So, DH and I recently decided that we need to replace the bathtub upstairs. There are some hairline cracks in the tub that gape when you step on either side and we're afraid of water damage.

That said, we have the following issues: a twisty staircase to navigate, the previous owners' dedication to almond colored bathroom items, a small budget, and two tall people (he's 6'1" and I'm 5'11") who would love to actually fit in a bathtub.

Does anyone know of any great internet resources to help us locate our perfect tub? I've tried www.lowes.com and www.homedepot.com and found a couple of things, but nothing amazing quite yet.

Also, you great home remodelers (Ellis, Sil, Bamie...), what should we do with the top part of the shower/tub? It appears that they are two pieces (tub bottom and the part that wraps three sides), but the top part is almond, and I'd like a white tub. Do we attempt to get a new top part (and where???) or do we go with tiling it ourselves? Would love any info you might have!

You can replace the top part as well as the tub. You really need to go to Lowe's or Home Depot and look at them. It's hard to tell online. They have some pretty cool walls with lil cubby holes and such for all your gels and such. Or you could tile it if you want that. Me....I would rather have the walls with holders since DH and i use all different things. Oh yeah that top part you can get in 3 seperate pcs. so it is easier to get up stairs. The tub.....I hope it will fit if it is twisty and windy stairs. But if not maybe you could send it through a window upsatirs? Good luck! Let us know how it goes. Oh I think they can repair your tub as well or put a new cover over your tub and it all looks new! Lot's of options on the tub. Hope this helps!

Bamie, you are a wealth of info, girl! I'm dying to get into a Home Depot and see what they actually have...maybe we can do it tonight. I didn't realize the top part came in three pieces...that would be great, since I love the cubbyholes, too! Thanks, Bamie!

Does anyone have any tub brand names that you know of that are especially good? I've checked out Kohler, but not sure what else to look at...

I'm not real sure about brand names. I just look at what is in the store and which one I think is the best quality. We had done a lot of looking when we moved here because one day (insert a big Hello let's get it started DH) we are goin to redo our bathroom and put in a garden tub. I love to go to those places and just look at everything! Have fun!

Laurie, having seen what my BIL has been doing with tile lately, I would tile it! (no offense, Bamie. Those wall thingys are GREAT!) He's been tiling "into" the stud areas to make little tiled "cubby holes" for shampoos, soaps, etc, and it looks FABULOUS! (you just have to make sure to slightly slope the base of the cubby hole towards the tub for drainage)
And there are so many cool/pretty tile colours!

Oh Elllis no offense taken at all! I would love to have tile myself! I love all the tiles they have now. DH is not one for gettin things straight so I don't know that I would ever be that brave! hahahahaha Maybe I'll let him start in the kitchen with a backsplash. lol

I'm with you, Bamie! I've never tiled, either. We had one of those wall inserts around the tub in our last house, because it was enough work just plumbing the damned bathtub and sink!
I should take some pictures of my sister's kitchen and bathroom... (shut up, Sil)

Laurie~Have you tried checking out the Bathroom Forum at www.thathomesite.com ? I got tons of info there in the kitchen forum when we were redoing our kitchen. Once you're on the kitchen forum, look at the top of the list and you will seeGallery. This is where people have posted pics~might give you some ideas.

Oh, thanks for the tips, guys!

DH and I checked out tubs at Lowe's this weekend. Though I'm still thinking that the nifty Kohler tub I found (http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatal...9&module=Baths) is great, DH says the 44" width is like a swimming pool and much too large. We found one that is 5' by 32", and is 18" deep, which is nice. I actually climbed in it and it was pretty comfy. It's made by Sterling by Kohler, and it has a tub surround that comes in 3 pieces (way to go, Bamie!) that locks into the tub so we don't have to caulk. Just might be the way to go.

I love tiles, though, and we tiled our downstairs island, so we're old pros at it now. I just wonder about cleaning the grout...all the tile baths I've known had nasty, nasty grout. I know they make grout sealer...but how well does it work on white grout? Your BIL's idea is great, Ellis! Is he using wallboard to create the shelves before he tiles? Or cement boards?

I know I'd love to see pictures...