Bathtub buying guide: alcove, freestanding, drop-in and walk-in
The right tub depends on the space, who is bathing, and how much the floor can hold. Start with the style, then the material, then the details that trip people up on delivery day.
Styles
- Alcove: three walls, one finished front, and it doubles as a tub-shower. The standard 60" by 30" to 32" size fits most existing openings.
- Freestanding: the statement piece. Needs room on all sides and a floor-mounted or wall-mounted filler.
- Drop-in or undermount: sits in a built deck, good for wide soaking tubs.
- Walk-in: a door and built-in seat for safe entry. See walk-in tubs.
Materials
- Acrylic: light, warm to the touch, affordable and easy to repair.
- Enameled steel: inexpensive and durable, but it loses heat quickly and can chip.
- Cast iron: holds heat and lasts a lifetime, but it is very heavy.
- Stone resin: a smooth matte look, holds heat well, heavier than acrylic.
Size and fit
Measure the opening, then the path into the room: doorways, stair turns and hallways. Many one-piece tubs will not make a tight stair. For soaking, look at water depth to the overflow, not the outside height.
Drain side and fillers
Alcove tubs are sold left-hand or right-hand drain. Stand facing the tub; the drain end is the side you order. Freestanding tubs need a tub filler and the supply lines placed under the floor before the tub goes in.
Can the floor hold it?
A filled cast iron or stone tub with a bather can weigh well over 1,000 lb. Older New England homes may need the joists checked or reinforced. We look at this during any bathroom remodel, and installation is quoted separately.
Common questions
What is the standard bathtub size?
An alcove tub is typically 60" long and 30" to 32" wide.
Is acrylic or cast iron better?
Cast iron holds heat and lasts longer; acrylic is lighter, warmer to the touch and easier to install upstairs.
How do I know if I need a left or right drain?
Face the tub from outside it. If the drain is on your left, it is a left-hand drain.
Related: bathtub fit checker, bathtubs, shower or tub-shower, walk-in tubs, bath planner.
Shop bathtubs
Order online, pick up in Keene, or ask us about installation.
Book a consult
Tell us the room, a rough budget range and when you'd like to start. We'll come back with next steps and a realistic timeline, no pressure, no mystery pricing.
