Bathtubs

How to Choose a Bathtub

The right bathtub depends on the room layout, the user, the plumbing already in place and how the tub will be used. Pick the install style first because it sets the limits on everything else.

Install Style

• Alcove bathtubs. Three walls with one finished apron. The most common bathtub install. Easiest to retrofit into existing bathrooms.
• Drop in bathtubs. Tub drops into a built up surround. Allows custom tile and stone surrounds. Needs framing and finishing labour.
• Freestanding bathtubs. No surround at all. Statement look in modern and classic bathrooms. Floor space and structural support both matter.
• Walk in bathtubs. Door in the side wall. Aging in place and accessibility focused. Larger footprint and longer fill time.

Material

• Acrylic. Light, warm to the touch, resistant to chips. Most common modern bathtub material.
• Fiberglass reinforced acrylic. Even lighter, lower cost, slightly less rigid.
• Stone composite. Resin and crushed stone. Heavier, holds heat longer, looks like sculpted stone.
• Cast iron with porcelain. Traditional, very heavy, holds heat longest. Often used in clawfoot designs.

Soaking Depth and Length

For a comfortable soak, look for water depth above 14 inches at the deepest point. Length matters too: a 60 inch tub fits most adults; a 66 to 72 inch tub fits taller users. Freestanding soaking tubs often have steeper walls that hold water deeper than alcove tubs of the same length.

Match a tub with the rest of the bath suite: bathroom vanities, showers, toilets or bathroom mirrors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common bathtub size?

The standard alcove bathtub is 60 inches long, 30 inches wide and 14 to 16 inches deep. Most existing bathrooms are framed for this size, which makes it the most common replacement choice.

Are freestanding bathtubs comfortable?

The high sided design holds water deeper than most alcove tubs, which makes for a better soak. They are also wider on average. The trade off is a colder external surface unless the tub is double walled or stone composite.

Do walk in bathtubs need a special drain?

Yes. Walk in bathtubs use larger fast drain valves to empty the tub before the user can step out. Standard 1.5 inch drains are too slow. Most walk in tubs ship with a 2 inch drain assembly and may need a slightly larger waste line on installation.

How heavy is a cast iron bathtub?

A 60 inch cast iron tub weighs 250 to 350 pounds empty. With water and a person, total weight reaches 800 to 1000 pounds. Verify the floor framing can carry the load before installing on an upper floor.