Blog | Bartok design Co.

About US made tubs

What are the differences between Japanese ofuro and tubs made in the U.S.?

Here are the 3 main differences between US-made tubs and real japanese tubs which make the two products difficult to compare.
1a) almost all US made tubs are coated with urethane. The look is natural but may feel a little cold and hard (like plastic) and have no aroma.
1b) Japanese made tubs are un-coated. You can feel the warmth, aroma and soft touch of wood but if the environment is too humid they may develop mold stains.

2a) US made tubs are assembled as a cabinet (see the corner mitered joint) and often made of finger joint glue-laminated wood.
2b) Japanese tubs are and are built like a boat and are made of solid wide lumber laminated with dowels

3a) US made tubs are made in red cedar, hard woods (like teak) or Port Orford Cedar (most of the makers call it hinoki – but it is not.) Please note that hinoki usable as construction material grows in Japan and Taiwan only.
3b) Japanese tubs are made with japanese softwoods (hinoki, asnaro, sawara, koyamaki). For flooring or wainscoting we use man planted lumber while for making tubs we use exclusively 250-300 year old trees lumber from primary forests.
Well seasoned wood is very stable but in extreme conditions of dryness it may warp or crack.

Warranty: Is there a warranty against cracks/leaks?

We offer full warranty in case of damage during transportation. (replacement)

For any other problem (cracking etc.) we cannot offer a warranty because of the environmental conditions for which we cannot be responsible.

To avoid cracking we recommend to:
1) use the tub often (everyday is ideal)
2) do not use air conditioning or heaters in the bathroom (may be used while the tub is full). Beware also of centralized air conditioning.
3) in case of the above conditions cannot be met, we recommend to keep a bucket full of water inside the tub. This avoids the insurgence of cracks in most cases.

Until today we supplied over 250 tubs.
We had about 20 reports of cracks or leaks.
In 1 case we replaced the tub.
In 1 case we had the tub shipped back, repaired and have it reinstalled.
In some of the other cases we shipped a kit for repairing the tub (wood color epoxy putty). (Cost is about 3,000 JPY inclusive of shipping fee)
In most cases we supplied advice and the tub could be seamlessly repaired by the user.

With the assumption that all the customers who experienced a crack contacted us (but there may be some exceptions), about 10% of the tubs had crack problems (including tubs 10+ year old).
On the other hand, 90% of the tubs did not experience cracks.
I would say that in 90% of the cases the tubs are used as directed and the environmental conditions are met.

Can I contact your past clients to have their opinion?

I am afraid it is not possible.
As most of our clients are private users, it is our policy not to use them as a reference.
Arranging a meeting between an old customer and a perspective client may be time consuming, may be invasive of the privacy and we just have not the structure to be able to take responsibility for any trouble or miscommunication.
As we cannot be on site to manage the situation, we cannot refer past clients and we make no exception to this policy.
Thank you for your understanding.

Another sketch up model!

london-tub-cg1

Yes, we did it again! (this time thanks to the generosity of a client)
Here is another ofuro you can use in sketch-up.

This solution consists of the tub buried behind a ledge, so you can see only the inside and the beefed up kamachi border.

The sketch up model is not so detailed so if you explode the parts or check it in the hidden areas inside the ditch you will probably not find what you are looking for: anyway it is great for a presentation or just to rotate it in perspective view and get a feeling of the space.

Go ahead and download the :
japanese ofuro build in with wide kamachi border
london-tub-cg2
https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/search/models?q=bartokdesign

testimonial from Sidney

Hi Iacopo,
Bathtub cleared customs and quarantine last Thursday and we have been loving the bath ever since. It’s gorgeous 🙂
We just love it and the whole family uses it including my very tall partner !!
It’s beautifully made and makes our bathroom look fantastic.
Thankyou for your hardwork and craftsmanship it will be appreciated by our family for a VERY long time.
Of course you can publish my email in your testimonial corner 🙂
apologies for the photo we are still renovating our bathroom and are in the process of replacing the toilet and the sink ! but the bath still makes our bathroom look good…lol
thanks again,

refinishing the tub

Just some general advice please – the tub is looking tired and I was considering sanding it to bring back some luster to the wood.
I was planning on using an orbital sander and wooden sanding block. I have not oiled the tub and is this something I should be doing at least on the outside?
If so, what oil do you recommend?

I recommend to let the tub dry and sand with medium and fine grit.
Then, we recommend the application of a water-repellent which is colorless, matte finish and will not block the wood aroma.
It is a non-coating treatment and penetrates in the wood fibers letting it breath (like “goretex” for fabric…).
We recommend to finish the Hinoki tub with water repellent
KIHADAICHIBAN (preservative agent for wood) :

a) 7,000. JPY / 1L + 4,500. JPY (Packaging + EMS) + Paypal fee = 12,000 JPY
Please let me know.
Best regards,
iacopo torrini

slanted ofuro 3D

Is the ofuro free standing?
Or is it built into a ledge?
Since it has a slanted edge, do you see it from outside?

We had problems explaining the image to the client so we resorted to sketchup and everything was easy!

It is drafted quite roughly, but if you want you can download the model below from the sketchup warehouse.
We also have another couple of models in the warehouse. Search with “bartok” as keyword, or download from this page: https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/search/models?q=bartokdesign

161019-ofuro-3D-side

161019-ofuro-3D-top

161019-ofuro-3D-front

2 times water repellent?

Is the product that you use to make the wood water-repellant available to purchase for continuing the practice – or is it a one-time product (only to be applied when the tub is new) ?

The water repellent “Kihada ichi-ban” this is used only to finish the new product. Since it penetrates inside the wood fibers it would not be absorbed if applied multiple times.

step/bench for ofuro

Do you have a photo of the step/bench as it relates to the tub?

Step-benches (as the name says) can be used both to easily enter/egress the tub and as a place to sit and relax after the tub. Of course it can be used also to hold some towels or even your champagne bucket…
The sizes are custom made to match your space and way of use.

Please find here below some examples of tub/bench combinations.

Hinoki 500x400x400H

Hinoki 400x320x300H

Hinoki 609x450x648H
This is particular. We made it with the height to match the height of the tub.

Hinoki 600x300x300H

ofuro for the elderly

Nowadays wooden bathtubs are popular in rehabilitation facilities and retirement homes for the elderly.
Wood is soft and warm and it is very appreciated especially by people with pain or physical limitations.
Here below are two examples. it is easy to mount railings or neck holder fixtures.
elderly3
Also, it is common to install a movable partition inside to adjust the size. This way it can be used by multiple people as well as singularly.
elderly2
The worry is that if the tub is too big, elderly people may slip inside the tub and drown.
For this reason it is recommended to use a size so that you can reach the back end of the tub with your feet.
elderly1
This thinking is recommended in general while it is not really necessary for an adult/fit person.

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