bathtubs

Thanks to smart materials and a variety of installation options, it’s easy to create a soothing spot for soaking in any bathroom. Look for a tub that feels comfortable and suits your design style.

Tub Materials

Different tub materials offer perks that fit various price points and lifestyles. Take a look at the options and determine what will work best for you. Keep in mind, however, that not all tubs are available in all materials.

Cast-iron tubs are among the most durable and long-lasting fixtures in the home, and they can be refinished if needed. But these tubs are very heavy—even a small cast-iron tub will likely require extra floor support.

Acrylic has a high-gloss look that’s similar to enameled cast iron but weighs much less. Acrylic is more durable and less prone to color-fade than fiberglass tubs. Repairs are much easier than those that must be made to porcelain surfaces.

Fiberglass tubs, also referred to as gel-coat fiberglass or fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), feature a glossy, easy-to-clean surface. It’s not as expensive as acrylic, but it’s also not as durable and can crack if something hits it hard enough.

Composite tubs are made from an engineered material coated in enamel. They offer the heat-retention of a cast-iron tub at a third of the weight—so they are ideal candidates for upper-level bathrooms.

Cultured marble is a solid-surfacing material comparable to quartz-surfacing countertops that is produced from crushed marble set in resin and then covered with a clear gelcoat. Scratches can be buffed out of this material, but cracks can’t be repaired.

Porcelain-on-steel tubs offer the look and heat-retention of cast iron at a lighter weight. Prices can vary, but keep in mind that you generally get what you pay for; lower-price models tend to chip and sound echoey.

Installation Methods

Select an installation method that works best with your space requirements to transform your tub into a stunning focal point.

Alcove: Commonly referred to as a recessed tub, this installation is used for rectangular tubs adjacent to three walls. The most common and affordable configuration, it features only one finished side and is often paired with wall-mount fixtures. If you’re replacing a standard tub, take note of the drain location as you face the accessible side—this is how you determine if you need a left-hand or right-hand installation to match up with existing plumbing lines.

Platform: Tubs made for platform installation drop into a deck structure usually built into its own enclosure, often adjacent to the shower. This method works well with whirlpools and air baths, because space below the deck can house and hide pumps, plumbing, and hardware. (Keep these parts accessible with a removable panel.)

Undermount: The difference between a platform tub and an undermount tub is mostly a matter of aesthetics. An undermount’s rim is covered with a deck top—usually stone or tile that coordinates with surrounding materials—and it’s supported from underneath, rather than hanging from the deck as a platform tub does. Undermount tubs are often more expensive to install than platform models, but they make getting in and out of the tub easier.

Freestanding: As the name implies, this tub stands on its own on the bathroom floor without additional support, creating a stunning focal point. Tubs include classic claw-foot models as well as streamlined, contemporary versions. This type of installation must be placed close to plumbing lines, so ask your design professional if this is an option in your space.