Table of Contents
- Questions to Consider Before Buying a Bathtub
- Comparison of Bathtub Materials
- Bathtub Types & Installation Styles
- Should You Refinish or Replace?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Related Resources
- Final Verdict : Pick One of the Best Bathtubs for Your Needs
Selecting the best bathtub isn't just a matter of aesthetics – it's about comfort, practicality, the reality of installation, and possibly something more than a few of us have to worry about: the long-term cost of ownership. A guide to your perfect bathroom renovation to make your home that much homier.
Reliable information that gives you a clear sense of what's involved from space considerations and plumbing logistics to materials comparisons and tub styles – we'll help you make an informed decision that's right for you lifestyle and bathroom configuration. Let's get started.
Questions to Consider Before Buying a Bathtub
1. What Is the Main Purpose of the Bathtub?
Understanding how you'll use the tub is the most important starting point.
- Will it be for general use in a family bathroom?
- Do you want to take a luxurious bath?
- Do you you want therapeutic elements, such as whirlpool jets or air massage?
- Is it a product for kids or seniors that might require safety add-ons?
Use-based suggestions:
| Use Case | Recommended Type |
|---|---|
| Relaxation | Soaking or freestanding tub |
| Therapy | Whirlpool or air tub |
| Families with kids | Alcove tub with shower combo |
| Seniors | Walk-in tub or shallow soaking tub with grab bars |
The fancier the bells and whistles (jets, heaters, lights), the more you'll pay up front — and the more complicated the installation.
2. How Much Space You Have in Your Bathroom?
Before you fall in love with a specific model, measure everything: floor space, doorways, plumbing access (out with the old in with the new!) and ceiling height.
- Standard tub size: ~60” L x 30” W x 14–16” D
- Soaking tubs: Typically deeper (18–24″), and perhaps one tub side is longer
- Freestanding tubs: Need clearance on all sides in your space –confirm with layout
- Corner tubs: Ideal for bathrooms with angular layouts or limited width
Measure for fit and delivery:
- Will the tub go through doorways?
- Does the drain location fit (left/right/center)?
- Do you have to accommodate a shower?
3. Is Your Water Heater Up to the Job?
The size of a bathtub can range from 25 gallons to upwards of 150 gallons. You should hot-fill the bath to about two-thirds comfortably.
A gallon of water is 8.34 lbs.
Example calculation:
A 70-gallon tub x 0.66 (hot water) = ~46 gallons of hot water needed
If you have a 40-gallon water heater, you'll run out before the tub is full.
Checklist:
- Confirm your water heater gallon capacity or GPM device output.
- For those high-capacity soaking tubs, you might want to consider a tankless system instead.
- Factor in how the bathtub may affect overall household hot water use.
4. Is the Weight of the Tub a Problem?
Blowout bathtub weight isn't just about installing it — you also need to consider that weight is structural, particularly for upper floors or older homes.
| Material | Weight (Empty) | Weight (With Water + Person) |
|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | 70–100 lbs | ~650 lbs |
| Cast Iron | 300–500 lbs | Up to 1,200+ lbs |
| Stone Resin | 250–400 lbs | ~1,000 lbs |
Average load capacity of floors in a residential apartment: ~40 lbs ft/sq.
If your total load exceeds the safe range, consider consulting a contractor.
5. Is It Comfortable to Use?
Aesthetics are of course paramount — but ergonomics matter more.
- Head to a showroom and sit in the tub. Assume the position, lay back, fake a soak.
- Assess the back angle and arm support.
- Test the ideal height if sink looks is important to you.
For seniors who have difficulty standing or anyone with mobility issues, search for:
- Lower step-in height
- Built-in grab bars
- Non-slip floor surfaces
Comparison of Bathtub Materials
Material choice affects durability, heat retention, cleaning effort, and aesthetics. Here's how to pick:
| Material | Durability | Heat Retention | Maintenance | Weight | Average Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Good | Good | Easy | Light | $500 – $1,200 |
| Fiberglass | Fair | Poor | Easy | Very Light | $300 – $800 |
| Cast Iron | Excellent | Excellent | Easy | Heavy | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| Enameled Steel | Moderate | Poor | Chips easily | Medium | $400 – $900 |
| Stone Resin | Very Good | Excellent | Easy | Heavy | $1,200 – $2,800 |
| Cast Polymer | Moderate | Fair | Brittle over time | Medium | $800 – $1,500 |
| Composites | Excellent | Very Good | Easy | Medium | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Material considerations:
- Eco-friendly? Consider stone resin or recycled composites.
- Heat retention? Opt for cast iron or stone resin for long, hot soaks in the bath.
- Low-maintenance? Acrylic resists mold and cleans easily.
- High-traffic household? Go with scratch-resistant, chip-resistant options.
Bathtub Types & Installation Styles
1. Alcove (Recessed) Tubs
- Fits into three-wall enclosure
- Often includes a shower
- Space-saving and functional
Best for: Small bathroom, family use
2. Drop-In Tubs
- "Dropped" into a custom platform
- Enables greater design flexibility and luxury finishes
- Usually needs more floor space
Best for: Renovated master baths
3. Freestanding Tubs
- No enclosure—mounts anywhere close to plumbing
- Decorative center point; great for soaking
- It needs more space and budget
Best for: Lavish looks, open spans
4. Corner Tubs
- Installed diagonally in a corner
- Typically deeper and more spacious
- Works well in non-standard layouts
Best for: Large bathrooms with unused corner space
5. Soaking Tubs
- Deeper than standard tubs, with minimal features
- Emphasizes immersion and relaxation
Best for: People who want spa-like comfort
6. Whirlpool and Air Tubs
- Whirlpool: Uses water jets; targeted massage
- Air tubs: Operates with soothing air jets instead of water jets
- Need to be plugged in and additional cleaning
Best for: Therapeutic purposes, luxury remodels
Other kinds: walk-in tubs, platform tubs, undermount tubs
Should You Refinish or Replace?
You may not require a complete new set. Consider these options:
Refinishing
- Adds a new coating to the surface
- Best for minor chips, discoloration
- Lasts 5–10 years
Relining
- Installs a tailor-made acrylic liner over your bathtub
- Not as invasive, but it bulkier and can overcrowd inside space
When to Replace:
- Structural cracks, rust, or leaks
- Poor ergonomics or comfort
- Upgrading size, material, or functionality
Removing and replacing a bathtub typically costs $1,500–5,000 or more, depending on the tub and quality of work, compared to $300–600 for refinishing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best overall bathtub material?
Can I install a freestanding tub in a small bathroom?
What is the lifespan of a bathtub?
- Fiberglass: 10–15 years
- Acrylic: 15–25 years
- Cast Iron: 50+ years
Will I have to support my bathroom floor?
Will getting rid of a bathtub impact home resell value?
Related Resources
- How Do You Clean Bathtub Jets Safely After Bath Bombs?
- What Is an Alcove Bathtub? A Complete Guide
- Alcove vs Drop-In Bathtub: Which One Fits Your Bathroom
- 5 Rookie Mistakes with Luxury Freestanding Bathtubs
- What is the Deepest Bathtub Available?
- How Much Is a Clawfoot Bathtub Worth?
- How Do I Repair a Leaky Bathtub Faucet?
- How to Choose the Right Bathtub Size for Your Bathroom
- What is a Slipper Bathtub? A Detailed Guide
- A Complete Guide to Bathtub Refinishing
Final Verdict : Pick One of the Best Bathtubs for Your Needs
Choosing the perfect bathtub is not just about luxury; it's also about finding the right balance between these factors:
- Your space and layout
- Material performance
- Water and structural compatibility
- Your daily lifestyle and usage patterns
By responding to the important queries and comparing all your available choices on an objective basis, you'll bring your bathroom to a place of comfort, beauty, and function.
