I will be doing the same thing as you on the 2nd floor. I plan on using one of the Americast tubs. Much lighter than cast iron and better than acrylic.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/American-Standard-Princeton-60-in-White-Porcelain-Enameled-Steel-Rectangular-Left-Hand-Drain-Alcove-Bathtub/3454232

Thanks for the suggestion. That seems like a good idea.

Cast Iron! If you want to take bath - NO other tub holds heat

good luck

Does anyone have a suggestion for the biggest (inside) and deepest good quality alcove tub that is 60 x 30? We saw a mirabellle at Ferguson and very much liked the very straight rectangular shape, but it still seemed a bit lightweight. The contractor said they shore up the base with cement or something to provide stability. It will be a tub shower combo and I like the deep look.

Jejvtr,

Thanks! No one in my family will actually use it for baths. We are empty nesters with our own master bath. Our adult kids visit, but always take showers. Given that this is the “kid” bath and the only bathroom on the second floor, we are keeping the tub only for resale value.

I like Maax for decently priced good quality tubs and IMO there is no reason to have cast irons tubs anymore and I have had acrylic tubs for years and never had one crack but they need to installed properly.

My daughter installed a Mirabelle about 4 years ago in a guest bath and I love soaking in it. I have no idea how, or if, it was shored up, but nothing felt wonky to me, either bathing or showering in it. It's luxuriously deep, which is also a caveat. I'm planning a guest bath remodel and the Mirabelle Tub was the first thing I spec'd. Definitely installing a grab bar on the entry corner, though.

I tried one of the Mirabelle tubs at Ferguson this weekend, and it seemed very nice.

I second gracie01’s American Standard tub suggestion. I have two that are original to my house, circa 1993, and they look almost brand new.

Cambridge Integral Apron Bathtub

Cast iron can't keep up. Americast® is our revolutionary alternative to cast iron that's more durable, lighter and costs less to install. This traditionally styled, integral-apron bathtub features a beveled headrest, lumbar support and a StanSure slip-resistant surface. Alcove installation. Learn more about Americast.

Americast® is our proprietary, revolutionary alternative to cast iron that’s more durable, lighter and costs less to install. Thanks to inherent manufacturing advantages, Americast bathtubs can be made deeper, flatter and roomier than their cast iron counterparts.

• Americast construction
• Glossy porcelain finish
• Full slip-resistant surface
• ADA compliant with seat installed at head end

NEW and IMPROVED StanSure™ slip-resistant textured surface that is:

1. Easier to clean and stays cleaner longer
2. A brighter, white textured surface that is more visually appealing
3. Covering 56% more of the tub floor to help increase bathroom safety

Specs

DIMENSIONS:

Length - 60"

Width - 32"

Depth - 17-3/8"

American Standard Cambridge tub