Bathtub choice is an integral part of the bathroom design process. Homeowners’ wishes should be considered, but if their bathtub choice is based on looks alone, it could mean disaster. It’s important to know why certain tubs are specified for one type of bathroom and not another. Many other factors can affect bathtub choice.

Bathtubs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, types, styles and materials, which can include but are not limited to cast iron, acrylic, fiberglass, porcelain on steel, cultured marble and composite.

The size of a bathroom and its configuration are the two main factors that determine the basic type of tub to use. There are five basic bathtub types, which include built-in/recessed, platform, corner, free-standing and specialty/premier tubs.

Most popular: Built-ins

The most common bathtub is the built-in/recessed style. They are built-in wall-to-wall and come in many sizes. The front can be coordinated to match the tile or stone of the room, or it can come with an apron front to match the same style and color of the tub. The most popular is the 5-ft. model in situations where space is an issue. It is specified for the classic 5-ft. by 7-ft. bathroom that is most popular, especially in urban dwellings such as in New York City. Typical sizes are 30 to 34 in. wide, 14 to 20 in. deep and 60 to 72 in. long. The two most popular colors are white and bisque. The built-in typically is used as a bath and/or shower where a sliding glass door is installed on the outside rim of the tub or a shower curtain rod is installed.

Platform tubs

Platform bathtubs have no front apron and are dropped into a platform. They are generally deeper, and for this reason are used more often when there is a separate enclosure for it. Many times the bathtub is built next to the shower and a custom, frameless glass enclosure separates them in high-end bathrooms (see photo above). The front of the platform can be tiled, and for a better installation the top of the platform can use stone slab material as a complementary color to the tile in the bathtub. This same stone can be used on a shower window sill and for saddles. A dramatic tub filler faucet can be used as a focal point, or a handheld spray can also be specified.

Corner models

Corner tubs are made to fit in the corner of a room and have angled or curved fronts. These work best in large square or rectangle rooms. Some corner tubs are so large they are made for two people; however, they take a good amount of space, which is approximately 60 in. on the back wall. These tubs are good for the very high-end market. Variations include one-piece corner shower/tub applications with built-in seat, steam and body sprays with curved or angled doors.