Signature Hardware has many freestanding tubs in your price range.

Thank you, writersblock! Any experience dealing with the website per se... customer service, shipping delays/damages, etc. My designer and builder are super wary of me getting anything online, so I would appreciate any info. Thanks!

Maxx Jazz and Pearl tubs are two brands my plumber specs for my customers and they are seemingly affordable - however, I am not sure of the best place to buy them from retail. Hope that helps a bit! Or at least gives you ideas :)

I haven't used signature hardware myself, but many people here have done so and speak well of them.

EDIT I think there's one complaint here somewhere but I couldn't find it just now.

This post was edited by writersblock on Tue, Jan 15, 13 at 16:42

I just purchased the Maxx JazzF tub from Quality Bath. My friend has the same tub and is very pleased with the quality. It has a 25 year warranty unlike the ones at Home Depot or Signature Hardware which in the same price range have only a 5 year warranty. I think you will be very happy with the Maxx. I am like you I am mostly buying it very show but I want it to hold up.