Types of Bathtubs: Freestanding, Alcove, Drop-In and More, and How to Choose

The main types of bathtubs are alcove, freestanding, drop-in, undermount, corner and walk-in. Those names describe how the tub is installed, which is the first thing to decide because it sets the plumbing, the floor space and the amount of building work. After that come the material (acrylic, fiberglass, cast iron, steel or stone resin), the shape and the size. An alcove tub fits between three walls and is the usual choice for a tub and shower in one. A freestanding tub is finished on every side and stands on the floor by itself. The tubs we carry are freestanding white acrylic models from 47 to 67 inches long, so this guide goes deeper on that type.

Quick guide

• Tub and shower in one, or a small bathroom: an alcove tub, usually 60 inches long and 30 to 32 inches wide.
• A tub as the focal point with open floor around it: a freestanding tub.
• A tub set into a tiled deck or platform: a drop-in or undermount tub.
• An unused corner in a larger bathroom: a corner tub.
• Easier entry for someone with limited mobility: a walk-in tub with a door and a seat.
• Long, deep baths: a soaking tub. That describes depth, and it comes in any of the installation types.

Bathtub types by installation

Alcove bathtubs

An alcove tub sits in a recess with walls on three sides, and only the front panel, called the apron, is finished. It's the most common tub in American homes because it uses the least floor space and pairs easily with a shower head and a curtain or door. The standard size is 60 inches long, 30 or 32 inches wide and about 14 to 20 inches tall. When you order one, you need to know whether the drain is at the left or the right end. If you're adding glass to an alcove tub, our shower door buying guide covers tub doors.

Freestanding bathtubs

A freestanding tub is finished on all sides and isn't attached to a wall. It can stand in the middle of the room, under a window or a few inches off a wall. The common styles are:

• Flat-bottom tubs that sit directly on the floor, the usual modern look.
• Pedestal tubs, which rest on a base or plinth.
• Clawfoot tubs, raised on four feet.
• Slipper tubs, with one end raised to support your back. A double slipper has both ends raised.

Freestanding tubs usually run about 55 to 72 inches long and 27 to 32 inches wide, and compact models start under 50 inches. They need space around them for cleaning, and the water supply comes up through the floor or out of the wall, so the faucet is usually a floor-mounted tub filler or a wall-mounted spout.

Drop-in bathtubs

A drop-in tub is an unfinished shell with a rim, lowered into a framed and tiled deck or platform. Only the inside of the tub and the rim show. The deck gives you a ledge for bottles and a place for a deck-mounted faucet, but it takes more floor space and carpentry than an alcove tub.

Undermount bathtubs

An undermount tub is installed the same way, except that the rim sits under the deck surface, usually stone or solid surface, for a flush edge. It's easy to wipe down, but replacing the tub later means removing the deck top.

Corner bathtubs

A corner tub fits against two walls, often with a triangular or five-sided footprint, commonly about 48 to 60 inches along each wall. It takes more floor area than an alcove tub and usually holds more water, so it suits larger bathrooms.

Walk-in bathtubs

A walk-in tub has a watertight door, a low threshold and a built-in seat, so you step in instead of climbing over the side. You get in before it fills and stay seated until it drains, so ask about fill and drain times before choosing one.

Soaking tubs, whirlpools and air tubs

A soaking tub is defined by depth, not by how it installs. The water level, measured from the bottom of the tub to the overflow, is roughly 14 inches or more, compared with about 12 inches in a standard tub. Many freestanding tubs are soaking tubs. A Japanese-style soaking tub is shorter and much deeper, made for sitting upright. Whirlpool tubs push water through jets and air tubs push air bubbles; both need an electrical connection and access to the pump for service.

Bathtub materials

• Acrylic: vacuum-formed sheets reinforced with fiberglass. It's light, warm to the touch and non-porous, with a glossy surface that wipes clean, and light scratches can usually be buffed out. It's the most common material for freestanding tubs.
• Fiberglass: the lightest and least expensive option. The finish tends to wear and fade sooner than acrylic.
• Enameled cast iron: very durable and good at holding heat, but heavy, often 300 to 500 pounds empty, so the floor may need reinforcing.
• Enameled steel: lighter and less costly than cast iron. The enamel can chip, and the water cools faster.
• Stone resin or solid surface: crushed stone bound with resin, with a matte, solid feel. It holds heat well and is heavy.
• Copper and wood: specialty materials, chosen mainly for their look.

Bathtub sizes

• Alcove: 60 by 30 or 32 inches is standard. Shorter 54-inch tubs fit small bathrooms, and 66- to 72-inch tubs suit larger ones.
• Freestanding: about 55 to 72 inches long, 27 to 32 inches wide and 20 to 28 inches tall. Compact tubs run about 43 to 51 inches.
• Corner: about 48 to 60 inches along each wall.
• Japanese-style soaking: often under 50 inches long and more than 24 inches deep.

Length decides how you sit. In a tub of about 47 to 51 inches, most adults sit fairly upright. Around 59 or 60 inches lets most people recline, and taller bathers are usually more comfortable at 66 inches or more. The listed height of a freestanding tub is the outside height, the side you step over, and the water depth inside is less.

The freestanding acrylic tubs we carry

Every bathtub in our collection is white acrylic with a modern look, and most are oval. The photos show freestanding tubs that sit flat on the floor, with a center drain and an overflow slot near the rim. The lengths in stock are 47, 49, 51, 59, 63 and 67 inches, and 59 inches is the most common. They're about 26 to 30 inches wide and about 19 to 28 inches tall, and the height varies even between tubs of the same length, so compare listings side by side.

Compact tubs: 47 to 51 inches

The 47-inch oval tub is listed at 47 inches long, 25.6 inches wide and 19.3 inches high, the lowest side to step over in the collection. The 51-inch oval tub has the same width and height with 4 more inches of length. For a deeper, more upright soak in a small footprint, the 47-inch tub is listed at 47.2 by 27.6 inches and 24.8 inches high, and the 49-inch tub at 49 by 27.95 inches and 24.02 inches high.

Standard length: 59 inches

The 59-inch tubs are closest to the footprint of a standard 60-inch tub, and they differ mainly in height. This 59-inch oval tub is listed at 58.7 inches long, 29.5 inches wide and 22.8 inches high. A taller 59-inch oval tub is listed at 26 inches high. The tallest 59-inch tub is listed at 28.35 inches high, and in its photos one end rises higher than the other, like a slipper tub.

Longer tubs: 63 and 67 inches

The 63-inch oval tub is listed at 63 inches long, 29.53 inches wide and 22.83 inches high. The 67-inch oval tub, the longest we carry, is listed at 66.9 inches long, 29.5 inches wide and 21.7 inches high.

See every size in bathtubs. Planning the rest of the room? Browse bathroom vanities and shower doors, or read our bathroom vanity size guide and small bathroom storage ideas.

How to choose a freestanding tub: what to measure

Floor space

Mark the tub's length and width on the floor with painter's tape. Leave enough room to clean around it, at least about 4 inches from any wall and more if you can, and about 30 inches of clear floor on the side where you step in.

Drain and water lines

A freestanding tub's drain has to meet the drain in your floor. Show your plumber the listing's dimensions and photos before you order, because moving a floor drain is usually the biggest part of the job.

Faucet

Freestanding tubs usually have no faucet holes, so they're filled from a floor-mounted tub filler or a wall-mounted spout. Our listings describe the tub and don't mention a faucet, so plan the tub filler separately. The ones in the photos are there to show the setup.

Weight and the floor

Water weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon, so 50 gallons adds more than 400 pounds before anyone gets in. Acrylic keeps the tub itself light: about two-thirds of the tubs we carry are listed at under 100 pounds, though a few listings show much higher weights, so check each one. On an upper floor or in an older house, ask a contractor whether the floor needs extra support.

Hot water

A common rule of thumb is that your water heater's tank should hold at least two-thirds of the tub's capacity. Otherwise a deep tub runs lukewarm before it's full.

Getting it into the bathroom

Measure every doorway, hall, stair and turn on the way in. The shipping cartons for our tubs run about 50 to 71 inches long, 28 to 34 inches wide and 24 to 30 inches tall. The listings show freight (LTL) shipping, most of them on a pallet, so decide where the carton will be set down and have a second person ready to help carry it. Every listing also notes partial assembly.

FAQ

What is the most common type of bathtub?

The alcove tub, installed between three walls and usually combined with a shower. The standard size is 60 inches long and 30 or 32 inches wide.

What is the difference between a freestanding tub and a soaking tub?

Freestanding describes the installation: the tub is finished on all sides and stands by itself. Soaking describes the depth. Many freestanding tubs are deep enough to count as soaking tubs, but alcove and drop-in tubs can be soaking tubs too.

Are acrylic bathtubs good?

Acrylic is light, warm to the touch, non-porous and easy to clean with a non-abrasive cleaner. It can scratch if you use abrasive pads or powders, but light scratches can usually be polished out.

What is the smallest freestanding tub?

Compact freestanding tubs start at about 43 to 48 inches long. The shortest we carry are 47 inches.

How much space do you need around a freestanding tub?

Enough to clean behind it, at least about 4 inches from the walls, plus about 30 inches of clear floor where you step in and out.

Before you order

Before you order, measure three things: the floor space where the tub will stand, the position of the drain and water lines, and every doorway, hall and stair on the way in. We ship to the contiguous U.S. and to Canada (not to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico). U.S. orders are usually processed in 1 to 5 business days and arrive in about 4 to 10 business days including processing, with free shipping on orders over $120. Canadian orders usually arrive in 4 to 13 business days including processing, with free shipping over $500. Returns are accepted within 30 days for unused items in their original condition and packaging; return shipping is the customer's cost unless the item arrived defective, damaged or incorrect. Questions about fit? Email help@FurniFindUSA.com or message us on WhatsApp at +1 484-459-6889.