Eight different ways to soak
Whether you’re building a brand-new bathroom or simply replacing a worn-out tub, it’s important to upgrade to an option best suited to your and your family’s needs. There are eight different types of bathtubs to choose from; some tubs are better for relaxing after a long day at the office, while others are better for bathing your dog after a long hike. We’ve identified the major differences you’ll run into when comparing new bathtub models.
Aside from style, you should mull over your family’s specific needs and overall aesthetic before making a bathtub purchase. Consider the following factors:
Space: Do you have enough room for a separate bath and shower, or will you need to tear down walls? Is an alcove bath-shower combo the only space-saving solution for you, or would a corner tub work? The standard bathtub size is 60 inches long and 30 inches wide, but that’s just a jumping-off point—many shapes and sizes are available. Take measurements and talk to your pro to get an idea of what’s possible.
Use: Who will use your bathtub? A walk-in tub might be a wise option to make the bathroom more accessible for older adults. If this bathroom is just for you, it might be time to splurge on a luxurious soaking tub. If children use this bathroom or your pet needs a lot of doggie baths, make sure you pick a tub that works for that purpose.
Special features: Features like jets need room for pumps and timers.
Water heater capacity: You’ll need your water heater to heat enough water to fill your tub; tubs range in capacity from about 25 to 150 gallons of water.
Floor strength: Some bathtub materials, like cast iron, weigh a lot—make sure your floor can support the heft.
Cost: The cost of a new bathtub ranges based on style, size, and material; as you plan your budget, include any alterations for plumbing.
The alcove bathtub is a modern classic, one you likely grew up with, as it’s very common to find. This style features a bathtub surrounded by three walls, one of which likely has a showerhead installation, making the tub a versatile tub-shower combo. An alcove bathtub is an excellent space saver and often an inexpensive choice, with basic models starting as low as $200.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Saves space | Requires tile or wall surround |
| Can customize wall surround to match | Less overall design flexibility, particularly in placement |
| Affordable | Few sizing options |
Best for: Small bathrooms or those on a budget
Freestanding bathtubs, typically made from fiberglass and acrylic tub materials, are reminiscent of a different era and often become the centerpiece of your bathroom. A freestanding tub does not connect to any walls; its only connection point is the plumbing through the floor; therefore, its location in your bathroom may depend on where your plumbing runs unless you want to pay to have it rerouted.
Installing a freestanding bathtub in your bathroom will require that you have significant space around the tub—they’re not ideal for small washrooms. On average, a freestanding tub costs $2,500.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Timelessly stylish and elegant | Expensive |
| Adds a centerpiece to the bathroom | Takes up a lot of space |
| Fits many décor styles | Often requires plumbing to be rerouted |
Best for: Homeowners with spacious bathrooms who want a stylish accent piece
Corner tubs are, of course, installed in corners and supported by two walls or a custom deck. These models, running between $1,000 to $5,000, can be space-saving solutions when you’re renovating and don’t have enough wall space for a traditional alcove tub. Typically, corner tubs range from 55 to 65 inches wide, but they’re a more customizable option. Remember, they can be difficult to clean, as you’ll need to scrub deep into the tub’s corners.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Space saving compared to freestanding tubs | Difficult to clean |
| Large and luxurious | Larger tubs require more water to fill |
| Attractive with many design styles | Expensive |
Best for: Creating a luxurious space with a smaller footprint
A drop-in tub is an extremely customizable shell that fits into a raised platform deck designed by you and your local bathroom remodeler. The deck covers the plumbing and sides of the tub so they stay out of sight and can be deep enough to house bath products, books, candles, or a nightcap; the finished product is a seamless wall-to-tub transition that can match the rest of your bathroom’s look. The cost of a drop-in tub will largely depend on the deck design's complexity and the quality of the materials.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fully customizable size and design | Expensive |
| Decks provide storage space | Requires a specialized professional to design and install |
| Can be built to fit perfectly in any space | Optional jets require more complicated plumbing and an access panel, which may be unattractive |
Best for: Homeowners who want complete control over their bathroom’s design
Walk-in bathtubs cost $4,000 to $12,000 on average. These tubs are a safe choice for accommodating older adults or those with mobility issues, as they feature a door for walking into the tub instead of stepping over the tub wall. They also come as shower-bathtub combos, if you desire that. You’ll likely install other safety features, such as handlebars and hydro-massagers.
The sides of walk-in tubs tend to be higher than other models to allow for maximum immersion, but they can still fit into small spaces. For example, smaller models are only 4 feet long. Because you need to walk out the same way you walked in, you’ll need to wait for the water to drain before you can exit the tub.
If you want a walk-in tub, hire a local bathtub installer with experience in this unique tub style.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Accessible design for those with mobility issues | Expensive and not usually covered by Medicare |
| Unique add-ons like hydro massagers, heated seats, or aromatherapy | Users must enter and exit tub when empty |
| Full soaking experience in smaller spaces | Difficult to install |
Best for: Homeowners with accessibility needs
A jetted bathtub will help you take your relaxation game to the next level. Fitted with whirlpool jets, compressed air bubbles—or a combination—jetted bathtubs come in many different sizes and styles. Be prepared to clean your jetted tub regularly to prevent clogs. You’ll need to flush the pumps with special cleaners and scrub the jets. Expect to spend $1,000 to $4,000 for a jetted bathtub.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Relaxing, spa-like experience | Requires frequent cleaning to prevent clogs |
| Increased home value | Expensive and difficult to install |
| Can help treat sore muscles and arthritis | Takes up a lot of space |
Best for: Bringing the spa experience into your own home
Soaking tubs, known in Japan as ofuro, are much deeper than standard tubs and have a built-in seat for comfort during lengthy, luxurious baths. These striking designs are historically made with wood, though modern versions come in copper, acrylic, fiberglass, and steel. While soaking tubs can fit into an inset design, most people prefer to install them as freestanding centerpieces.
A pricier option, ofuro cost anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000. Because they are much deeper than other tubs, you should confirm that your water heater can heat enough hot water to fill the tub. Otherwise, you won’t be able to enjoy the ofuro’s benefits or will need to replace your water heater, which can be very costly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Relaxing bathing experiences | Faucets installed separately |
| Eye-catching design element | Use a lot of water and could even require a new hot water heater |
| Luxury features like heaters and ergonomic contouring | Can be difficult to get out of |
Best for: Homeowners who want a luxurious bath experience at home and do not have accessibility needs
This combo features a shower head fitted over the bathtub, offering convenience and relaxation. These are popular among those with limited space or few bathrooms because they ensure residents aren’t limited to just one option—bath or shower. Shower-tub combos are beneficial in homes with young children.
Shower and tub combos can be fairly basic and inexpensive, starting at $700, though more upscale models can cost up to $6,000. They are available in a wide array of colors, designs, and materials to suit any bathroom style; however, like an alcove tub, they usually have three walls surrounding them.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Multifunctional | Some styles can be difficult to clean |
| Perfect for homes with pets or young kids | Can be difficult for those with mobility issues |
| Small footprint | Usually requires three walls |
Best for: Homes with only a few bathrooms or limited space in the bathroom
Bathtubs come in various materials, and the right option for your home will depend on how often you use the tub, your bathroom style, budget, and the floor’s structural integrity. Like the different tub styles on the market, each bathtub material has many pros and cons.
A thin, flexible material that can be molded into many shapes, fiberglass is one of the most affordable tub materials. While fiberglass tubs are easy to clean, they are prone to scratching, cracks, and discoloration.
Acrylic tubs are scratch-resistant and studier than fiberglass. They are lightweight, which makes them easy to install, and they come in many colors, sizes, and shapes. Acrylic tubs provide a good balance of durability and affordability but are susceptible to warping.
Though iron is prone to rusting, cast iron tubs feature a protective layer of enamel that protects them from rust, scratches, chips, and other types of damage. Cast iron tubs are very durable and retain heat well, but they are expensive and so heavy they may require additional floor support if not installed on the ground floor.
Used for both cultured stone and solid surface tubs, cast polymer is both scratch- and stain-resistant. The durable material is easy to clean and available in many colors, sizes, and shapes, but it is pricey and can crack over time.
Copper tubs retain heat well, and their non-porous surface and naturally antimicrobial properties mean cleaning is a breeze. After years of water exposure, each tub will develop its own one-of-a-kind patina. Unfortunately, these tubs are expensive, heavy, and difficult to find—plus, they may clash with some design styles.
Stone tubs are very heavy and are best for bathrooms on the ground floor. If you have a strong enough floor, these bathtubs are durable and guaranteed to serve as an eye-catching statement piece in your bathroom. However, they are expensive, can be challenging to clean (many require specialty cleaning chemicals), and may absorb the heat from your water—leaving your bath to cool down quickly.
C.E. Larusso contributed to this article.
There are upsides and downsides to all bathtub materials. The most durable option is cast iron, but these heavy tubs are quite expensive and not always a good option for bathtubs on upper floors. For those on a budget, acrylic is a good option. However, copper has many unique benefits if you’re looking for something that wows and requires minimal maintenance.
The most common type of tub is the alcove, and a majority of these bathtubs are shower and tub combinations. Many suburban homes feature these as the default option because they allow the flexibility for users to take a bath or a shower—a notable benefit for those with pets and young kids.
Of the two most common and affordable bathtub materials, acrylic is notably better. Though fiberglass is cheaper, it is also more prone to scratching, chipping, fading, and cracking. Acrylic holds up better to wear and tear, cleaning, and sun exposure; the slight cost increase is usually worth the increased longevity.
