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Bathtub shapes and installations

Bathtubs come in a variety of shapes and installation options. Pick the one that fits your design, space and budget.

Alcove Bathtubs

These are the types of bathtub most commonly found in older homes and refers more to the type of installation than the tub itself. They are currently one of the most popular installations in the United States. They are typically 5 feet long and enclosed on 3 sides, with one long side open for entering and exiting the tub. Alcove tubs are generally less expensive to install because they only require one finished side. The tub enclosure (alcove) can be finished with prefabricated fiberglass enclosure or with custom tiling. Shower curtains or a tub enclosure made with aluminum and sliding glass can be used to keep the water within the tub enclosure. These are also an excellent choice for people who require handholds for entering and exiting the tub, as these can be built into the tiled wall. Most prefab fiberglass walls include multiple handholds, as well as soap holders.

Drop-in Tubs

Drop-in tubs have a finished rim and are designed to drop into a deck or custom surround. Pictured is a very dramatic installation of a drop-in tub. Drop-in tubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which make the design possibilities very creative. A dramatic installation like this one might not even be in a bathroom - it might be included as part of a master bedroom. A drop-in tub doesn't necessarily exclude a shower installation - it would depend, of course, on the layout of the room and proximity to a wall for placement of a shower. These tubs are luxurious and large, excellent for relaxation and soaking. The lines are cleaner and design options more varied.

Corner Tub

A corner tub is designed to fit in a corner (obviously!). It is typically five-sided, with a triangular basin. There are many beautiful options available and these make a dramatic design statement. Most of them are made to accommodate 2 people. It would be difficult to include a shower with these, because the shape and the placement isn't very accommodating for either curtains or enclosures; however, a custom enclosure could easily be ordered, although it might detract from the visual effect of the corner placement. These tubs offer plenty of ledge space for decorative accessories and sitting while bathing. They are easy to clean and add a dramatic design element to your bathroom.

Freestanding Tubs

Probably the most recognizable freestanding bathtub is the antique clawfoot. These fabulous bathtubs, out of fashion for many years, have gained popularity again in the last decade. They are comfortable and roomy and a pleasure to soak in. They do have more exposed surfaces that require cleaning, including the floor underneath and behind. However, they add an antique feel to a room and have nostalgic appeal. You can either find and restore - or find a restored - clawfoot tub, or you can buy a new one.

However, clawfoot tubs are not the only freestanding tub available. A freestanding tub is any tub that is installed away from a wall or in the middle of a room. They come in many shapes, sizes and colors. They can have feet - like the clawfoot tub - or a decorative base of some kind.

Obviously, it would be difficult to couple these with a shower, as they stand away from walls, although a shower head could be included in the plumbing elements.

Almost all these bathtub types can also include spa-like water jets for additional relaxation. Make sure the mechanics for the spa are easily accessible, in case repairs are necessary.

Types of Bathtub Material

Fiberglass with gelcoat is the most common material used in the construction of bathtubs today. It's lightweight, easy to install and inexpensive. However, the gelcoat is thinner and less durable than acrylic and the finish lacks the depth and luster found in acrylic and porcelain bathtubs. The fiberglass tends to scratch easily and over time, the color may fade. If these are manufactured with areas that are too thin, holes may appear in the construction; however, these are easily fixed. Before buying a fiberglass tub (or a house with fiberglass tubs), inspect the tubs thoroughly for signs of wearing and thinning.

Acrylic is similar to fiberglass but slightly more expensive, as the color is embedded throughout the construction material, rather than on the surface. Acrylic tubs have a high-gloss finish and deep luster that lasts longer. The acrylic also retains heat better than fiberglass, so the water stays warm longer. It's more durable and easier to clean than fiberglass, as well. Most of the time, surface scratches can be easily buffed out.

Porcelain on Steel (POS) refers to bathtubs constructed of steel with porcelain then layered over it. These bathtubs are highly resistant to acid, corrosion and abrasion. They are also sanitary, easy to clean and retain the color of the porcelain. They are more expensive than fiberglass or acrylic bathtubs but worth the expense for a long-lasting, beautiful tub. The disadvantages of these are that they are heavier, more difficult to install and the porcelain can be chipped and damaged during installation or if heavy objects are dropped on it.

Cast iron tubs can last for years, as evidenced by cast-iron clawfoot antique tubs that are restored and reused. It can resist damage, dents and dings quite handily. Their weight makes them effective in reducing vibration and noise and the iron retains and distributes heat nicely for a comforting hot bath. Whirlpool jets in these bathtubs is not an option and because of their tremendous weight (a couple hundred pounds), they are only built as free-standing tubs and are limited in size (generally 5 feet long).

Marble tubs are sometimes seen in very high-end construction. Marble is a beautiful stone but aside from the cost, it stains and scratches easily. It can also crack from thermal shock if the temperature of the water causes a sudden change in the temperature of the marble.

Wood tubs are available but not recommended for daily home use. Some people like their nostalgic/rustic look and they might be a reasonable option for an outdoor shower at a cabin or beach location. If you have your heart set on one for your home, check local building regulations as some locations prohibit them.