My minute Manhattan bathroom has a 36" x 36" tiled shower stall enclosed by 3 walls (yes, the bathroom is only 36" wide!) and a 6" marble ledge. The whole bathroom, tiles and all, is going to be demolished for the remodel.
Here's my question: can I make a small soaking-type bathtub in this 36" square space, by using the 3 walls, re-tiled, and having an approx 28" wall built at the open end?
The shower assembly will be completely replaced, and a frameless glass shower door suspended from the ceiling would sit on the 28" wall.
I'd like to use 1/2" or 1" glass or natural stone tile.
The obvious issues are the potential for leakage and the type of drain stopper needed. I will check with my lovely superintendent on the water weight issue, but don't think it's a problem since the vast majority of apartments in my 1928 building have bathtubs.
I have a superb contractor, but I know he hasn't installed anything like this!
I am an interior designer specializing in historic Manhattan apartment renovations, and this tiled soaking tub solution would also be a great option for my clients.
Thank you in advance!
Kittie Lonsdale
Lifestyle Space Design

I am confused, you say a small soaker tub but also mention shower doors suspeended from the ceiling. Could you restate what it is that you want. You'd have a 28" step into your "tub" if I have this pictured correctly. Also, you have to have apermit, have you talked to anyone at the building department yet?

Thank you so much for your quick reply! I'm sorry I wasn't clear - what I want is a tub/shower combo in the existing 36" x 36" space currently occupied by the shower stall. That means that the tub itself would be 36" square, formed by the 3 existing walls, and a fourth "wall" which would have to be built and tiled to form the tub. This would be about 28" high (for soaking in deep water). I still have to have a shower door, so this would be above that 28" wall. There is no step. I hope that is clearer.
I haven't talked to Building Permits yet - I want to find out if it is feasible to build this bath out of mosaic tile first!
Thanks again,
Kittie

Kittie Lonsdale,

I read your question. I have been thinking about a similar question. I have a shower stall that would be big enough for a small sit bath or even a jacuzzi I suppose. What did you do? Oddly, I have not found many people trying to do this.

Kind Regards,

Thiirane - Russ

I would not recommend installing custom made soaker tub in an apartment and that's from several reasons: 1. No overflow 2. Possibility of leak downstairs 3. Rapid loss of heat

There is a company (Ameritech? ) that makes plastic 36" x 36" soaker tubs. They are about 30" deep and install on bed of concrete. They look great and work well. Half of the tub is a seat. They can be even whirlpool type tubs. I would recommend that you go with this type of tub.

Thanks for the help! I have decided not to proceed with the tub idea, and am going to have a super-duper body shower instead!