For many homeowners, a soothing bath provides unmatched comfort—and if this fixture is a must-have in your home, it’s important to choose the right type for your space. Freestanding options include luxurious styles like clawfoot tubs, while corner tubs offer plenty of extra space with added features like jets and whirlpools. On the other hand, small bathtubs like drop-in and alcove options may be more suitable when space is tight, and a drop-in tub even provides extra surface space for soaps and accessories. Below, we break down the pros and cons of each type of bathtub to help you decide what’s best for your home. Free-standing bathtubs require a large bathroom to accommodate the tub and the buffer room around the tub. It is possible to install a free-standing tub in a small bathroom or a three-sided alcove, but this makes it harder to clean around and under the bathtub. Slipper and clawfoot tubs fit into this category, and both convey the impression of antiquity. Thus, you need a house worthy of such a tub. One hurdle of free-standing tubs is exposed plumbing. You can purchase specialty plumbing parts that celebrate, rather than try to hide, this exposed plumbing. Free-standing tubs tend to be significantly more expensive than alcove and drop-in tubs, and the overall cost is heavily dependent upon the material the tub is made of. Fiberglass and acrylic tubs are a bit more budget-friendly, while cast iron, stone resin, copper, and brass tubs have high-end price tags. Overall, freestanding tubs tend to cost between about $700 and $4,000. Cast iron tubs, in particular, are very durable and heavy (up to 500 pounds), but they’re the best option for staying warm during long baths. Many porcelain clawfoot options are still common today, although older models may require bathtub repair to restore them to their original condition. When the walls are tiled or fitted with panels, the enclosure can be used for a tub/shower combination. Alcove bathtubs are often the least expensive and easiest type of tub to install, typically costing from about $250 to $600 depending on the material and construction. The alcove bathtub is all about maximizing your bathroom space: This is the tub with the smallest footprint, and it fits tightly into its allotted space. The standard length for an alcove tub is 60 inches (but some can range from 53 to 72 inches). Alcove bathtubs can come as part of a package that includes the three-sided wall surround. In some cases, the wall surround is permanently attached to the bathtub, while others are detached for easy installation. This type of bathtub can be very durable depending on the material it’s made from, which is commonly fiberglass, acrylic, stone resin, or solid surface, but may also be cast iron. This unique bathtub requires you to have a carpenter build a deck or peninsula that juts into the room. The tub comes with a built-in rim and is installed inside the structure. Drop-in bathtubs can be installed in an alcove, but most often are featured in a more open area. As such, these tubs usually require more bathroom space than alcoves and cost more. The cost of the tub itself usually ranges from about $500 to $2,000. Drop-in bathtubs give your bathroom a more finished, permanent look. The structure your tub is installed in should be made with a durable frame and finished with tile or another waterproof surface. The tiled sides of the bathtub provide extra space for soap, shampoo bottles, candles, or books. Drop-in tubs can be made of fiberglass, acrylic, solid surface, stone resin, and even cast iron. Bill Oxford / Getty Images Corner bathtubs tend to be less about bathing and getting clean and more about relaxing and taking care of yourself. For that reason, corner bathtubs tend to have whirlpool and air jet features, and they’re often built in a durable, high-end fashion. Corner tubs often cost about $1,000 to $3,000, but these luxury features may increase the cost. More affordable corner tub materials include fiberglass, acrylic, and solid surface, while cast iron comes with a higher price tag. It’s also helpful to choose the best construction material for your needs. Cast iron tubs retain the most heat, while acrylic, fiberglass, and solid surface tubs are more affordable. If you’re not sure whether your space is suitable for your favorite type of bathtub, it’s helpful to consult a local contractor to discuss the available options.
