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Renovating Design Dilemma Bathrooms

Finding a circular japanese soaking tub

6 years ago

Hello

I have been searching online for a while now for a Japanese soaking tub (this is a taller version of a bath, not as wide, with a seat in it)

I have found square ones in the UK but cant seem to find a circular one. does anyone know of anywhere that may sell them or possibly source them in the UK, they seem popular in the USA, my next step was to see if i could get one shipped from the USA but this is probably very pricey.

I am initially looking for white one but i am open to looking at ones made of different materials.

Thank you for any advice

Featured Answer

Resh

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

I always wanted one of the wooden ones. But was unwilling to sell a kidney in order to buy one.

One of those on a rustic stone-flagged floor, wood-burning stove in a corner and a floor to ceiling window looking out over a good view? Yes please. Proper winter bathtime. I'd have nothing but the bath and a comfortable chair in there, with a rain shower for rinsing after the bath hidden in the ceiling. Loo, basin etc would be in another room. Those tubs are ornaments in themselves, meaning the room could be then be used as a reading retreat as well as a bathroom.

Comments (64)

Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Hello sunstudio
I had a look on your website, I will email you an idea of size and material/colour etc in the next few days,then give you a call. Thank you
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Carolina

Those baths look amazing you sent the link for, I think they’re a bit pricey for what I was looking for.

Thank you though I will keep the link for inspiration.
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Hello becks5109, Could you possibly have a Japanese style soaking bath and shower.. They come in a range of sizes about a meter long and wide... It could be a nice arrangement.. Bi-fold or sliding doors can be a good way of maximising space where you cannot open the door as usual.. Situate the loo behind the sink in the corner.. Another thought is to turn the shower round completely to go along the rear wall and have a smaller one so that you can have the soaking bath.. Loo could stay behind door and sink possibly under the window.. I'd suggest wall hung to compliment the streamlined look... Frees the floor space and easy to keep clean.. If you need a screen a simple sheet glass.. Or partially build the soaking tub in with wooden frame and plasterboard.. wooden step into it makes for a hidden soak.. Here's a pic of something similar.. : )) If you really want a bath then perhaps consider the Tubby Torre by Albion.. They are very small and deep baths..
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Everything Jonathan says is correct. You have to factor in the prep for the room. Removing tiles re-doing the water pipes, chasing them in to the walls etc. Then the re-tiling. The labour is the biggest budget usually. We went for rectified porcelain...........not for the faint hearted. Nasa would have a problem drilling through those. So, yes, as above choose the tiles carefully. Our bathroom is roughly the size of yours without the corner missing. So, take 25% off the tile cost of the tiles:- The tiles were £1500 ( wall and floor ) - The wall tiles are 900mm x 450 the floor tiles are 1200 x 300 Bath - half price £695 Shower - half price £299 Toilet - full price £450 Vanity Full price £699 Bath taps £300 Basin taps £150 Shower valve £150 Shower head and arm £150 Shower spray hose and head £150 Aquapanel £95 Tile adhesive £95 Coloured Grout £45 Total cost of purchases £3,278 We ( the wife - my labourer and I ), took down two walls, moved a doorway, put one wall back up. We re-routed all the pipework, central heating, hot and cold feet, chased pipes in to the walls etc. The whole thing took 3 weeks and I had a tiler friend help me for 3 days. Plus on top of that I had a plasterer in for the weekend for £400. Thus we only paid £1200 for the labour. If I had charged for my labour - plus mate for say 2 weeks, ( not three - as I wasn't working flat out ) instead of doing it for free it would have cost a further £2,500. Total labour should have been :- £3,700 plus the purchases £ 3,278 = £6,978 The bathroom is a luxury bathroom, so yes it's at the higher end of the market, but you can see how things mount up. Even when you try and save on the items going in, it's still the labour that gets you. A bathroom is a horrible, job, i'd rather do a kitchen any day and that's bad enough.
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PRO
SUN STUDIO.London - Glassworks and Prints
6 years ago
Really happy to help you! :) The leads time is two weeks on average, mostly we do it much quicker, but just for your information, the sooner you book the order (no need to pay at that stage) the better.
Carolina
6 years ago
You're welcome, Carly. I was a bit shocked at the prices too ;-)
Carolina
6 years ago
This one?

http://www.shethsbathrooms.co.uk/store/productdetail.asp?ItemID=12603
Resh
6 years ago
I very nearly fitted one of these, but went another way. Now I wish I had! As we have freestanding tubs, one day I may replace one with one of these soaking baths. As OnePlan says, make sure your hot water system can cope with the volume of these...
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Carolina

Yes that one looks perfect I just noticed that underneath it said discontinued but I may call them see if they can source similar. They’re showroom is actually not that far from me. Thanks again, are these places you know of or just what you’ve seen online browsing?
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks Resh and one plan, yes I hadn’t considered the volume of water yet. I presumed a small to medium sized one would just hold similar to a large regular bath but I may be being a bit naive thinking that !
Carolina
6 years ago
Online browsing :-) I'm not even in the UK. So I have no experience with any of them.
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Ah ok. they seem to be quite popular in the USA when I’ve searched lots come up with American companies. Thanks again.
Resh
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Carly - you can normally get the volume of a bath before ordering, so not too hard to do. If it's like for like (or roughly) swap with what you have already, not problem. If you don't have more than one person bathing/showering at the same time, you will also likely be fine.

We were lucky enough to buy a house that needed renovating, where the last owners had half completes it, including twin 250litre Megaflo hot water cylinders, so we could be a bit flexible with choice of bath, and went for a big double tub in the master, leaving smaller claw footed ones elsewhere for bathing children etc. Ask a heating engineer to work out what will work if you think you will need more capacity. If you have an unvented system, a bigger cyclinder will usually be enough - but installation isn't cheap, sadly. If you have a high flow combi boiler, you may well be OK even if you need a shower running elsewhere at the same time as filling the bath. Every system is different.
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Resh thanks for the info. The tub is just for me in the ensuite, nobody else would be using the shower etc when I’m in it. We have a large hot water tank in this house (we moved into 6 months ago) and the pressure is fantastic so keeping that.

I’ve renovated before and put good combis in but the water pressure has been quite poor, so definitely keeping this tank, Ive had x2 heating engineers/plumbers say the same KEEP it.

I dont think the volume will be a problem, I just now need to find the right tub at a decent price. It seems all the really nice ones come at a big cost, as usual !
Carolina
6 years ago
Does it have to be a round one? Would something like this fit too? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Abbot-Designer-Freestanding-Bath-Modern-Deep-Black-Silver-White-1750mm-/253489796215
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Yes it needs to be tall and round or tall and square. Anything long and it won’t fit.

Thanks though
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Yes that does sound good. Ive seen the wooden ones. That’s why I wanted a soaking tub so I can read, it’s the only place I sit still!
PRO
SUN STUDIO.London - Glassworks and Prints
6 years ago
It'd be hard to find bath made to measure within the budget of 3-5k.

What are the sizes of soaking tub you desire to buy?
Emily
6 years ago
I just thought it is possible to form baths out of concrete and then tile them. But the weight of it and the force of water i would guess makes it a specialist job. And probably not one for most floors to bear. Shame the picture I had in mind was simple round tub with mosaic tiling over everything and it was so beautiful!
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi sun studio

I think overall looking at anything freestanding Whether it’s custom made or off the shelf it’s going to be too expensive. The square ones that would need to be tiled or clad around the side are much cheaper and could still look good if the bathroom is designed well.

Thank you for your interest and ideas though but I think a custom made one is too expensive on this occasion.
Resh
6 years ago
Carly - have you thought of asking distilleries if they will sell you an old oak distilling barrel, if such things still exist (I know a lot of packed wine is actually done in metal barrels using oak chips). Trying to think laterally here!
Resh
6 years ago
A bit too big, but how awesome is this? You'd need a commercial boiler to fill a bath made from one, but still. Find a 1m diameter barrel instead of 2m and make your own amazing, unique tub. I feel a project coming on for my garden...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Extra-Large-Wooden-Oak-Barrel-1000-Gallons/122981974015?hash=item1ca24bffff:g:4fAAAOSwS~FaU9QL
Resh
6 years ago
Boom. Here's the one.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-Large-Wooden-Oak-Whiskey-Barrel-rustic-vintage-antique-500L/263372723481?hash=item3d523cd519:g:uoIAAOSw03lY50NF
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
That’s amazing although it looks a bit tight across the bottom. The picture might be a bit deceiving, someone should be photographed in it ! Just so we can see it as a potential bath!
I guess when you start thinking there are lots of ideas/different vessels to create a bath from .
Resh
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I'd make it taller, with a step up to it, or cut off the bottom and resize with a new one. Or just turn it upside down of course. If keeping the original height and orientation, a false bottom could make the internal space the right height, and you could use the narrow bottom to hide plumbing or even cut through and build in storage. You'd have something unique, beautiful and you could probably do a few more and sell them (if I didn't have a day job, I'd be thinking about it!)
Resh
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
I am now genuinely thinking about this for our garden. It's totally secluded and has hot plumbing. I think a soaking tub would be a great thing to have there - outdoors, Japanese ryokan style. A big barrel would be perfect for this. Thanks for the inspiration with your thread Carly!

Also, we fitted digital bath fillers in our house - you can touch a button (or use the app on your phone) and the bath will fill to your preset depth and temperature: each person can have their own preference saved. One of these tubs is begging for that technology, nicely hidden in the bottom of the barrel. A cleaner and easier installation than a tap (it fills from the overflow, and there is just a simple silver dial to turn water on and regulate the temperature). We used Mira Mode fillers, and they are excellent. About the same cost as decent quality taps from someone like Grohe, but you need to factor in an electrical supply too.
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
I like the idea of the digital bath filler I haven’t heard of these before. I will definitely be looking at these. Oh and when you have got your out door soaking tub setup I think we would like to see some photos on here please!
Resh
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Here's a close up of one of ours. The bath is a freestanding double ended claw foot job. The bottom bit is a Burlington overflow, which you would fit inside the tub - this fills the bath, deals with overflow and also controls the plug. You can get ones that protrude a lot less than this, but I liked this design for our traditional style bathrooms. The top dial is the control (usually backlit - it was switched off in this photo), fitted anywhere convenient for easy control: In a deep soaking tub you'd probably put it on the wall near one of your hands. No taps anywhere.

Good luck - please update this thread if you fit one as I'd love to see what you decided on!
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Amazing what you find out on these threads I’m new to houzz. I will definitely update on here when we are all finished. It will be quite a few months yet as I’m just at the beginning of my research. I’ve got an ensuite, a master bathroom and downstairs WC all to do at the same time so taking my time finding the right fixtures and fittings. Usually in previous renovations I’ve been limited by space so easier in a way to decide on things, also I’m a serial house mover so I’m always cautious of spending too much, I do up, I get itchy feet and want another project!
Carolina
6 years ago
Carly, check out Resh his current project. It's fab

https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/victorian-renovation-in-london-part-3-finish-line-dsvw-vd~5007838
Resh
6 years ago
Thanks Carolina! And after this thread I am thinking about a soaking tub in the garden...
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Fantastic work Resh just looking at your house from the outside is amazing. What a fantastic project I love old properties. My first was an old Victorian terrace and it was so satisfying knocking fireplaces out.
PRO
SUN STUDIO.London - Glassworks and Prints
6 years ago
Honestly, it depends only on raw sizes, I could get an instant quote in minutes if I'd know these. :)
PRO
User
6 years ago
Hi Carly, send me dimensions of Your bath tub, and I'll give You a quote for tub manufactured from concrete
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi

Yes that would be useful .

I’ve been looking at a standard acrylic one that measures
915x740
Depth 810
170 litres

This is just an idea for your calculations it could be slightly smaller ? Can you form a seat inside as well?

What kind of weight would we be looking at with regards to the floor strength ?
PRO
User
6 years ago
Hi Cara,

I've checked the price and for 917x740x810 in square corners would be £3000 +VAT,

And we can manufacture integrated sitting place.

Would You like to receive some samples?

if Yes let me know where to send them and what colours would suit You best

http://www.designerstone.co.uk/colours-finishes

peter@designerstone.co.uk
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi

Thanks Peter I appreciate the quote and information however I think for this project it’s just a bit too much. Thanks again though I will keep your contact details for future projects.
Ed
6 years ago
Having built concrete spas and pools,
run a hot tub business, etc. I would suggest avoiding wood. It will leak unless filled - the moisture swells the timber to create the seal. So when you drain it, the timbers dry and warp. Then refilling it leaks like a sieve. It does work eventually but not very user friendly, especially on a water meter.

I was going to suggest concrete and the option above looks great. Just make sure that any forms will drain, so you’re not left with water marks from puddles in seating areas. You don’t want left over bath water in your next soak.

Concrete would also allow you to tile using small white tiles and a white grout to get the colour match.

Once stayed in a swanky holiday let with a bath that was ‘one end’ of the room. You stepped over a ‘wall’ to get into that end of the room and filled it. Felt very clever. Used black circular tiles and black grout - looked amazing and had a wave shaped seat that made it really comfortable. That last part is possibly the most important and hardest bit to get right.

Finally a simpler option could be a Duravit Blue Moon - with hydrotherapy features. But lacks the substance of concrete, which would be my personal preference.

Hope this is useful and good luck!
Carly Caveney
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Ed

Thanks for the advice. A wooden one sounds like a lot of maintenance. The bath at the end of the room sounds amazing I like that idea !
Thanks again
PRO
User
6 years ago
Carly, concrete can be match ideally with the colour, we've got wide range of standard tones, but we're always opened for the new challenges
mamalil
5 years ago
Hi carly

just wondering did you ever get the circuler bath tub. Im looking for one but I am in Ireland. Im willing to travel to the North of Ireland to buy one

Thanks

Lillian
PRO
SUN STUDIO.London - Glassworks and Prints
5 years ago
Hi Lillian,

We can do the circular soaking tub made of printed glass with some sort of patterns on it.
What is the size you are looking for?
HU-20006482
5 years ago
Hi Lilian, Carly

were u able to source a bath yet?. Ive hit a wall with suppliers\ in NI.
Resh
5 years ago
OK, I have decided that I want one of these, but outside the house, for an outdor spa experience (we have a totally secluded and leafy garden, so I'm not worried about the neighbours. I already have hot and cold feeds outside, and drainage should be pretty easy. But I think concrete has to be the material for the tub, for durability, and it will need a cover. Anyone have any links?
libertyalexviv
3 years ago
Hi I know this thread is from a little while back but I just wondered whether anyone was finally able to get a freestanding deep soaking tub with a seat... I’m just about to try and source one... thanks Xx
S B
3 years ago
Also would like to source a circular white deep japanese tub! Something like this but without the delivery cost! Why is there no suppliers in the UK?!?!?!

https://www.aquaticabath.eu/products/627722004415-aquatica-true-ofuro-mini-freestanding-stone-japanese-soaking-bathtub
Christina Shepherd
3 years ago
https://www.aquaticabath.co.uk/products/627722004026-aquatica-trueofuro-freestanding-solid-surface-bathtub
Sandra Cameon
last year
Carly, Did you ever manage to purchase a Japanese Soaking Tub - I would love one but could not justify the price!

This is the most reasonably priced one I have seen

https://uk.homary.com/item/3937-modern-deep-oval-freestanding-matte-white-stone-resin-soaking-bathtub-34173.html
lolalola73
last year
I too would love one of these instead of a standard bath. Very hard to source at a decent price though.
Sandra Cameon
last year
They can be sourced in China at less than £500 but the shipping would be ££££
lolalola73
last year
I spent a bit of time googling today. Some of the modern free-standing, high sided tubs have the right look.

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