How to Choose a Bathtub?
The bath is one of those permanent fixtures in every home that sees daily use and should always be reliable. When it comes time to choose a new one, make sure to select the bathtub that is right for your needs, space, and installation requirements. Whether you want a tub & shower for the kids’ bathroom, or a luxurious spa experience for your master bath, choosing the right tub for your needs is important. However, before you choose the style of tub, you will need to figure out what will fit in your bathroom, and what type meets your installation requirements.
What Size of Bathtub Do You Need?
The first step is to determine the dimensions of your tub space. You need to know how much room is available and the location of the plumbing dedicated for the tub and shower. Measure for width and length, whether it be from wall to wall, or just the floor space you expect to put the tub.
Once you know the size of the area you have to work with, and the relative placement, you can begin to get an idea of what size tub or shower you can look for. While most sizing in your search will be referred to by the tub length, you will need to consider the tub's length, width, and height (also referred to as depth.) The standard sizing for an alcove or drop in tub is 60" in length, but the sizes range from 50” to over 79” from end to end. Soaking tubs or walk-in tubs can be as narrow as 30” from end to end to fit in a smaller space.
What Type of Bathtub Will You Be Installing?
Drop In: Designed to drop into a cut out area, with a slight overhang on the deck around it.
Undermount: A solid surface, water-resistant deck is built around the tub, which covers the top edges to give a clean, finished look.
Three Wall Alcove: Built with a front-facing finished skirt, these are designed to fit into a three-sided niche.
Freestanding: Designed to be a focal point for a bathroom, freestanding tubs feature eye catching designs.
Corner Tubs: Built into a corner, this diamond-shaped tub has three front-facing sides to help fit a larger tub into a smaller space.
Walk In: Designed for people with mobility problems, walk-in tubs have a door for easy access which provides a waterproof seal once closed.
Clawfoot: Another type of freestanding tub, clawfoot tubs have feet that lift the tub off the floor to provide a very elegant look and feel to your bathroom.
What Type of Bathing Experience Are You Looking For?
Soaking: The most common tub type, soaking tubs offer a tranquil experience with no extra hydrotherapy technologies.
Jetted - Whirlpool: Also called a jetted tub, a whirlpool tub has water jets near major muscle groups for a vigorous water massage.
Jetted - Air: An air tub features tiny holes to stream air through, providing a gentle massage with bubbles for a highly relaxing experience.
Combination: The combination tub provides all the features of both whirlpool and air tubs, so you can choose your experience each time you bathe.
Complete Your Bathtub
Bathroom design is completely custom and unique to every home, so for most bathtub purchases, there are extra necessary elements that you’ll need to plan on choosing separately. For instance, a tub will need a tub faucet. Some configurations will allow for a bathtub faucet and a showerhead, either wall mounted or installed on the tub as a hand shower. Additional bath accessories, such as overflow drains or body sprays are also available, depending on the design of your bath area. Safety precautions such as grab bars should also be considered when planning a bathroom remodel. If the new bathtub is part of a full remodel, there are many bathroom vanities, sinks, and accessory packages to choose from, aswell as bathroom storage options.
There’s a lot to plan for when choosing a bathtub, whether as a single purchase or as part of a full remodel, so if you have any questions along the way, we’re here to help! You can contact our helpful project experts 7 days a week, either by phone or through our website chat. They’re here to make sure you find everything you need for your bathroom update.
To choose a bathtub, consider the available bathroom space, your budget, and your personal preferences for style, material, and features. Key factors include bathtub size, shape, material, and installation type (e.g., built-in, freestanding).
1. Size and Space:
Measure your bathroom:
Accurately measure the available space, including doorways and hallways, to ensure the new bathtub will fit.
Consider the tub's footprint:
Think about how the bathtub will fit within the space and if it will allow for comfortable movement around it.
Adjust for small or large bathrooms:
Larger bathrooms offer more flexibility in choosing a tub style and size, while smaller bathrooms may benefit from space-saving options like corner or drop-in tubs.
Standard sizes:
Familiarize yourself with standard tub dimensions as a baseline for comparison.
2. Style and Type:
Freestanding: Offer a luxurious look and can be placed anywhere in the bathroom.
Built-in (Alcove, Drop-in, Undermount): Typically installed against one or more walls, offering space-saving options.
Corner: Designed to fit into a corner, maximizing space in smaller bathrooms.
Soaking tubs: Deeper than standard tubs, providing full immersion and relaxation.