The client first considered a tub from our outlet corner, in the end he opted for a custom tub. The process was very efficient and the we carried on the communication mainly by email. Here below is the well proportioned and functional asnaro bathtub.
Here are some of the initial questions which I am sharing hoping that can be of common interest:
Q1) Does it have an internal seat? If there is currently no internal seat, could one be added out of the same material? What about a cover? I like the traditional cover--could this also be constructed out of the same wood and included? Can a step bench and stool also be constructed out of the same or matching material?
A1) We can provide the accessories in matching asnaro wood, anyway be advised that it will not be exactly the same color/grain.
tub, internal seat= asnaro plank cut
step bench, stool= asnaro quarter sawn cut
Q2) I also read on your web site that the tub should rest on some blocks. Our bathroom is tiled--can the tub sit directly on the tile or does it need some sort of block. If so, what kind of material should the block be made of?
A2) About the installation: if the floor is tiled, you do not need the blocks.
Anyway it depends on how you are going to do the plumbing connection.
If you are placing the tub on top of a floor drain, you can just do easily, as you would place a bottle on a funnel.
If you want to connect the drain to the plumbing with a joint, you need some space under the tub to tighten the nut.
Q3) Can a shower be installed right next to one of your wooden tubs, thus causing the tub to get wet daily during showers or should a divider be placed between the shower area and the wooden soaking tub that serves to keep water from regularly hitting the tub?
A3) There is no problem in having the shower by the tub. This is the standard layout in japanese bathrooms.
If some soap is reaching the tub, just be sure to rinse it after the shower.
Q4) What is the life expectancy of one of your wooden soaking tubs--is it about 10 years or ____ ?
A4) The lifespan of a wooden bathtub is about 10 years but if it is maintained properly it can last 20 or 30 years.
The tub has a overflow cut on the short side to redirect the oferflow towards the drain.
material: japanese Knotless (quartersawn) Asnaro wood bathtub
sizes: L1358mm x W806mm x H736mm (ext. dim.) 600mm(deep)
options: copper apron, wooden dowels. Iron brand at front top-right
accessories: Asnaro wood removable internal seat W400mm
Asnaro wood traditional cover 826x226x18 (6pcs)
Asnaro wood stool (330x220x300H)
Sawara wood large bucket(230D 120H)
(The internal seat is removable)
The client lives close to Long Beach so we opted to an ocean freight to LA port and he will take care of the pick up in person.
For us every tub has a story, like an individual. Also we hear often that wooden tubs are treated like a family member and sitted like a pet when the owner is away for a long period. But it does not happen often that the new owner goes to welcome it upon arrival...
I think the tub will be very comfortable with its new family and I am sure it will make everybody happy...!