What is 3 wall alcove bathtub
Joseph Russell
Updated on March 23, 2026
3-wall alcove tub-shower combinations are the most common tub type and are designed to maximize space. The unfinished ends usually get sandwiched between an exterior wall and a handy built-in storage cabinet. A wall-mounted shower is a typical accompaniment. Drop-in tubs are the tub shell only.
What does an alcove tub mean?
Alcove Bathtubs. Alcove tubs, which are surrounded by walls on three sides. The front side is then covered with an integral tub apron. Right and left-handed drains are available and are selected depending on your bathroom configuration.
What is a standard size alcove bathtub?
The most common bathtub installation is an alcove bath with an overall size of 60 inches x 32 inches. Standard tubs usually have external measurements around 60 inches long, 30 inches wide and 14 to 16 inches high.
What is the difference between an alcove tub and a regular tub?
The term alcove doesn’t refer to the shape or size of the bathtub, but the installation. Alcove tubs are unfinished on three sides with the fourth side, usually one of the long sides, finished with a tub apron. The tub gets installed into an alcove section of the bathroom with three of its sides enclosed by a wall.What is the difference between a skirted and alcove tub?
An alcove tub and a skirted drop-in tub are very similar, with the only difference being their installation. An alcove tub is made to fit into a space joined by three walls, whereas a skirted tub will always have one completely open side.
Can you put a drop in tub in an alcove?
Yes, drop in tubs can be installed in an alcove, but they’re more commonly installed in more open spaces, freestanding or jutting out from a wall. Depending on the size of the bathroom, a drop in tub installed in an alcove may provide less space; one may be able to fit a larger tub into another space in the room.
What is an alcove tub installation?
The term refers to the bathtub being installed into a recess in your bathroom, which means quite commonly they are installed with three joining walls or a pocket alcove in your bathroom, with some modern designs only having two walls or a large window to remove the confined nature of this installation method.
What type of bathtub is best?
- Porcelain enameled cast iron (Cast Iron) – Best All Around; See Kohler Cast Iron Bathtubs.
- Thermoformed acrylic (Acrylic) – Better to Excellent; See Kohler Acrylic Bathtubs and Aquatic Bathtubs.
Can you tile the front of an alcove tub?
The aprons that are cast into alcove bathtubs simplify the tub installation, but they often come up a bit short in the style department. One way to improve the appearance of a plain apron and create the look of a built-in tub is simply to build and tile a short wall in front of the tub.
Can you put a freestanding bathtub in an alcove?We often get asked whether it is suitable to install a freestanding bathtub in an alcove. The answer – absolutely! Freestanding bathtubs have been around for nearly 150 years, and they are still part of every day design. Available in endless shapes, colors and sizes.
Article first time published onHow do you measure an alcove tub?
Measure the edge of your tub from one end to another in case of length and width. In case of height measurement, measure it from your bathroom floor to the top of the bathtub. Do not measure the height from inside of your bathtub.
How do you know what size bathtub to buy?
Generally, if your home can support it and you have the space for it, a larger tub is recommended. In the case of freestanding and corner bathtubs, if you have the requisite space, then by all means, choose those styles. But, if your space is more limited, alcove, drop-in, and soaking might be more suitable for you.
What are the different sizes of bathtubs?
60 inches long (5ft) 30 inches wide (2.5ft) with 16 (1.3ft) inches of water depth. Smaller sizes typically run 45 inches long (3.75 ft), 30 inches wide (2.5ft) with 14 inches of water depth (1.16 ft). Large size you are looking at 72 inches long (6ft), 42 inches wide (3.5ft) and 20 inches of water depth (1.6ft).
What is the lowest bathtub height?
The shortest tubs are 14 inches tall, but only have about eight inches of soaking depth. A shallow tub like this is fine for people who mostly shower, bathe children, and don’t want a tall tub to step in to.
How deep should a bathtub alcove be?
A standard alcove tub will have an average depth of 14-15 inches with a soaking depth of around 9 inches. Most adults could not have their body fully submerged in a standard size tub.
What is the difference between a soaking tub and regular tub?
Deeper than the average bathtub, soaking tubs are designed to offer the ultimate in relaxation by allowing you to fully submerge. … When it comes to size, soaking tubs blow regular tubs out of the water, with some topping out at 90 inches in length and 76 inches in width—big enough to accommodate two bathers.
How do you convert a drop-in tub to Alcove?
- Measure the alcove space with a measuring tape. …
- Place a piece of cardboard in the bottom of the tub. …
- Check the subfloor where the tub will be located. …
- Set the tub in place and mark the holes for the plumbing and fixtures. …
- Install the plumbing. …
- Install the tub spout and drain per manufacturer directions.
What is the most durable material for a bathtub?
Cast iron tubs are made by pouring molten iron into a mold of the desired shape, then smoothing it and coating it with a thick layer of enamel. It’s probably the most durable tub available, and the finish is resistant to chipping, scratching and denting, as well as most types of chemicals.
What does drop-in tub mean?
Drop-in tubs are the tub shell only. They’re fitted inside a framed enclosure that’s finished to match bathroom cabinets or tile. An enclosure is a separate item, so budget accordingly. Undermounts are drop-ins destined for floor-level installation. Flooring, such as tile, covers the lip of the tub.
What is integral apron?
Integral apron Exposed external wall of a bathtub or whirlpool bath. It may be integral to the overall structure of the fixture or may be removable for access to whirlpool pump and motor.
What is the most comfortable bath shape?
Oval bathtubs are a common choice for aesthetic and comfort purposes. The most popular oval configuration is the oval freestanding tub (for statement-making purposes), though oval drop in tubs are popular as well, combining the curves of an oval with the linear appearance of a rectangular tub.
Which bathtub is easiest to maintain?
Both acrylic and stone resin tubs are non-porous, making them both easy to clean, repair, and maintain, but acrylic surfaces scratch far easier and discolor faster than stone resin tubs. In terms of durability, stone resin tubs far exceed acrylic tubs since they are harder to scratch, break, or damage.
Is acrylic or fiberglass bathtub better?
Acrylic is much more durable than a fiberglass tub. The chance of an acrylic tub chipping, cracking or fading is unlikely. Fiberglass tubs can fade and get cracked and scratched over time. Both styles can be cleaned with simple cleaning solutions.
How much does it cost to install a tub surround?
Cost To Install Tub Surround The average cost to install a tub surround is $600 to $1,800 for the materials and labor. The labor cost to replace a tub surround is $300 to $600. Basic acrylic and fiberglass tub surrounds cost $200 to $1,000, while solid surface surrounds cost $600 to $2,000, plus installation.
Can I put freestanding tub against wall?
I’ve worked with new freestanding-like bathtubs called “back-to-wall” tubs that are designed to be installed against a wall. This design may fit smaller spaces and allows for back of tub access for an easier install.
Are freestanding bathtubs going out of style?
The freestanding bathtub is a current bathroom remodeling trend that may soon be going out of style. … Freestanding bathtubs are also very heavy and may require a reinforced floor. Doorless showers. A doorless shower may increase the amount of floor space in your bathroom, but it also creates a problem with humidity.
What is a good soaking depth for tub?
Standard tub depths allow for approximately 12” of water; soaking tubs should offer at least 14” or more so that the water covers the majority of the bather’s body. To determine water depth, measure the tub from the bottom (interior) to the overflow drain.
How big is a 2 person bathtub?
Common freestanding bathtub sizes for 2 people A medium sized two person bathtub starts at around 66.9 inches long with a width of 33.5 inches and a height of 22 inches. The largest of the medium sized bathtubs comes in at 70 inches with a width of 35.4 inches and a height of 22.5 inches.
How is bathtub depth measured?
To find the soaking depth of a tub, measure the inside wall of a bathtub from the base to the overflow drain at its deepest point. The most common bathtub soaking depth is 14″ – 17″. Once you’ve calculated your desired basin size, consider the volume of water it will take to fill.
What is the standard size of a tub surround?
Typical pre-constructed surrounds have a length of 60 inches, a height of 32 inches and a width of 32 inches-this generally can fit a small to moderate sized bathtub. This extends to higher or larger sizes which come in with a length of 60 inches, a height of 72 inches and a width of 60 inches.
What is a bathtub surround?
A bathtub surround is a vertical surface material that protects the walls just above a bathtub or bathtub/shower unit. … Although typically made of ceramic tile, other materials can also be used for bathtub surrounds, including sheets of acrylic or polyester, or sheets of solid-surface material.