If you are shopping for a 60-inch alcove bathtub in Canada, two Maax models are worth putting side by side first: the Maax Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR and the Maax Rubix 6030 AFR. Both are white acrylic, both have an integrated tiling flange, both are AFR (above-floor-rough) tubs, and both come in left-hand or right-hand drain versions. They differ in the details that decide whether a tub suits your bathroom: bathing-well length, deck width, capacity range and whether you can add a whirlpool or air system. This guide compares them using Maax’s own technical drawings and the specifications on our product pages, explains AFR and left/right drain in plain language, then walks through the rest of the Exhibit and Rubix size ranges and a few other Maax alcove lines.
Quick answer
- First look: Maax Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR – 59-3/4" x 30" x 19-1/2", bathing well 46-1/4" x 23-7/8", 4-1/8" deck, soaker or system versions.
- Second look: Maax Rubix 6030 AFR – 59-3/4" x 30" x 20-3/8", a longer 54-3/4" x 23-3/8" bathing well, 3-1/8" deck, soaker.
- Why AFR matters: Maax describes AFR as leaving clearance under the tub so drain, waste and overflow piping can be run above the floor, which suits concrete-slab floors.
- Drain hand: choose Left or Right on the product page, and check the position against your rough-in before cutting or drilling the floor.
- Browse more: all alcove bathtubs or the full Maax collection
The two Maax alcove tubs to compare first: Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR vs Rubix 6030 AFR
Both hero tubs share the same nominal footprint (about 60" x 30") and the same 58-1/4" width for a door, so either can go into a standard three-wall alcove. The table uses figures from the product pages and Maax’s technical drawings.
| Specification | Maax Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR | Maax Rubix 6030 AFR |
|---|---|---|
| Overall size (L x W x H) | 59-3/4" x 30" x 19-1/2" | 59-3/4" x 30" x 20-3/8" |
| Bathing well (L x W) | 46-1/4" x 23-7/8" | 54-3/4" x 23-3/8" |
| Deck width | 4-1/8" | 3-1/8" |
| Deep sump height | 16" | 16-3/4" |
| Water capacity (per product page) | 38 to 44 US gallons | 34 to 54 US gallons |
| Approximate weight | 77 lb | 75 lb |
| AFR (above-floor rough) | Yes | Yes |
| Skirt and flange | Integrated front skirt (IFS) with integrated tiling flange | Integrated front skirt with integrated tiling flange |
| Drain hand | Left or right | Left or right |
| System options on the product page | Soaker (no system), Whirlpool, Aeroeffect, Combined Whirlpool & Aeroeffect | No system options listed; left or right drain |
| Maax feature notes | Elegant design; textured floor; discreet armrests | Maximized bathing well; Utile compatible |
The Maax technical drawings for both tubs show a single integrated tiling flange 1" high and 1/4" thick (a double flange is drawn as an option on the Rubix sheet). Read the drawings before you frame: Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR technical drawing and Rubix 6030 AFR technical drawing. Dimensions are approximate, and Maax asks you to verify structure measurements against the unit itself.
Maax Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR
The Maax Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR is the more configurable of the two. Its listing shows left or right drain combined with a soaker (no system), whirlpool, Aeroeffect (air) or combined system. Its 4-1/8" deck gives you more flat surface around the rim, and the bathing well is 46-1/4" long. If you are adding a system, Maax’s installation guide calls for an access panel of at least 30" x 15" near the pump or blower, and Maax’s shopping guide notes that system components need GFCI protection and their own circuit. Plan that with your electrician and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific system.
If you do not want a system, the soaker version is the plain tub. There is also a version with a factory linear overflow: Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR with linear overflow.
Maax Rubix 6030 AFR
The Maax Rubix 6030 AFR trades system options for a longer, more open bathing well: 54-3/4" x 23-3/8", which is 8-1/2" longer than the Exhibit 6030’s 46-1/4". Maax calls this a “maximized bathing well”, and its listing shows a wider capacity range (34 to 54 US gallons). Its deck is a slimmer 3-1/8". It is the simpler product: two variants, left drain or right drain. A version with a factory linear overflow is also listed: Rubix 6030 AFR with linear overflow.
AFR explained: what “above floor rough” means
AFR stands for above-floor rough. In Maax’s bathtub shopping guide, the AFR feature “leaves a few inches of clearance between the product’s underside and the flooring so pipes can be routed without breaking ground or relocating the drain”, and it is described as suited to installation on a concrete slab in renovation or new construction. On Maax’s AFR product pages, the tub “accommodates the installation of drain, waste and overflow above the floor”.
In practical terms:
- You gain: the drain and trap work sits above the floor surface, so you may not need to cut into a slab or move an existing floor drain. Confirm this with your plumber against the technical drawing for your model.
- You give up: a little height. The AFR version of a tub is taller than its non-AFR twin: compare the Rubix 6030 AFR at 20-3/8" with the non-AFR Rubix 6030 at 18-3/8", and the Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR at 19-1/2" with the non-AFR Exhibit 6030 IFS at 17-3/4". That is roughly 1-3/4" to 2" taller, which affects the step-over height, any window above the tub, and how the tub meets your wall finishes.
- What to check: Maax’s drawings list the drain and overflow heights for each model. Do not assume one AFR tub has the same drain location as another; use the drawing for the exact model.
A non-AFR tub is the normal choice when the drain is being roughed in below a framed wood floor. AFR is worth prioritising when you are on a slab and want to avoid cutting concrete.
Left-hand or right-hand drain: how to choose
Every Exhibit and Rubix listing here is offered with a left or right drain. The tub is one piece and the drain end is fixed, so you must pick the correct hand.
- The common trade convention is to stand outside the tub, facing it as though you were about to step in, and note which end the drain is on: drain on your left means a left-hand tub, on your right means a right-hand tub. Maax’s product listings offer “Left” and “Right” without spelling the convention out, so confirm with the technical drawing for your model.
- Compare the tub’s drain end to where your existing supply and waste lines are. In a three-wall alcove the drain end sits against one end wall.
- Maax’s installation guide states: some units come with a left-hand or right-hand drain, and you should check the drain position before drilling the floor. Treat that as a hard stop.
- If you are re-plumbing anyway, choose the hand that puts the faucet wall where you want it.
Installation and rough-in checklist for a Maax alcove tub
These points come from Maax’s alcove installation guide. Read the full guide for your model; a licensed plumber should handle the drain and supply connections.
- Check local building codes, then inspect the tub for damage before installing it; Maax’s guide notes that finish damage is not covered once the unit is installed.
- The floor must be level and strong enough to carry a tub full of water and a bather.
- Verify the alcove dimensions against the unit. Maax’s drawings note that dimensions are approximate and structure measurements must be verified against the tub.
- Lay cardboard in the tub while you work to protect the acrylic.
- Check the drain position (left or right) before drilling or cutting the floor.
- Test the tub by filling it to the overflow and checking for leaks before you finish enclosing it.
- With a whirlpool or air system, leave an access panel (Maax specifies 30" x 15") near the pump or blower.
- Integrated tiling flanges screw to the studs and the backer board sits on the flange; the drawings for both hero tubs show a 1" flange.
IFS, IF, flange and overflow: reading the model names
| Term | What it means on Maax listings |
|---|---|
| IFS | Integrated front skirt (apron): the front panel is part of the tub, so there is no separate apron to build. The Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR carries this in its name. |
| IF | Integrated tiling flange without the skirt. Some Exhibit versions are listed as IF; check the product page for your size. |
| AFR | Above-floor rough: clearance under the tub for drain, waste and overflow piping (see above). |
| Tiling flange | A raised edge that screws to the studs; tile backer or wall panels sit on it. The Exhibit 6030 and Rubix 6030 drawings show a 1" x 1/4" single flange. |
| Linear overflow | A factory-fitted linear overflow version, listed as a separate product (for example the Exhibit and Rubix links above). |
| Soaker | A plain tub with no whirlpool or air system. |
More Exhibit and Rubix sizes
If a 60" x 30" footprint does not fit, both lines extend to other AFR sizes. These are the AFR versions; figures are from each product page.
| Model | Overall size (L x W x H) | Bathing well (L x W) | Weight | AFR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR | 59-3/4" x 30" x 19-1/2" | 46-1/4" x 23-7/8" | 77 lb | Yes |
| Exhibit 6032 IFS AFR | 59-3/4" x 32" x 19-1/2" | 53-1/4" x 25-7/8" | 68 lb | Yes |
| Exhibit 6036 IFS AFR | 59-7/8" x 36" x 20" | 54-5/8" x 27-7/8" | 83 lb | Yes |
| Exhibit 6042 IFS AFR | 59-7/8" x 42" x 20" | 54-5/8" x 26-1/2" | 81 lb | Yes |
| Exhibit 6636 IFS AFR | 65-7/8" x 36" x 20" | 60-3/8" x 27-7/8" | 88 lb | Yes |
| Exhibit 7236 IFS AFR | 71-7/8" x 36" x 20" | 66-1/4" x 27-7/8" | 95 lb | Yes |
| Exhibit 7242 IFS AFR | 71-7/8" x 42" x 20" | 66-5/16" x 33-3/8" | 98 lb | Yes |
| Rubix 6030 AFR | 59-3/4" x 30" x 20-3/8" | 54-3/4" x 23-3/8" | 75 lb | Yes |
| Rubix 6032 AFR | 59-3/4" x 32" x 20-3/8" | 54-3/4" x 25-3/8" | 80 lb | Yes |
| Rubix 6632 AFR | 65-3/4" x 32" x 20-3/8" | 61-3/4" x 25-3/8" | 96 lb | Yes |
Exhibit tubs in these longer or wider sizes also list the same left/right and system choices on the product page. The naming is simple: the first two digits are length in inches (60, 66, 72) and the last two are width in inches (30, 32, 36, 42); the exact dimensions in the table are slightly smaller than the nominal size.
Other Maax alcove lines to consider
After you have compared Exhibit and Rubix, these Maax alcove tubs are worth a look. They are listed here with the dimensions from their product pages.
| Model | Overall size (L x W x H) | Bathing well (L x W) | Weight | AFR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosca 6030 IFS AFR | 59-3/4" x 30" x 20-3/8" | 49-3/8" x 21-3/8" | 77 lb | Yes |
| Rubix Access 6030 AFR | 59-7/8" x 30-1/8" x 16" | 54-3/4" x 23-3/8" | 75 lb | Yes |
| New Town 6030 IFS | 59-3/4" x 30" x 20-1/2" | – | 77 lb | Yes |
| Nomad 6030 AFR AcrylX | 59-3/4" x 31" x 20" | 54-3/4" x 22-1/4" | 71 lb | Yes |
| Mackenzie 6030 AFR AcrylX | 59-3/4" x 31" x 20" | 54-3/4" x 22-1/4" | 71 lb | Yes |
| Cocoon 6030 IFS | 59-3/4" x 30" x 21" | 46" x 21" | 77 lb | Yes |
Some of these lines use AcrylX rather than standard acrylic, as their product titles show. Read each page for the material and feature details rather than assuming they match the Exhibit or Rubix.
Who should buy which?
| Your situation | Look first at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You want the longest bathing well in a 60" tub | Maax Rubix 6030 AFR | 54-3/4" x 23-3/8" well vs 46-1/4" on the Exhibit 6030. |
| You may add a whirlpool or air system | Maax Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR | Its listing offers whirlpool, Aeroeffect and combined systems; the Rubix 6030 AFR page lists no system options. |
| You are on a concrete slab and want to avoid cutting it | Any AFR tub, such as the two above | AFR leaves clearance under the tub for drain, waste and overflow (confirm with the drawing and your plumber). |
| You have a framed wood floor and drain access below | Rubix 6030 (non-AFR) or Exhibit 6030 IFS (non-AFR) | Non-AFR versions sit 1-3/4" to 2" lower. |
| You need a wider or longer alcove | Exhibit 6636 IFS AFR, Exhibit 7236 IFS AFR or Rubix 6632 AFR | Same families in larger footprints. |
| You need a lower tub wall for step-over | Rubix Access 6030 AFR | Listed at 16" high, against 20-3/8" for Rubix 6030 AFR. Check the product page for details. |
Before you buy: a short checklist
- Measure the alcove length and width at several heights; walls are rarely perfectly square.
- Confirm the drain hand (left or right) from where the plumbing is now.
- Decide AFR or non-AFR based on your floor (slab or framed).
- Check capacity against your water heater: Maax’s shopping guide notes standard tub capacity is typically 40 to 50 gallons.
- Plan your wall finish. Rubix is listed as Utile compatible; for tile, plan the backer against the 1" flange.
- Read the technical drawing and installation guide for the exact model before framing.
- For a doored tub, check the door opening width: both hero tubs list 58-1/4".
Comparing materials first? Our guides on acrylic vs cast iron tubs and freestanding vs alcove tubs cover the basics. Planning a matching walk-in shower? Read our Maax B3Square shower base guide, and if you would prefer a freestanding tub, see our Maax freestanding bathtub guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Maax Exhibit and the Maax Rubix?
On the 6030 AFR models, the Exhibit has a 46-1/4" x 23-7/8" bathing well, a 4-1/8" deck and system options (whirlpool, Aeroeffect or combined), while the Rubix has a longer 54-3/4" x 23-3/8" well, a 3-1/8" deck and has no system options listed. Both are 59-3/4" x 30" AFR tubs with integrated tiling flanges.
What does AFR mean on a bathtub?
AFR means above-floor rough. Maax describes it as leaving clearance between the tub’s underside and the floor so drain, waste and overflow piping can be routed above the floor, which suits concrete-slab installations. AFR tubs are taller than their non-AFR equivalents: for example, 20-3/8" vs 18-3/8" for the Rubix 6030.
How do I know if I need a left-hand or right-hand drain?
The usual convention is to face the tub from outside as if stepping in and note which side the drain is on. Maax lists Left and Right options and advises checking the drain position before drilling the floor. Confirm against the technical drawing for your exact model.
Is the Maax Rubix 6030 AFR the same as the Rubix 6030?
No. The AFR version is 20-3/8" high and the standard version is 18-3/8" high on their product pages, because the AFR version leaves room for drain, waste and overflow above the floor.
Can I add a whirlpool or air system to a Maax Rubix?
The Rubix 6030 AFR listing shows only left and right drain versions, with no system options. The Maax Exhibit listings show soaker, whirlpool, Aeroeffect and combined whirlpool and Aeroeffect versions.
Do I need an access panel for a whirlpool or air system tub?
Yes. Maax’s alcove installation guide specifies an access panel of 30" x 15" near the pump or blower, and Maax’s shopping guide says system components need GFCI protection. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a licensed electrician.
What does IFS mean on a Maax bathtub?
IFS means integrated front skirt (apron). The front panel is part of the tub, so you do not build a separate apron.
What size are the Maax Exhibit and Rubix alcove tubs?
The hero models are 59-3/4" long by 30" wide, and both lines extend to 32", 36" and 42" widths and 65-7/8" to 71-7/8" lengths depending on the model. Each product page lists exact dimensions.
How much water does a Maax alcove tub hold?
The Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR page lists 38 to 44 US gallons and the Rubix 6030 AFR page lists 34 to 54 US gallons. Check your water heater capacity against the figure for your tub.
Our honest recommendation
For a standard 60" alcove, start with the two tubs at the top of this guide. Choose the Maax Rubix 6030 AFR if you want the longest bathing well and a plain soaker; choose the Maax Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR if a whirlpool or air system is on your list or you want the wider deck. Choose AFR if you are on a slab or want the drain work above the floor; choose non-AFR if you have framed-floor access below and want the lower rim. Whichever tub you pick, the two decisions that cause the most problems are the drain hand and the AFR/non-AFR choice, so verify both against your rough-in and the technical drawing before you buy.
Not sure it is the right tub? Compare it with other Maax alcove lines in the tables above, or browse the Maax collection. Specifications on manufacturer pages can change, so confirm the details on the product page for your exact model.
Sources
- Maax Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR product page (maax.com)
- Maax Rubix 6030 AFR product page (maax.ca)
- Exhibit 6030 IFS AFR technical drawing (PDF)
- Rubix 6030 AFR technical drawing (PDF)
- Maax alcove installation guide (PDF)
- Maax bathtubs shopping guide
- Maax warranty terms
- Product pages on plumbingmarket.ca linked above
Author: Plumbing Market. Dimensions are approximate and taken from Maax technical drawings and our product pages; always confirm before you buy or frame.
