Kohler has a 30" hourglass that has an integral tile flange. As I understand it the tile flange is an absolute must for a tub/shower combo.

Jenie16, we just made the same decision. Our code requires 30" for the toilet, so we can only have a 30" tub.

The Kohler Villager has an integral tile flange. You can download detailed spec sheets of all their tubs at the Kohler website. There is an American Standard acrylic tub, the Colony, that comes with a flange and apron and is deeper, but it has a weird design on the apron that ultimately killed it for me. I also decided to go with the classic cast iron tub for the longevity. Our two teens are leaving for college in August, but I didn't want to have to worry about them dropping things or knocking against the acrylic. They'll be home enough to still call it their bathroom.

I looked at the Kohler Hourglass, which is also acrylic, but the apron is a separate piece that attaches, and my DH and GC didn't like it.

Just notice the low height of the villager. If you are not using it for bathing, it will be great, but really too shallow for a soak. Also good if getting in and out of the tub is a problem (seniors, etc).

We had the same problem and finally went with the 32" toto. We find we have enough room to make do between tub and toilet, but it probably wouldn't make code if you've got to pass inspection.

Thanks for the responses. I couldn't find the villager with the flange so I left a message to have some one at Kohler contact me. Yes, I was hoping I could get a cast iron tub as it is the bathroom my children use and I think cast iron will last longer (plus be easier to clean). It will, just as the one in there now, be used mainly for showers. Budge1, can I ask, how much room is between your bath and toilet? I'm wondering in case that's what we wind up doing.

Here's a link to the kohler villager page...go down to TECHNICAL INFORMATION and then "Specification Sheet & Measurements". Click to download the PDF spec sheet. You can see the tile flange in the illustration. It only comes with a flange.

Mine is supposed to be installed today or tomorrow. If you'd like to see a photo (since the tile is not installed yet) let me know.

I would have loved a 32" tub, but could not.

Here is a link that might be useful: Kohler villager tub

From the centre line of the toilet you are suppose to have at least 15" (if I'm remembering correctly) and we have 12".

Just curious - why don't you want Americast? Our boys went from toddlerhood, through the teens and now out of the house and the Americast tub in their bathroom still looks good.

Again, thanks for the responses. You were absolutely correct. The villager does have a flange. Whew, I finally have a tub. And yes, I also would have loved a 32" tub but even with the 30", we will only have 12" to the toilet center line. I have no experience with Americast, but had read so many mixed reviews for it that I was hesitant to purchase it.

If anyone can explain this I would deeply appreciate it. I find the Kohler specifications very unspecific. On their search function I typed in integral tile flange and was rewarded with, if I remember correctly, 33 bathtubs with this feature. None of these included the Villager, the Mendota or the Memoirs which were among my top choices. Kohler lists all of these in their specs as having an "integral apron" and gives a choice of left or right drains but does state they have the integral tile flange. Although after squinting at the pictures on the website they all do seem to have the flange.

This afternoon I had a meeting with a plumbing supplier that has been in the business for more than 20 years who said, "Oh, that's interesting," when I pointed this out. Then they said we'll just go ahead and order and I'm sure that will be fine for your tub/shower combos. I restrained myself and merely replied that I needed some time to think it over before ordering. Ha!

I plan on calling Kohler tomorrow but I'm afraid I'll get the Kohler equivalent of my local supplier on the phone. Maybe I'm a little too obsessive-compulsive but I'd like to feel that someone out there knows what they are talking about. Help!

Oops. That should have said, "does NOT state that they have the integral tile flange."

Remember almost all drop in tubs do NOT come with that integrated tile flange, and only some have an optional flange you can add. I started by searching the kohler page for tubs that had three sided installation, and from there it was easier to sort out which then met my other needs. The spec pages linked on the kohler site helped, and if there was an optional flange it was usually listed under recommended or required additional products. Hope that helps. We ended up going with acrylic as the compromise answer but there were cast iron options available too.

My Kohler Villager was installed yesterday; well, it is in the bathroom but nothing else is.

There is a tile flange that is part of the tub, looks like about a 1/2" lip around the three sides. I tried to take a picture, but there is no electricity in the room and the flash on the white shiny tub wouldn't show the flange.

You are correct; the spec sheet doesn't mention the flange, but you can see it on the diagrams. I think Kohler probably assumes that a 3-wall installation tub has a flange.

The Villager is shallow, which I knew, but it does have a nice look and feel. I'm glad I got cast iron, as I don't want something that needs looking after. (Have enough already.)

Flseadog, if you download the specs on the tubs you are looking at, and zoom in on the diagram, you should see the flange. I've looked at the Villager and the Mendota, and the flange is clear on the diagram.

hope this helps,
Cindy

Thank you everyone. I called Kohler this morning and you are correct. They said that any tub suitable for a three wall alcove installation will have an integral tile flange and usually an integral apron. The one's that mention the flange specifically, such as the Tea for Two K-855-R, are listed that way because they do not have an integral apron.

So I guess a lot of it is a matter of reading between the lines and knowing a lot more about tubs than most of us have a need to know in daily life. When I order from the supplier just to cover all of my bases I'm going to make them sign off on that my tubs must have an integral tile flange as they will be used as tub/shower combos. Since starting on this process my iron clad rule is to get everything in writing. Thanks again.

I had an americast replacement tub in my last home and after 8 years it always looked dingy and was hard to keep clean even with a water softener in the house. I would never go with anything but cast iron after that.