Garden Tub Definition: Pros and Cons of an Oversized Bathtub

A garden tub is a freestanding bathtub, soaking tub, or whirlpool bathtub. However, garden bathtubs are wider and deeper than a standard bathtub. These freestanding tubs provide more space and water depth for bathers to fully submerge their entire bodies in hot water. Homeowners can also purchase tub models with water jets. These jetted tubs circulate the water to maintain heat retention and can create a massaging, therapeutic effect for deep relaxation.

A garden-style hot tub incorporates the elements of a standard tub with a center drain, faucet, spout, or removable shower head. You can also purchase customizable hardware to complement the aesthetic of your bathroom design. The main difference between a garden tub and a traditional corner tub is its location in the bathroom floor plan and its larger width and depth.

The term “garden tub” originated in eighteenth-century France. At this time, only wealthy citizens could afford indoor plumbing in their homes. The French elite would sometimes place their deep soaking bathtub near a window with a view of their private garden. Contemporary interior design professionals adopted the nickname as a catch-all term for any high-end whirlpool tub that is separate from the shower. Many top brand manufacturers attempt to evoke the luxury of eighteenth-century styles with clawfoot tub designs and heavy-duty minimalist materials. A realtor might refer to a walk-in model with steps as a “Roman tub” instead of a garden tub, but these terms are interchangeable.

Consider these pros before purchasing a garden tub for your bathroom:

1. 1. A garden tub is aesthetically appealing. A tub in the living room space of a historic New York apartment and plastic garden tubs outside a mobile home are technically both garden tubs. However, among contemporary designers, the garden tub is a luxurious focus piece that provides a bathroom with a sense of comfort and tranquility. These functional works of art can improve the aesthetic of your home decor and increase resale value to potential buyers.
2. 2. A garden tub offers a comfortable design. Manufacturers design garden tubs with comfort in mind. Brands have a wide range of different shapes, colors, and materials from which you can choose. You can purchase your garden tub with an extended or lifetime warranty to ensure you are fully satisfied with a long-lasting, high-quality product.
3. 3. A garden tub comes from high-quality materials. Garden tubs are customizable to fit the style that best suits your home. You can enhance a rustic aesthetic by selecting a tub of stone resin or enameled cast iron, or accentuate your country-chic style or industrial motif by selecting a stainless-steel tub.

There are possible downsides of selecting a garden tub when determining the right style of tub for your bathroom remodel or new home build, including:

1. 1. A garden tub might require professional installation. Since most plumbing systems factor in a traditional corner tub or shower, accommodating a centrally located tub will require considerable DIY labor or the hiring of professional plumbers. Furthermore, a manufacturer might construct a standard garden tub in one piece with heavy materials. Moving a heavy tub to an upstairs bathroom can be a challenge. You will also need to ensure your installation area has the structural framing support to hold the weight of the heavy tub once it is full of water.
2. 2. A garden tub is more expensive than a standard tub. A high-end whirlpool bathtub is a luxury item that might not fit your acceptable price range. There are several cheaper construction materials, such as acrylic and fiberglass, that can keep the initial purchase within a tight budget. However, you will need to consider the added costs of professional installation and higher utility bills to determine whether a garden tub is worth the higher price tag to you.
3. 3. A garden tub requires a large bathroom floor plan. Since garden tubs take up more floor space, many bathroom floor plans cannot accommodate the installation of a garden tub. You might also want to consider the potential layout of your bathroom in terms of functionality. Even if a larger garden tub can fit in your bathroom, it could be an unsuitable design for older adults, children, or any other member of your family with mobility issues.

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