When designing a bathroom, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the perfect bathtub. Buying a new bath can be an exciting experience, but it can also be quite a challenge. One of the main concerns you may have is whether a standard-size bath will suit your needs. After all, finding the right size is crucial to ensuring comfort and functionality in your bathing space.
In this guide, we will explore the world of bath sizes and help you navigate the available options. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether a standard-size bath is suitable for you. So, let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of baths!
Typical bathtub sizes
Sources：Standard Bathtub Sizes: Guide to Common Tubs
Alcove bathtubs
Alcove bathtubs are the standard choice in most homes. The name ‘alcove’ comes from the placement of the bath, which is surrounded by three walls, with the fourth wall having a front panel known as an apron. In many cases, the alcove bath spans the length of the bathroom wall, typically 60 inches.
In bathrooms with walls over 60 inches, homeowners often install a partition to maintain the alcove style. In addition to maximizing space, one of the main reasons for the popularity of the alcove bath is safety.
The space in front of the bath should ideally be 60 inches long by 30 inches wide. These dimensions ensure safe entry and exit from the bath.
While these dimensions are standard, alcove baths are available in smaller or larger sizes to suit different spaces. Small alcove bathtubs are typically 54 inches long, 30 inches wide and 15 inches high. Longer alcove baths are approximately 72 inches long, 36 inches wide and 20 inches high.
Freestanding bathtubs
Freestanding baths, such as the famous claw foot bath, are an eye-catching focal point in your bathroom. With access from all sides of the bath, it is recommended that you allow an extra 3 to 4 inches around the perimeter when measuring the area.
In addition to the clawfoot design, freestanding baths are also available with a plinth or flat base. When choosing a bath, it is important to consider the space available and whether additional space is required. Freestanding baths come in various sizes, but the standard size is usually 55 to 72 inches long, 27 to 32 inches wide and 15 to 20 inches high.
Drop in bathtubs
Drop-in baths are a popular type that shares similarities with standard alcove baths. However, unlike alcove tubs, which run the length of a wall, drop-in tubs are placed in a specially constructed deck in the bathroom. These tubs typically have tiled exposed sides and can be installed by yourself or a contractor.
To accommodate a drop-in bath, the deck must provide at least 6 inches of flat deck space around each side of the bath. It means that the deck structure should be at least 1 foot longer and wider than the tub. Drop-in tubs come in a variety of sizes, with standard dimensions ranging from 45 to 72 inches in length, 30 to 32 inches in width and 14 to 20 inches in height.
Corner bathtubs
Corner bathtubs offer a luxurious option for drop-in tubs and can be a perfect addition to any ensuite bathroom. While it’s common to envision a corner bathtub fitting into a triangular space, it’s important to consider it as a square shape to accommodate the entry and exit points and the deck.
Corner bathtubs are best suited for larger bathrooms. They generally have dimensions of 60 inches in length, 60 inches in width, and 22 inches in height.
Walk-in bathtubs
A walk-in tub features a side door that allows easy entry without stepping over the tub’s lip or climbing in. These tubs are beneficial for people with limited mobility. Walk-in bathtubs are available in various sizes, typically ranging from 48 to 60 inches in length, 28 to 36 inches in width, and 38 inches in depth.
By incorporating handrails and grab bars, walk-in baths minimize the risk of slips and accidents while showering. These safety features not only help keep your head above water but also make it easier to get in and out of the bathtub.
Oval bathtubs
Oval bathtubs are available in both drop-in and freestanding models. Although oval bathtubs appear to be more spacious in all dimensions, they are only wider, not longer.
If you compare a standard-size oval bathtub with a similarly sized 60″ alcove tub, the oval tub can be up to 6″ wider. However, due to their wider shape, oval tubs can be challenging to fit into small bathrooms and may not be viable for medium-sized bathrooms.
Whirlpool bathtub
A whirlpool tub is an acrylic bathtub that occupies a comparable amount of space to an alcove tub. It is equipped with air or water jet streams, which provide a soothing hydrotherapy effect and help maintain the water temperature for extended periods. Whirlpool bathtubs typically have an average length of 60 inches, a width ranging from 32 to 36 inches, and a height of 18 to 24 inches.
How do you choose your bathtub size?
Ideal size
Ensuring that you have sufficient space for the desired bathtub is crucial. Some bathtub dimensions may not be suitable for small spaces, while others might appear disproportionately small in larger bathrooms. Alcove tubs are typically well-suited for small spaces, while corner tubs or freestanding tubs can be accommodated in larger bathrooms. It’s important to consider the available space and choose a bathtub size and style that best complements the overall proportions of your bathroom.
Choosing the right weight
Choosing the right weight for your bathtub is essential. Some bath materials, such as copper or cast iron, can be heavy, especially when water fills. If you’re concerned about your floor’s ability to support the weight of a heavier bathtub and don’t have the budget to reinforce the floor, opting for a smaller and lighter porcelain bathtub is advisable. This will ensure that the bath’s weight, including the water it holds, is within the load-bearing capacity of your floor.
Plan your budget
Certain types of baths may require additional labor or installation costs to ensure proper construction. If your budget doesn’t allow for a larger bath to be installed properly, installing one may not be worth the expense. It’s important to balance the size of the bath you want and the costs involved to ensure that the installation is within your budget.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bathtub size is crucial for creating the perfect bathroom space, whether you prioritize luxury and comfort or practicality in a small area. This guide, brought to you by George Bathroom, a renowned bathroom fixtures manufacturer, aims to provide a basic understanding of different bathtub sizes and offer helpful guidance when shopping for one. Whether you prefer the indulgence of a large bathtub or the space-saving design of a small tub, options are available to suit your preferences.
