Choosing the best bathtub involves more than finding a style you like. The tub needs to fit your bathroom, work with the available space, suit how you plan to use it, and fit your remodeling budget.

Material also matters. Fiberglass, acrylic, stone resin, and cast iron differ in durability, weight, maintenance, appearance, and cost. For smaller bathrooms or bathrooms with accessibility needs, the tub’s size and configuration can be just as important as its material.

How Do You Choose the Right Bathtub Size and Layout?

Before comparing materials or styles, determine what your bathroom can realistically accommodate. The available space affects the tub’s:

  • Length and width
  • Depth
  • Placement
  • Surrounding clearance
  • Plumbing location
  • Installation access
  • Compatibility with other fixtures

This is particularly important in a small bathroom. A tub that looks ideal in a showroom may not work once you account for walls, doors, vanities, toilets, and the space needed to comfortably use the room.

Measure the available area before choosing a tub, and consider how its dimensions will work with the rest of the bathroom.

What Bathtub Works Best for a Small Bathroom?

A small bathroom does not necessarily mean giving up a bathtub. The key is choosing a configuration that works with the room. Depending on the layout, you might consider:

  • A compact tub
  • A tub-shower combination
  • A more space-efficient layout
  • A lower-profile or accessible tub
  • Reconfiguring nearby fixtures during the remodel

The right choice depends on the bathroom’s dimensions, the location of existing fixtures, and how much usable floor space you want to maintain.

Related Read: Small Bathroom Design Ideas

What Type of Bathtub Should You Choose?

Once you understand the available space, consider how you plan to use the tub. Different bathtub configurations can serve different needs.

  1. Standard Bathtubs

Standard bathtubs are a practical choice for many family, guest, and primary bathrooms. They can also be paired with a shower when the bathroom needs to support both bathing and showering. They may be a good fit when you want:

  • A familiar bathroom configuration.
  • A practical option for multiple household members.
  • A straightforward bathing solution.
  • Flexibility to combine the tub with a shower.
  1. Walk-In Bathtubs

Walk-in tubs have a door that allows the user to enter without stepping over the high wall of a conventional bathtub. They may be worth considering when easier tub entry is a priority. However, a walk-in tub still needs to work with the bathroom’s dimensions and layout. Consider the tub’s:

  • Dimensions
  • Door configuration
  • Entry design
  • Installation requirements
  • Surrounding clearance
  1. Tub-Shower Combinations

If the bathroom needs to accommodate both bathing and showering, a tub-shower combination can make efficient use of limited space. This can be particularly useful in family bathrooms or spaces where installing a separate shower and tub would take up too much floor area.

Related Read: Tub to Shower Conversion

Which Bathtub Material is Best for Your Bathroom?

Once you’ve determined the type and size of tub you need, compare materials based on the characteristics that matter most to you.

  1. Fiberglass: Fiberglass tubs are generally lightweight and budget-friendly, making them a practical choice when keeping remodeling costs under control is a priority.

Advantages:

  • Generally affordable.
  • Lightweight and easier to move.
  • Relatively straightforward installation.
  • Repairs may be relatively simple.

Considerations:

  • Can be less durable than higher-end materials.
  • May flex if not adequately supported.
  • The surface can become worn or damaged over time.
  • Requires appropriate cleaning and maintenance.
  1. Acrylic: Acrylic is another common bathtub material and generally offers a balance of affordability, appearance, maintenance, and durability.

Advantages:

  • Nonporous surface.
  • Relatively easy to clean.
  • Good heat retention.
  • Available in many styles and colors.
  • Typically lighter than cast iron.

Considerations:

  • Can scratch.
  • Quality varies between products.
  • Usually costs more than basic fiberglass.
  1. Stone Resin: Stone resin is a composite material designed to provide a solid feel and stone-like appearance. It can be appealing when durability and a more substantial, upscale look are priorities.

Advantages:

  • Solid construction.
  • Premium appearance.
  • Good durability.
  • Easy-to-clean surface.
  • Strong heat-retention characteristics.

Considerations:

  • Generally more expensive than fiberglass or acrylic.
  • Heavier than lightweight materials.
  • May require additional installation planning.
  1. Cast Iron: Cast iron tubs are known for their substantial construction, durability, and heat retention. They are finished with an enamel surface and can provide a classic appearance.

Advantages:

  • Highly durable.
  • Resistant to many types of surface damage.
  • Excellent heat retention.
  • Classic appearance.

Considerations:

  • Extremely heavy.
  • More difficult to move and install.
  • May require additional consideration of floor and structural support.
  • Typically more expensive.

Because cast iron is significantly heavier than many other bathtub materials, transportation, installation, and structural support should be considered before choosing one.

What Should You Consider for Bathtub Comfort and Accessibility?

A bathtub should be comfortable to use, but it also needs to work for the people who will use it.

For homeowners planning to age in place, accessibility may be especially important. A walk-in tub or another low-entry option may make more sense than a conventional deep tub when ease of entry is a priority.

When evaluating a bathtub for accessibility and comfort, consider factors such as:

  • Entry height.
  • Tub depth.
  • Door or entry configuration.
  • Available seating.
  • Ease of getting in and out.
  • Space around the tub.

Related: Aging in Place Bathroom Remodeling

How Much Should You Budget for a New Bathtub?

The purchase price of the bathtub is only one part of the overall remodeling cost. Your budget may also need to account for installation, plumbing changes, removal of the existing tub, surrounding materials, and other remodeling work.

A lower-cost tub may make sense for a budget-focused remodel, while a more expensive material may be worth considering if durability, appearance, or long-term use is a higher priority.

Before choosing a tub, consider the total project cost, not just the price of the bathtub itself.

What Other Bathtub Features Should You Consider?

Beyond size, type, material, accessibility, and budget, a few additional factors can help you narrow down your options.

  • Heat Retention: If you enjoy long baths, how well a bathtub retains heat may be important. Materials such as cast iron and stone-based tubs are generally known for good heat retention, while lighter materials can have different thermal characteristics.
  • Maintenance: Different bathtub materials require different levels of care. Nonporous surfaces are generally easier to clean, while materials or finishes that are more susceptible to scratches or damage may require additional care.

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning and maintenance instructions for the specific tub you choose.

FAQ

Can I replace a bathtub without changing the bathroom layout?

Sometimes. If the new tub has similar dimensions and the plumbing location remains compatible, a replacement may be possible without major layout changes. However, changing the tub’s size, configuration, or location can require plumbing, flooring, wall, or other modifications.

Both can be practical choices, but they have different characteristics. Fiberglass is generally lightweight and budget-friendly, while acrylic typically offers a more durable, nonporous surface and greater design flexibility. Budget, expected use, maintenance preferences, and appearance should all factor into the decision.

Cast iron can be worthwhile for homeowners who prioritize durability, classic appearance, and heat retention. However, cast iron is significantly heavier than many alternatives, which can make transportation, structural considerations, and installation more complicated.

They can be, but the specific dimensions and configuration matter. A walk-in tub needs to provide the desired accessibility without making the rest of the bathroom difficult to use. Consider door placement, surrounding clearance, plumbing, and installation requirements before selecting one.

Acrylic tubs generally have a nonporous surface that makes routine cleaning relatively straightforward. However, acrylic can scratch, so homeowners should follow the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning methods and avoid products that could damage the surface.