Bathtubs are one of the essential parts of many bathrooms and as people are being more and more interested in a relaxing soaking experience, the demands for bathtubs are growing. In fact, the global bathtub market is expected to hit $8.9B by 2027.
But before thinking about the aesthetic aspect of getting a tub in your bathroom, accurate knowledge of the size and measurement of the space available in your bathroom is extremely important.
Whether you want to replace your old bathtub or to buy something new, you’ll need the exact dimension of the bathtub and your bathroom. We will focus on how to measure a bathtub and everything you need to know about different bathtub dimensions.
Different Bathtub Dimensions for You to Choose From
Let’s get this straight: a standard bathtub doesn’t exist. No measurement is considered as standard, and tubs are designed in different shapes, styles, and sizes.
We definitely can’t provide a list of standard shapes but offer a suitable size that you can find easily. Nonetheless, before we get to that point, let’s take a look at the different varieties of bathtubs out there.
1. Freestanding
You can easily recognize this as a bathtub. As the name goes, freestanding bathtubs are designed with freestanding units that have no attachment to the wall.
Inflatable hot tubes also fall into this category. Most times, the tubs are positioned at the center of the bathroom since it perfects the true signature of opulence and luxury.
Since the tub is not placed close to the wall, it requires enough space. As a result, they are not suitable for small bathrooms.
The advantage of this tube is the ability to give more freedom since the entire shape is not measured out precisely. Once you have enough bathroom space, then no need to worry about the precise dimension.
Using a freestanding bathroom in a small center is often accompanied by detrimental effects. Doing this will only make your bathroom more cramped -and your movement will be limited.
2. Alcove
Enclosed in three walls of alcove, this type is designed to fit in as a standard home tub, even as there is no such thing as a “standard tub.”
Using the tub, you can carefully take out measurements of all the space in your bathroom. Since three of its sides are placed directly to the wall, it has only one side facing out.
One of the significant benefits of this tub is that it is compatible with the shower. The wall traps the water on each part of the shower, and the shower curtain does the fourth job.
3. Drop-in
Drops that are found in tubs are pretty similar to that of alcove bathtubs. The stark similarities are; both are made up of the bathtub shell and covered with skirts or aprons. This means the sides of the tub are not finished.
The bathtub will appear better fitted when installed with an alcove, similar to the style in alcove bathtubs, or you’ve installed it directly against the walls.
The name of the tub is crafted from its preconstructed frame; which most times complicates the installation process when compared to other types of tubs.
4. Undermount
The under-mount tub is pretty similar when compared to the drop-in tubs. This time, the stack difference here is; the tub is placed on a deck constructed from stones and tiles.
The bathroom can be a strike of ornament in the setting of your bathroom. The downside to this tub is that most times, the installation process can be expensive.
5. Corner
Just as the name goes “corner Bathtubs,” they are tubs installed within the corners of the bathroom. It has a large size that provides you with the needed comfort; we recommend this to folks who stay in the bathtub for a protracted period; i.e., they prefer a hot soak than a quick body clean.
Due to the space they occupy, the bathtub is recommended for large spacious bathrooms. You can consider having one if the space in your bathroom can accommodate it.
6. Walk-in
This type of bathtub is designed for those with less mobility. This time, the user will need to get in through the side. Bathing in the tub is done with a seated position. So the tub is a bit higher when compared to other models.
It is designed to reduced mobility. The user enters through a side door that closes before the bath is filled.
How to Measure a Bathtub: The Easiest Way
As stated earlier, bathtubs have no standard sizes. However, below are some examples of measurements to look out for on any of the models you want, whether acrylic or fiberglass.
Freestanding bathtub size
The freestanding tub can be installed in the bathroom without been fixed to the wall; to this effect, the tub is designed in different sizes.
Here are some of the possible size outcomes.
Small: 50 inches long x 24 inches wide x 24 inches high
Medium: 60 inches long x 30 inches wide x 30inches high
Large: 72 inches long x 32 inches wide x 30 inches high
An oval shape is also a possibility in which a freestanding bathtub can be created. An oval shape will have a normal with the following dimensions:
Oval bathtub: 60 inches long x 42 inches wide x 24 inches high
Alcove bathtubs/drop-in bathtubs Size
The drop-in bathtub / Alcove bathtubs are built with an average size. However, the bathtub can most times come in different variations. And these can be within the following range:
Small: 50 inches long x 30 inches wide x 15 inches high
Medium: 60 inches long x 32 inches wide x 18 inches high
Large: 72 inches long x 32 inches wide x 20 inches high
Undermount bathtub size
The bathtub is designed in different sizes and styles, due to its range of varieties, it make a standard list. Although the bathtub can be mounted like the alcove due to its design. The sizes are as follows:
Small: 50 inches long x 30 inches wide x 15 inches high
Medium: 60 inches long x 32 inches wide x 18 inches high
Large: 72 inches long x 32 inches wide x 20 inches high
Corner bathtub size
This is also designed in different varieties, but it is quite easy to come across some average sizes used by most manufacturers. Since the tub can fit perfectly within bathroom corners, there is no width or length. It is also designed in an irregular shape.
The most popular sizes are:
Small: 48 inches x 48 inches x 18 inches high
Medium: 60 inches x 60 inches x 20 inches high
Large: 72 inches x 72 inches x 20 inches high
Walk-in bathtub size
The walk-in bathtub is designed with much height than the normal bathtub and it meant to decrease mobility and have you take your bath will siting. Below is a list of some of its dimensions.
Small: 48 inches long x 28 inches wide x 38 inches high
Medium: 60 inches long x 30 inches wide x 38 inches high
Large: 60 inches long x 36 inches wide x 38 inches high
Measuring Your Space
Measurements are guidelines. Most times, manufacturers design bathtubs using different units of measurement or dimensions. The most important thing is to take out the right measurement of the space where the tub will be placed before carrying out a purchase.
Maybe you have a bathtub you want replaced; you will need to carry out the entire measurement with caution for accurate and error-free dimensions and for easy cleaning.
You might have an installed bathtub already if you do, then it’s possible to have some part of the tub hidden if this is similar to what you have at home, then you will need a less accurate measurement. This means you will need to estimate most of your measurements for accuracy.
To measure the width of a bathtub, take the accurate measurement of the outer lip that is attached to the wall. Add some inches to make-up for those parts of the tub that is installed on the wall.
To get the right length, you will need to take measurements from one point of the wall to another, then add some inches to both ends. This will help take into account the parts to be installed on the wall.
Conclusion
“A bathtub has no standard size” – We can’t stress this enough. However, there are sizes that are more preferred than others.
Bathtubs are designed with different ranges of sizes and shapes, similar to how the sizes of different bathrooms may vary. Knowing how to measure a bathtub will help you find the best fit for your needs.
FAQs
1: What is the standard size of a tub shower?
Ans. The most standard dimensions are 60″ long 32″ wide. Shower and bathtub combos are designed with 30″ X 30″ X 72″ or 60″ X 36″ X 72″ dimensions, which cover 60″ basin length.
2: How are alcove tubs measured?
Ans. Take a proper measurement from right to left side of your bathtub if you have a standing bathtub. Now measure the middle of the bathtub; this involves taking the accurate scale of both edges apart. If you have a bathtub that is enclosed with alcove, take the distance starting from an alcove’s end to the other side.
3: How do I know if my tub is steel or cast iron?
Ans. Use your fingertips to touch the bathtub. If you observe a cool sensation and the material appears similar to a coffee cup made from ceramic, then the tub is probably made from steel or iron. Bathtubs that are made from fiberglass have a plastic appearance and are a bit warm when compare to tubs made from steel.
4: How much does it cost to remove and install a bathtub?
Ans. Normally, bathtub installation can cost around $3,500, but it ranges from $1000 to $5,000. It all depends on the quality, modification, and type needed, and a tub can range from $200 – $2,000.
5: What is the inside width of a standard bathtub?
Ans. The interior of a standard bathtub is 45-inch long, 22-inch wide, and up to 18.5-inch deep. The water capacity of this tub is up to 24 gallons when filled to the brim. Most people only use up to 16 gallons of water for a bath.
6: How big is a 2-person bathtub?
Ans. A medium-size bathtub for two people is at least 66.9-inch long, 33.5-inch wide, and 22-inch high. The largest medium-size tub you will find stretches at 70-inch with a 35.4-inch width and 22.5-inch height.
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