Frequently asked questions about Ofuros
What are the best features of a wooden ofuro?
Our customers appreciate the aesthetics of a hand-crafted, warm, natural wood tub. The simple beauty and traditional design combined with unusual depth envelop the bather in luxury. In addition the lemon scent of the Hinoki wood is aromatherapy at its best. Traditional, organic wooden ofuros offer a silent steaming refuge from the artificial pressures of society. We have a reverence for wood!
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Is installation difficult?
No. Our photo gallery has examples showing installed tubs. Free-standing installations are easiest and our ofuros are finished on all sides. Alternatively you can place the tub in a corner, alcove, or platform. Most ofuro installations are on a "wet floor" with a drain.
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How do I design a traditional Japanese bath room?
A traditional Japanese bath has a showering and washing area - open in design with a waterproof floor and a central drain. The soaking tub is adjacent and placed to enjoy a natural view if possible. It is a requirement that the ofuro be installed on a waterproof floor with a floor drain. This allows for water that overflows to drain away. The washing station usually has a wooden stool and bucket. The Japanese style of bathing begins with a leisurely and thorough washing outside the tub using plenty of soap and shampoo and hot water. Next the bather slips into the crystal-clear, steaming hot water for a completely relaxing quiet soak. See our photo gallery for some design ideas!
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How does the ofuro drain?
Each of our tubs has our custom "toe tap" drain made of solid brass and chrome. A brushed chrome finish is available. The drain is 1.5 inch NPT. A connection to a standard waste drain is required. Your plumber can make this simple connection as a direct or indirect drain. Overflow drains are not standard on our tubs, but can be added as an option.
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Are rectangular ofuros water tight?
Yes. The rectangular tubs are water tight by virtue of the choice quality of our material and the precise details of construction. The traditional ofuro design does not have an overflow drain, so installation on a "wet floor" with a floor drain is still recommended. Overflow drain systems are available as an option.
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Are circular/elliptical ofuros water tight?
Circular and elliptical wood tubs are made using traditional coopering. Coopered tubs may drip a small amount of water. The traditional ofuro design does not have an overflow drain, so installation on a "wet floor" with a floor drain is required. Overflow drain systems are available as an option.
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Can an ofuro be installed outdoors?
Yes. Any of our wood tubs may be installed outdoors.
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What is the best way to heat my ofuro?
Turn on the hot water faucet. The best and simplest strategy to provide hot water to an ofuro is to use your domestic hot water system just as you would with any bath tub. You may need to upgrade your water heating system to add capacity. We recommend a new efficient fast recovery heater or a tankless "on-demand" type heater.
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How can I make the water hotter during a bath?
Turn on the faucet! Simply drain off a few gallons of the cooler water and add some extra hot water to the tub. Your wood tub holds heat much longer than other materials.
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What is an "on-demand" water heater?
A tankless or "on-demand" water heater is designd to heat the water just as you need it. The two biggest advantages are unlimited continous hot water and reduced operating cost because you are not storing any hot water. Most US homes have storage tank water heaters that are inefficent and of limited capacity. There are several very good models of "on-demand" heaters available. Paloma and Aquastar are two very good manufacturers.
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Can I reuse the water in my ofuro for another bath?
This is common in Japan because the bather washed thoroughly before using the tub. We do not recommend keeping the water more than a day without treatment. If you want a larger ofuro and prefer to reuse the water, then we can help set up the tub as hybrid between an ofuro and a hot tub. This means adding a heater and pump so the water can be reheated and sanitized. Only consider this option if you are sure you need a larger tub and want to run it like a hot tub.
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How do ofuros ship and how much does shipping cost?
We offer very low flat rate shipping of $150 to $250. We build a very substantial crate to protect your tub during shipment. The crate will be delivered by common carrier to your site.
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Can the ofuro be sent as a kit to be assembled on site?
Yes. If you choose our circular or elliptical ofuro, we can ship the tub knocked down or assembled. By shipping knocked down, it is possible to get the tub into otherwise difficult positions. The rectangular tubs can NOT be shipped as a kit. Our kit ofuros are designed to be easily assembled by the owner. Each ofuro comes with a detailed step by step illustrated instruction manual. If you are not comfortable setting up your ofuro, you can hire someone to do it.
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How heavy is the ofuro when it's full of water?
See the detail page on each of our tubs for full specifications including dimensions, water volume, weight and more. To figure the weight of water on your own, estimate 10 lbs per gallon in the tub, so 100 gallon tub would be approximately 1000 lbs.
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Are wooden ofuros hard to maintain?
No. The ofuro is intended to be used simply as a bath tub that is filled with steaming hot water and then drained after bathing. Use a squeegee to remove excess water after each. The exterior is treated with a penetrating teak oil. The inside is left natural. The wood will mellow beautifully with time. Complete care instructions are included with the tub.
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Do I need to use pool or spa chemicals to keep the water clean?
No. The best way to insure clean water is to use the tub as a normal bathtub, draining after use, and keeping the tub clean between uses.
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What size ofuro do I need?
There are many factors to consider here. The ofuro is smaller and deeper than a typical residential tub. Because of the depth, it is important to keep the other dimensions under control. See our recommended sizes on our Price Chart. Your size, water availability, room design, and expected use are all important factors to consider. Give us a call and we can help you make the best choice
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What is your order cancellation policy?
Cancellations made after shipment are subject to shipping charges and a 30% restocking fee. For custom work we require a 50% deposit to begin work. If a custom order is cancelled before work is started on the tub, we will refund the full amount minus any parts ordered or expenses incurred on the customers behalf. If the custom order is cancelled after work has begun on the tub, the 50% deposit is not refunded.
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Do you have a guarantee?
Yes. Our ofuros are guaranteed for a full 2 years against defects in material or workmanship.
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