into the tub. Also you have to lay a bed of concrete underneath the tub just before you install it to have the tub feel solid enough. Most people install these things incorrectly and end up hating them because of the noise the tub makes if the cement is not there. 
The issue is not the brands, it’s poor installation. And get the fiberglass ones because they don’t flex as much as the acrylic ones.

If you’re handy enough you can do it.

Thanks for the quick response.  I hadn't heard many positives about fiberglass.  In fact, I thought they were less sturdy and had issues with staining.

Where did you end up getting your Delta tub?  All I am seeing are Kohler and American Standard.

I ordered it online at Lowe’s, and had it delivered. 
The fiberglass has a really hard finish which is durable, but you shouldn’t use any abrasive cleaners like comet, and it will last for years. 

I redid a hall bathroom 2 years ago. I ordered an alcove acrylic tub (a Proflow) from build.com and it came damaged twice (one i found damaged after it was delivered so they sent a new one, the other I wouldn’t sign for until I had inspected. Delivery guys were pissed). I ended up with an enameled steel tub from Kaldewei (again online, don’t remember where from) that was more expensive but got better reviews than the acrylics. I didn’t want anything too tall as we are short (didn’t want to have to step over anything too high)  but wanted something deep enough for an decent little kid bath (for future owners, my older kids only take showers). It is a bit low, and I kind of wish I had gotten something a little deeper, but the quality of the tub is very nice. They say the steel tubs cool the water down quickly but no one in my family is taking a bath in it so that wasn’t an issue.

good luck!