Different Types of Bathtubs You Need to Know

Did you know that the world's oldest surviving bathtub was found in the palace of Knossos on the island of Crete? It dates back to 1700 BC! It might surprise you, but it was a freestanding, portable type bathtub made of terracotta. No wonder we love the experience. It's embedded into our system.

Bathtubs are associated with unwinding and tranquility. Soaking yourself in a pool of water and feeling the weight lift off your body is an experience you want to keep on repeating. However, there are many types of bathtubs that can achieve a pure, soothing escape from daily life. Users can go for the utilitarian alcove bathtubs or the therapeutic whirlpool and air tubs. It depends on the budget and preference of the user.

This article will explore all the different types of bathtubs and their associated features. We will recommend the ideal use scenario for each type. Let's begin exploring the industry of bathtubs.

Different Types of Bathtubs, Their Features, and Applications

1. Freestanding Bathtub

Key Features

As the name suggests, freestanding bathtub is an independent structure from the room construction. It is usually the central element of a bathroom and does not require wall support like other bathtubs. Owing to its freestanding nature, it can easily be placed anywhere, which makes it a highly versatile option. There is always good depth for soaking and requires minimal maintenance for long-lasting performance. Comes with built-in safety features like nonslip bases and overflow systems.

Advantages

• Diverse Aesthetic Options from Shapes to Surface Finish
• Easy to Install and Place
• Excellent Thermal Properties with Solid Surface Material
• Highly Customizable in Colors and Dimensions
• Ideal for Upscale Residences and Boutique Hotels

Considerations

• Suitable for Large Bathrooms as it Requires More Space For Free Movement

2. Alcove Bathtub

Key Features

The most popular and common bathtubs in households are alcove bathtubs. They are typically recessed into an area with three walls. They are ideal for renters or spaces that have limitations. Alcove bathtubs often come with shower heads to make it a multifunctional device. Owing to their large-scale application, they are standardized to have a 60-inch length. These are usually made from ultra-light material and have a non-porous composition to ensure resistance against mold and mildew.

Advantages

• Comes Paired with Shower Fixtures in Most Cases
• Cost-Effective for its Design
• Robust for Frequent Use
• Little Maintenance Requirement
• Integrates Conveniently with Most House Designs

Considerations

• Typically, Have Less Depth for Immersion
• Lightweight Material Can Feel Utilitarian

3. Corner Bathtub

Key Features

For ultra-compact designs, the corner bathtubs are ideal. These types of bathtubs utilize the angular forms of the space. It may often be large enough to support two users simultaneously. Their large size is mainly due to their triangular or pentagonal form, which leads to full utilization of the space. These may come embedded with massaging jets for an enhanced bathing experience.

Advantages

• Excellent Space Utilization of Overlooked Areas
• Available in Premium Material and Varieties like Polished or Veined Patterns
• Can Come Added with Wellness Features like Hydrotherapy
• Appropriate for Mid-Sized Bathrooms in Leisure or Domestic Application

Considerations

• Higher Water Consumption Due to Volume
• Requires Expert Installation

4. Drop-In Bathtub

Key Features

For an ultimate bespoke construction and blending of surroundings, consider the drop-in type of bathtub. These often come with luxurious integration, and the supporting walls are also tiled, keeping in line with the surrounding color theme. Alongside its aesthetics, they are sturdy in build, owing to their support from all sides. They are mostly made with materials such as Fiberglass & Enameled Steel for low-price editions, Acrylic & Cultured Marble for mid-range buyers, and Cast Iron & Stone Resin for luxury editions.

Advantages

• Highly Customizable and Adaptive Immersion Levels
• Can Integrate with Storage Options
• They Can Also Be Installed in Decks Seamlessly
• Employed in Personalized Interiors where Unity with Other Bathroom Elements is Key

Considerations

• Intricate Assembly Requirement
• Moderate to Premium Range Options Only

5. Clawfoot Bathtub

Key Features

To take the bathtub luxury one step ahead of the freestanding tub, designers made the clawfoot bathtub to create a truly sophisticated and luxurious fixture. These are often associated with our sense of nostalgia, as in the bygone era, bathing was a deliberate ritual rather than just a quick daily activity. The connection to the past and desire for tranquility give clawfoot bathtubs their distinct feel. These are focal points in the room and, due to their space underneath, feel lighter to the eye than freestanding bathtubs.

Advantages

• Ornate Supports Add to the Luxurious Aesthetics
• Inclined Interior for Lounging
• Raised Profile to Create a Sense of Separation
• Accessible Underside for Hygiene
• Ideal for Rustic or Period Homes for Airy Rooms

Considerations

• Premium Price Tag
• Floor May Require Reinforcement

6. Undermount Bathtub

Key Features

For users who do not want to make sure that the tub itself is not directly visible, but they want it recessed into a structure, they can go for the undermount type of bathtub. It is completely concealed under the counter edges. Often borderless with concealed rims. The designer can focus on the structural quality and affordability rather than aesthetics for these types of bathtubs. Typically, these come in materials that are flexible to allow movement and make installation more convenient.

Advantages

• Ideal for Contemporary Bathroom Designs
• Convenient Cleaning as there is Less Exposed Area
• Reduces Visual Clutter and Provides Optical Room Expansion
• Often Come with Protections Against Heat and Sparks
• May Offer Insulations for Longer Soothing Sessions

Considerations

• Requires Skilled Fabricators and Expert Sealing
• Budget-friendly item, but Higher Installation Price

7. Soaking Tub

Key Features

While other types of bathtubs may offer a full immersion experience, soaking bathtubs are designed to provide you with total submersion. There can be a supportive structure within the bathtub to provide cushioning for comfort or supportive curves. They can be independent or in a fitted format. The choice depends on the user's interior requirements. To make it closer to nature, it may be made using natural blends for thermal efficiency and environmentally friendly builds.

Advantages

• Psychological Advantages with Buoyant Forces
• Specially Designed for Minimal Temperature Drop
• Superior Muscle and Joint Relief for Wellness
• Excellent Stress Reducer with Deep Soak
• Typically Higher Vertical Length Creating a Focal Point in Bathrooms

Considerations

• Typically Requires 80 to 130+ Gallons of Water

8. Garden Bathtub

Key Features

It is not a specific category of bathtub. Any type of bathtub can be a garden bathtub as long as it's placed in the garden. However, there are some specifications that it should feature to be called a garden bathtub. These include the resistance against the harmful UV light and harsh outdoor conditions. At the same time, the traditional meaning of the term is deep soaking near a window overlooking the garden. The modern outdoor context focuses on the alfresco experience.

Advantages

• High-End Coatings and Materials for UV Protection
• Focal Point of the Garden or House
• Often Affordable and Require Lower Maintenance
• Routing Non-Soap Clean Water Discharge to Plants as an Eco-Friendly Practice

Considerations

• May Require Plumbing Permits for Outdoor Installations

Common Bathtub Materials

Bathtubs are more than just material. It's a combination of hygiene and luxury. There are many types of bathtubs, but all of them focus on ensuring comfort and resilience. It means the material can be acrylic for heat retention, fiberglass for longevity, or advanced composites for repairability, but their central theme would be to ensure resistance against bacteria and ensure hygienic conditions. Here are the most popular materials used in the production of bathtubs:

• Stone Resin / Solid Surface
• Acrylic
• Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic - FRP
• Porcelain-Enameled Steel
• Enameled Cast Iron
• Cast Polymer
• Natural Stone
• Copper
• Wood
• Ceramic/Porcelain

Which Ones Are Popular in Which Countries/Areas?

1. North America

North America is the biggest regional market, which accounts for 36.75% of the global market share revenue in 2023. The largest driver of the market is freestanding types of bathtubs. In upscale and luxury homes, 46% of construction in the United States includes the use of freestanding bathtubs. The United States alone consumes around $12.5 million of bathtubs yearly.

Key Highlight: The Largest Regional Market by Revenue

2. Europe

The market in Europe shows a strong trend for freestanding and the classic clawfoot design. There is also demand for space-efficient alcove and drop-in tubs. Overall, the market seems to have a diverse demand, indicating the country's own unique demographics. In 2022, the combined value of the market was stated to be $5.6 billion. There is a rising trend for sustainable material use as well.

Key Highlight: Strong Market for Luxury and Sustainability

3. Asia-Pacific

With a projected CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 6.71% through 2032, Asia-Pacific looks to be the fastest-growing market. The rapid urbanization of China and India is pushing the numbers to new highs. The market is a strong mix with demand for soaking tubs in Japan and South Korea, and affordable Alcove and Drop-in variants, particularly in India.

Key Highlight: The Fastest Growing Market

4. Global Product Overview

Globally, if we combine the statistics of all the regions, we can say that there is a high and rising demand for Freestanding and Drop-in/Alcove tubs, which account for 70% of global sales. These are key statistics for bathtub suppliers and designers to consider for their manufacturing facility.

Conclusion

The process of selecting the right type of bathtub starts from evaluating the overall bathroom size, interior design scheme, comfort requirements, and luxury level. The most trending option that combines all these aspects with a reasonable price tag is freestanding bathtubs. These are the most popular types in the world. Opt for eco-friendly materials such as seamless solid surfaces, which offer superior resistance to stains, scratches, and moisture while allowing for extensive customization in shapes, sizes, and colors.

For high-quality, innovative solutions that embody these qualities, visit KingKonree today. Explore their extensive range of solid surface bathtubs, benefit from expert customization services, and transform your space with tailored, premium excellence that stands the test of time.

FAQs

Q: Which type of bathtub is best for small bathrooms?

Alcove models are the best for small spaces. They can recess into the wall and have a typical span of 60 inches. Moreover, they offer shower integration as a multifunctional feature. Then the next suitable option would be drop-in or undermount types, which are embedded into structures for space illusion.

Q: Which bathtub type costs the most to install?

Bathtubs with accessibility focus are the most expensive, with a price tag of $4,000-$10,000. They have entry doors and an innovative design to ensure minimal effort by the user. The next are the weighty freestanding classics with $3,500-$7,000 price tag. Adding a buppling system further makes them expensive.

Q: Are walk-in tubs worth it for mobility needs?

Yes, absolutely, they have a low entry height of 2 to 6 inches and are ideal for elderly and impaired users. They can feature autonomy through seats and come with jets for relief and compliance with standards for conditions like joint issues.