Bathrooms tend to have fairly limited space but come with many elements for functionality and design. Given the small spaces of bathrooms, planning the bathroom layout and design is important for maximized space efficiency. Notably for layout planning, determining the best sizes and dimensions of key fixtures like the bathtub will make a major difference. Bathtubs come in varying sizes and forms, which can greatly influence the overall bathroom design and layout. Therefore, understanding the various bathtub sizes will prove to be of great help in effectively planning a bathroom.
What is a Standard Size Bathtub?
How long is a bathtub? Standard bathtub dimensions generally provide a rough estimate for the bathtub size and its form. Nonetheless, the bathtub dims vary according to the type of bathtub and its general shape. The average bath size tends to measure around 2.5 feet in width and 5 feet in length. Vertically, the standard bathtub height is around 1.25 feet. Also, the standard bathtub size in feet can be converted to a smaller unit of measurement for more precise adjustments.
How to measure Bathtub Size
Height-wise, bathtubs are measured outside of the tub from the ground and up to the highest point of the tub fixture. For the width, measure from the farthest point of each wall outside the tub. To get the length, measure from the farthest point outside of the tub lip to the opposite side’s farthest external point of the tub lip.
The Standard Sizes of Bathtubs
What is a standard-size bathtub for each type? Since bathtubs come in numerous variations and styles, each bathtub type has a different standard size.
- Alcove Bathtubs
Alcove bathtubs are positioned in small and tight spaces like an alcove. The alcove space is generally surrounded by three walls and a single open side. Given the tight space, alcove bathtubs are ideal in bathrooms where space is at a premium or for maximum room efficiency for most standard or small-sized areas. Bathtubs situated in alcoves can vary in size with a length of 4.5- 6ft. and width of 30-36inches. The flexible sizing options allow room for determining the best-fitting bathtub size for the space.
What is a standard size bathtub for type of alcove bathtub? Alcove bathtubs can be small, long, or moderate, with each category having a different standard of measurements.
Small Alcove Tubs
Although small alcove tubs are rare, the preference is gradually becoming more accepted and steadily growing in popularity due to the rise of tiny houses and their efficiency. For bathrooms or small homes where a small alcove bathtub is a must, then the following sizing option is ideal:
- Length: 4.5ft.
- Width: 2.5ft.
- Height: 1.25ft.
Medium-sized Alcove Bathtubs
Standard-sized alcove tubs are found in most modern bathrooms and naturally fit in the tight spaces of most areas. Since this alcove size is the standard for most homes, fitting the bathtub is easier compared to other sizes.
- Length: 5ft.
- Width: 2.67ft.
- Height: 1.5ft.
Long Alcove Bathtubs
Long bathtubs are general alcove tubs that come with an additional foot length and a few inches on the width. The larger dimensions were incorporated for the tub to be able to fit two people or a single extra-large person. Otherwise, the space is good for those that prefer a spacious bath for added comfort. Given the larger dimensions, long bathtubs are unlikely to fit in most naturally small spaces and alcoves. Long bathtubs are ideally best for remodeling spaces or as a fresh installation in new house projects.
- Length: 6ft.
- Width: 3ft.
- Height: 1.67ft.
2. Oval Bathtubs
Bathtubs can be oval and either free-standing or drop-in in form. Oval tubs may appear generally larger compared to most standard bathtubs, but their width is the only dimension with extra size with the length remaining average. Since oval tubs tend to be a few inches wider, the tub frame’s width should be adjusted to properly accommodate the wider sides. This also means it takes up more precious space in the bathroom, which is why the bathroom layout and design should be planned and calculated beforehand before installing the wide tub. Especially for bathrooms with small spaces, oval bathtubs would only seem impractical as it takes up more space than standard-sized bathtubs and can be difficult to fit. Larger bathrooms are ideal for oval bathtubs since spacious interiors would have no issue accommodating the extra width.
- Length: 5ft.
- Width: 3.4ft.
- Height: 2ft.
3. Corner Bathtubs
Bathtubs can be positioned in a corner in the shape of a rectangle or triangle, and are generally solid options for the main bathroom. Corner bathtubs are situated in corners for additional activities like watching movies on a mounted TV or enjoying a book while soaking. The convenient bathtub position in the corner allows space for making the bathroom more than just an area for personal grooming and hygiene. Although corner tubs may appear small and fit well in most regular-sized alcoves, they use up quite a large space. Therefore, corner bathtubs are ideal and fit best in larger-sized bathrooms.
- Length: 5ft.
- Width: 5ft.
- Height: 1.83ft.
4. Whirlpool Bathtubs
Whirlpool bathtubs offer a visually pleasing form that also seems larger in size compared to standard dimensions. Although they may look larger, whirlpool bathtubs are mostly regular in size and can be installed as either a drop-in or alcove tub. Whirlpool bathtubs come equipped with integrated whirlpool and jetted system mechanisms as well as small built-in interior spaces for storing the jet tubes and pump system.
- Length: 5ft.
- Width: 2.67- 3ft.
- Height: 1.5- 2ft.
5. Freestanding Bathtubs
Aside from bathtubs positioned in corners and mounted on platforms, bathtubs can be situated as freestanding without being attached to any wall or mount. Freestanding bathtubs offer a wide range of options for placement especially since their dimensions are standard enough to fit in most bathroom corners and alcoves.
- Length: 4.6- 6ft.
- Width: 2.25- 2.7ft.
- Height: 1.25- 1.7ft.
6. Drop-in Bathtubs
Bathtubs with a drop-in design are generally popular since they offer both functionality and a luxurious appeal. The bathtub is constructed to fit into a platform or mount with the sides left exposed with tile or similar tub material. Since the sides are not complete, drop-in tubs tend to be fitted into the allotted deck space with the sides taking up the rest of the space. The drop-in style is fairly common for tub designs accommodating two people or as a luxury tub with whirlpool features. Drop-in bathtubs can be installed in medium-sized bathrooms into alcoves but are generally better in larger rooms where the mount or platform is welcome to take up space. Since a drop-in tub is fitted into a deck or mount, there should be a minimum of 6inches of platform space around every side of the tub.
- Length: 3.75- 6ft.
- Width: 2.5- 2.7ft.
- Height: 1.2- 1.7ft.
How to Choose the Right Bathtub Dimensions
In choosing the ideal bathtub, there are several factors to keep in mind when making a choice, especially since bathtubs can vary greatly in size, form, and features. Check the flooring of the bathroom and determine whether it can securely support the weight of a bathtub. Also, ensure that the water heater is compatible and capable of supporting a larger bathtub. It is important to take note of each bathtub’s features and dimensions to identify which one can offer the most practical use and accessibility.
Conclusion
In essence, it is important to keep in mind the tub space allowance since the bathtub design may require some space adjustments or the tub needs additional room around the sides for proper use and installation. Regardless, there is a bathtub for everyone that suits both their needs and their bathroom size and design.
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