Guide to Bathtub Sizes: 8 Common Types of Bathtubs

Becoming familiar with the various different styles and materials of tubs can help you choose the right one for your bathroom. Tubs come in many sizes and in a variety of materials, including acrylic, cast iron, ceramic, copper, and porcelain enamel. While standard bathtub dimensions may vary on type, there are many different types of bathtubs to choose from.

1. 1. Alcove bathtubs: The most common type of bathtub is the alcove tub, which is often a built-in tub shower combo surrounded by three walls to save space in small bathrooms. The standard tub size for an alcove fixture is 60 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 18 inches deep. Small alcove tubs are available for smaller bathrooms, which are anywhere from 48 to 55 inches in length. Long alcove tubs are best suited for large bathrooms and can have nearly a full extra foot in length when compared with a standard alcove tub.
2. 2. Corner bathtubs: A corner tub is a triangular bathtub that is inserted into the corner of your bathroom. They can take up a lot of floor space and are generally found in large master bathrooms. Corner bathtubs usually have two sides of the same length with a width ranging anywhere from 48 to 72 inches and a depth of 18 to 20 inches.
3. 3. Drop-in bathtubs: A drop-in tub is built into a large frame that is set into an alcove. They often come with their own rim that is larger than the limited rims in alcove tubs. Unlike alcove tubs, drop-in tubs require a significant amount of space and are usually found in larger bathrooms. Drop-in tubs can be customizable in their size but they generally have a length of 60 inches, a width of 30 inches, and a depth of 16.
4. 4. Freestanding bathtubs: A freestanding tub is a large stand-alone tub that is not built into the walls of a room. Freestanding tubs are usually found in large bathrooms and come in a variety of styles. A slipper tub is one popular style of freestanding tub featuring one end raised higher than the other to support a person’s back while they lounge. Clawfoot tubs stand on top of four stylized feet, or “claws,” and are another popular style of freestanding tub. Freestanding bathtubs are usually between 15 to 20 inches deep, 55 to 72 inches long, and 27 to 32 wide
5. 5. Soaking bathtub: A soaking tub is a kind of freestanding bathtub that you can place anywhere in your bathroom. Japanese soaking tubs are a popular choice for modern bathrooms, requiring the bather to sit upright rather than lounging at an angle. These tubs may have seats installed inside along their edges depending on the depth of the tub. Soaking tubs can come in a range of depths, usually at least 27 to 34 inches. Since they are made for soaking upright, they can have a diameter as small as 40 to 50 inches.
6. 6. Undermount bathtub: An undermount tub is similar to a drop-in tub except that its rim is covered with tile or stone framing. An undermount tub is usually 60 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 16 inches deep.
7. 7. Walk-in bathtubs: A walk-in tub has a door built along its side that lets you walk into the tub without having to step over the lip or climb in. Walk-in tubs are great for those who have restricted movement. Walk-in bathtubs come in a variety of sizes ranging from 48 to 60 inches long, 28 to 36 inches wide, and 38 inches deep.
8. 8. Whirlpool bathtub: A whirlpool tub is an acrylic bathtub that takes up a similar amount of space as an alcove tub. A whirlpool tub uses air or water jet streams for a hydrotherapy effect that can keep your water warmer for longer amounts of time. Whirlpool bathtubs average about 60 inches in length, 32 to 36 inches in width, and 18 to 24 inches high.

What bathtub you choose will typically depend on the size, layout, and style of your bathroom. Whether you’re taking on a DIY home improvement project or choosing a bathtub for a new build, here are four tips to follow when choosing the right-sized bathtub for your bathroom.

1. 1. Consider your space. It’s important to know if you even have enough space for the tub you want. Certain bathtub dimensions may not work for small spaces, while other bathtubs might be too small to work proportionately in your larger bathroom. Alcove tubs generally complement small spaces, while larger bathrooms can accommodate corner tubs or freestanding tubs.
2. 2. Choose the right weight. Certain tub materials like copper or cast iron may be too heavy for your floor especially once the tub is filled with water. If you don’t have the budget to reinforce your flooring for a heavier tub, stick with a smaller, lighter type of tub made of porcelain.
3. 3. Take your budget into account. Some types of bathtubs may require extra labor or installation costs to build correctly. If you don’t have the budget to install a bigger tub the right way, it might not be worth the cost to install a tub that large.
4. 4. Consider your needs. If you have an injury, restricted mobility, or live with someone who does, then your tub size will largely depend on what you need to fit those physical restrictions. If you have a large space and take regular baths, your options are less limited by space and you can focus more on comfort.

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