If you can imagine it, we can make it (almost). We have no “standard” sizes and most every Ofuro we have made over the last 20 years has been customized to the needs and desires of the client in one way or another. We’ve made them as large as 7′ x 5′ x 4′ deep , and as small as 2′ x 2′ x 2′. Although we have made them as long as 8′, currently the largest Ofuro we’ll make is 8’x8′

As the size of the Ofuro increases, the thickness of the walls increase as well and this is based on the gallon capacity of the tub.

Due to our unique manufacturing process, it’s important to understand how the “specified size” relates to the actual finished size. Length and width refers to the overall outside dimensions, meaning the inside length and width will be smaller due to the thickness of the sides.

The thickness of sides range from 2″ to 4″ thick, depending on the overall gallon capacity of the Ofuro.

With our optional slopped backs, length and width measurements are determined at the top of the Ofuro. The slopes are at a fixed 15 degrees (this angle can not be changed) and the bottom dimensions fall where they may.

In order to obtain maximum water depth for the most enjoyable soaking, Ofuros don’t have an overflow like the typical American bathtub. While we have on occasion installed “conventional” overflows, the preferred style allows the Ofuro to simply overflow over the top. This of course requires that the Ofuro be installed on waterproofed floor with a center drain.

For draining there’s a few options. If the Ofuro is being filled and drained for each use, the location of the drain can be specified to exactly match your plumbing layout.

Ofuros with a recirculating heating system or that are fully jetted, can have the above configuration as an option, but more frequently the draining is done through the plumbing. A “T” with a valve is simply installed into the added plumbing.

The vast majority of Ofuros are made either of port orford cedar or teak. Other woods that have been used are yellow cedar, western red cedar. While port orford cedar is more traditionally Japanese, teak is slightly more durable and less prone to staining. Due to the majority of the production costs being labor, the type of wood you choose has little effect on the overall cost of the Ofuro.

Yes, however they are best when out of direct sunlight.

No. The Ofuro is intended specifically for soaking and soap will cause permanent staining to the wood.

Our Ofuros are made of all wood with no finish applied to them. We do not recommend any type of finish, nor can we even suggest one.

Most residential home do not have enough hot water supply to fill an Ofuro. With every cubic foot of water being 7 gallons, smaller Ofuros hold about 100 gallons and a “typical” 5′ x 3′ x 26″ deep Ofuro holds about 160 gallons.

Some instantaneous water heaters can fill an Ofuro, but most people chose to add a small recirculation (pump) system with an electric “spa” heater. Adding a filter and ionizer to this, one can reuse the water for up to a week without the use of standard hot tub chemicals. Using a small amount of chemicals the water can last up to 3 months.

Absolutely! Just like a normal hot tub or spa an Ofuro can be jetted.

Also, keep in mind that jets require plumbing on the exterior of the Ofuro. It will almost certainly be preferred to cover/hide this plumbing with some type of deck or surround, build on site.