The bathtub is often the most pivotal piece of a bathroom design. Depending on the dimensions and layout of your bathroom, you may find that a particular tub can give you the perfect balance of function and style.
From freestanding to drop-in or under-mount bathtubs, we’ll define and discuss standard bathtub sizes in this article, along with other important considerations.
Alcove Bathtubs
Standard bathtub sizes for alcove tubs are:
• Length: 4.5 to 6 feet
• Width: 2.5 to 3 feet
• Depth: 1 to 2 feet
While common in many households, an alcove bathroom can still be a striking fixture and help set the tone for your bathroom. An alcove bathtub is set against the far side, so the two long walls form the ends and back of the bathroom.
You’ll find that alcove bathtubs are ideal for smaller bathrooms about 6 feet wide. If the room is significantly larger than this, the walls may be too far apart to form an alcove. If you have a small bathroom, you may feel the need to forego a tub altogether and install a shower instead. This can give you additional functionality while still providing a spa-like atmosphere.
Drop-In & Under-Mount Tubs
Standard drop-in bathtub sizes in feet are:
• Length: 3.75 to 6 feet
• Width: 2.5 to 2.75 feet
• Depth: 1 to 2 feet
Drop-in tubs are designed to fit into a constructed deck with top and exposed sides completed with tile, stone, wood, or other materials. While not as common as alcove bathtubs, drop-in tubs are becoming increasingly popular because of the range of design options available. Under-mount tubs are similar, but instead of an exposed lip, they are fastened d to the bottom of the deck using heavy-duty clips and caulk.
In small bathroom designs, a drop-in tub can fit into the bathroom’s natural corner with only two sizes exposed. Still, the drop-in tub can be fitted into a pedestal deck for larger bathrooms, creating a centerpiece. Because a custom deck is required, drop-in bathtubs are best suited for medium to large bathrooms, especially considering that most designers advise at least a half foot of deck space around the tub.
When planning for a drop-in bathroom design, it's essential to remember that you’ll need to add at least a foot to both the width and the length to ensure that the custom deck will fit around the tub.