What is an Ofuro Tub?
An ofuro is a deep soaking tub designed for seated bathing with water immersion up to the shoulders. Unlike standard bathtubs (14-20" deep), ofuros are 27" deep, allowing for full-body heat therapy and meditative soaking. The design originates from traditional Japanese bathing culture, where the focus is on relaxation and contemplation rather than washing.
Construction & Materials
Each tub is handcrafted using traditional joinery methods where wood pieces interlock and naturally swell when filled with water, creating a watertight seal without chemical sealants or synthetic liners.
Natural Wood Interior: The interior is left unsealed—natural wood enhances the sensory experience with warmth, aroma, and tactile connection. Cedar's natural resistance to moisture, rot, and insects makes it ideal for water immersion.
Available Woods:
- Port Orford Cedar (Clear Vertical Grain) - Premium, tight grain, aromatic. $5,450 starting
- Western Red Cedar (Clear Vertical Grain) - Classic Pacific Northwest cedar, beautiful grain. $5,250 starting
- Tight Knot Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir - Rustic character, economical options when available
Exterior Finish: Clear Rubio Monocoat oil finish (natural, hand-rubbed)
Drain-and-Fill Design
Our ofuros follow traditional bathing practice: fill with hot water from your water heater, soak, then drain after use. This means:
- No chemicals needed - No chlorine, bromine, or sanitizers
- Minimal maintenance - No pumps, filters, or heating systems
- Fresh water each use - Like a deep bathtub or onsen bath
- Lower complexity - Simple, natural soaking
This differs from our Cedar Hot Tubs which have fiberglass linings and are designed to stay filled continuously like conventional hot tubs.
Indoor & Outdoor Use
Indoor: Ideal for wet rooms, spa bathrooms, or renovations. Works with floor drains or direct plumbing. At 28" exterior width, tubs fit through standard 30"+ doorways when rotated.
Outdoor: Perfect for patios, decks, or garden settings in Oregon, California, Washington, and other climates. Cedar weathers naturally to silver-grey or can be maintained with oil to preserve original color.
Pacific Northwest Craftsmanship
Built in our Eugene, Oregon workshop. We source cedar locally from Pacific Northwest mills. Our lead builder brings 30+ years of finishing carpentry experience. Each tub is custom-made to order with attention to finish quality and long-term durability.
Standard Dimensions (Interior):
- Width: 24-28" (custom available)
- Length: 44-50" (custom available)
- Depth: 27"
- Exterior width: ~28-30" (fits through 30"+ doorways)
- Water capacity: 80-120 gallons (depending on size)
Wood Options & Pricing:
| Wood Type | Grade | Starting Price |
| Port Orford Cedar | Clear Vertical Grain | $5,450 |
| Western Red Cedar | Clear Vertical Grain | $5,250 |
| Western Red Cedar | Tight Knot | Lower (inquire) |
| Douglas Fir | Hand-milled | Lower (inquire) |
All tubs: Natural unsealed interior, Rubio Monocoat exterior
Construction:
- Traditional joinery (wood swells to seal when filled)
- No chemical sealants or synthetic liners
- Natural unsealed interior wood
- Hand-rubbed oil exterior finish
Installation Requirements:
- Indoor: Wet room with floor drain (recommended) or direct plumbing
- Outdoor: Level surface, drainage plan for water disposal
- Floor load capacity: ~650-1,000 lbs when filled (similar to bathtubs)
Usage Type:
- Drain-and-fill (like a bathtub)
- Fill with hot water from water heater
- Not compatible with continuous heating systems
- See Cedar Hot Tubs for always-filled option
Lead Time: 6-8 weeks custom fabrication
Accessories:
- Custom cedar plank lids (individual planks, made to match)
- Steps or stools available
- Custom features by consultation
Shipping: Available to Oregon, California, Washington, nationwide (freight shipping)
What is the difference between an ofuro and a regular bathtub?
Ofuros are deeper (27" vs. 14-20") and designed for seated, upright soaking with water covering your shoulders. Standard bathtubs are designed for reclining. Ofuros provide full-body heat immersion in a compact footprint.
Can I use this outdoors?
Yes. Our cedar ofuros work indoors or outdoors. The natural cedar and traditional joinery perform well in both environments. Outdoor tubs develop a natural silver-grey patina over time, or maintain original color with wood oil.
How is this different from your cedar hot tub product?
Ofuro (this product):
- Natural unsealed wood interior
- Drain-and-fill usage (fill, soak, drain)
- No chemicals, pumps, or filters needed
- Traditional bathing ritual
- Natural wood contact
- From $5,250
Cedar Hot Tub:
- Clear fiberglass-reinforced interior (like cedar canoe)
- Stays filled continuously
- Compatible with heating and filtration systems
- Requires water treatment
- Always-ready year-round hot water
- From $4,500
Choose based on whether you want traditional bathing practice or always-ready hot tub convenience.
How do I heat the water?
Fill your ofuro with hot water from your existing water heater (like filling a bathtub). These are drain-and-fill design. For always-heated options, see our Cedar Hot Tubs.
Will it fit through my doorway?
Yes, typically. Standard 28-30" exterior width fits through 30"+ doorways when rotated. Contact us if you have narrow doorways or access concerns.
What maintenance is required?
Minimal. Drain after each use, rinse if desired, allow to air dry. No chemicals or sealants needed for natural wood interior. Outdoor tubs weather naturally or can be maintained with wood oil.
Is the interior sealed?
No. The interior is natural, unsealed wood. This preserves the authentic soaking experience—warmth of natural wood, cedar aroma, tactile connection. Natural wood darkens slightly and develops character with use (this is normal and desirable).
What wood should I choose?
- Port Orford Cedar - Premium option, tightest grain, most aromatic, highest durability
- Western Red Cedar - Classic choice, beautiful grain, excellent moisture resistance
- Tight Knot/Douglas Fir - Economical, rustic character, availability varies
All options use traditional joinery and natural interiors.
How long does it take to build?
6-8 weeks from order confirmation. Each tub is handcrafted to order.
Do I need special plumbing?
Works with floor drains (wet rooms) or direct drain plumbing. We work with your builder to customize plumbing placement for your installation. Standard floor drains compatible.
How much does it weigh when filled?
Approximately 650-1,000 lbs when filled (similar to standard bathtubs). Consult your builder regarding floor load capacity for upper-floor installations.
What about outdoor winter use?
Cedar can remain outdoors year-round. Ensure complete drainage after each use to prevent ice damage. Wood will naturally weather or can be maintained with oil.
Do you ship to California/Washington/other states?
Yes. We ship throughout Oregon, California, Washington, and nationwide via freight. Shipping costs vary by location. Contact us for quote.
Can I see examples?
Visit our Gallery or follow Instagram for recent builds and customer installations.
1. Initial Consultation
Contact us to discuss your project:
- Indoor or outdoor installation?
- Available space dimensions
- Doorway width for delivery
- Wood preference
- Custom requirements
2. Custom Design & Quote
We'll provide detailed specifications and quote including:
- Tub pricing (size, wood type, features)
- Optional plank lid cover
- Lead time (currently 6-8 weeks)
- Shipping/delivery to your location
- Installation guidance
3. Fabrication
Once confirmed, we begin handcrafting your tub in our Eugene workshop. Traditional joinery, carefully selected wood, hand-finished details.
4. Delivery & Installation
- Freight shipping or local delivery (Oregon, California, Washington)
- 28-30" exterior width fits through 30"+ doorways
- We can work with your builder for plumbing customization
- Installation guidance provided
5. Enjoy
- Fill with hot water from your water heater
- Soak in the warmth of natural cedar
- Drain after use—simple, no chemicals
- Decades of meditative soaking ahead
Contact Us for Custom Quote →