Fitting a bathtub into a small bathroom can be a daunting task, especially when you’re already struggling to find space for other amenities like toilets, showers, and basins.
Knowing the interior and exterior dimensions of different types of bathtubs is crucial for choosing the perfect shape and type for your bathroom space.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the rough in-dimension measurements of bathtubs to help you make an informed decision.
Standard Bathtub Dimension Size:
If you have an older home, chances are you have a standard bathtub with fixed dimensions. These tubs have three walls, with one side adjusted along the bathroom wall. The dimensions are measured on the external circumference of the tub and include the following measurements:
- Length: 60 inches
- Width: 30 inches or ½ of its length
- Height: 14 to 16 inches
- Front of the tub: apron
The standard tub size is perfect for smaller bathrooms with alcoves. If you need a soaking bathtub, the length will be between 60 to 72 inches. With these dimensions, you can easily find a bathtub that fits your bathroom’s rough-in dimension.
6 Different Bathtub Farming Rough In Dimensions
Alcove Bathtubs:
If you have a smaller bathroom space, you can opt for alcove bathtubs. These tubs have one side that connects to the existing bathroom wall, and the other three walls will bind the space.
The rough dimensions of an alcove tub are 60 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 18 inches high.
Choosing an alcove tub for smaller rooms is helpful as its one side will fit along the existing wall. Also, its enclosure side will fit with its backend. This formation saves colossal space in your room and allows you to arrange other items brilliantly.
To fit the alcove tub in a larger bathroom, you must construct an additional partition. It will separate the tub and toilet alcove and provide a beautiful coziness.
Also, the front panel of the alcove tubs comes fully finished, known as an apron, and needs no adjustment at all.
Small Alcove Tubs:
In apartments, smaller alcove tubs have become increasingly popular due to the reduced bathroom size.
These tubs are even smaller than standard alcove tubs, so they fit into the smallest bathroom space.
Its rough dimensions are 54 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 15 inches high. You may need to compromise with a separate shower space to install it in a tighter space.
It brings a spa-like vibe, and you will surely enjoy the coziness.
Moderate and Long Bathtubs:
If you are lucky enough to have ample bathroom space, it’s time to install a luxurious tub here. Choose moderately sized or long bathtubs. Their size difference is minimal and so alternating between them might be easy.
The rough dimensions for the moderately sized tub will be 60 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 18 inches high. As you see, its dimension replicates the alcove-style tub. So, everything is the same in their design.
Nonetheless, you may opt for large-sized tubs with adequate space in your bathroom. Its size chart includes the following: its length is 72 inches, its width will be 36 inches, and finally, the height is 20 inches. As you see, this large tub is ideal for couples.
You may even bathe with kids here. However, its 20 inches height can be difficult for shorter people.
You should use a tape measure to calculate the space in your bathroom twice for accuracy. Also, check the tub size in your plumbing store to ensure it has accurate measurements.
It’s crucial because large tubs may have 0.5 to 1″ shorter or longer dimensions.
Oval Bathtubs:
Oval bathtubs personify luxury and aesthetics in your bathroom space. So, modern-day homes will have oval tubs as part of their design.
You can get the oval-shaped bathtubs in two different options: free-standing models and drop-in models. Oval bathtubs only are wider than the standard ones, not so long.
So, they may look more generous than the standard tubs but aren’t in reality. In fact, it offers an excellent compactness to fit even in mid-sized rooms easily.
Its rough dimensions are 60 inches long, 41 inches wide, and 24 inches high. You don’t need to worry about your bathroom length with oval tubs. Its wider side should also fit in between the nooks perfectly.
However, with a height of 24 inches, getting in and off the tub can be concerning for many people.
Corner Bathtubs:
Corner tubs may look like oval bathtubs, but they are different. It has an oval shape but will fit into one corner of your bathroom.
With spaces in the corner, you can keep cigars, books, candles, and what not to enjoy the coziest bath. It provides you with a perfect lounging experience.
Although it primarily has an oval shape, you will find it rectangular or square. Its rough dimensions are 60 inches long, 60 inches wide, and 22 inches high. As you see its length and width, fitting it in a small or mid-sized bathroom space isn’t possible.
Unless you have ample space in the bathroom, leave the idea of installing it. Also, it will only look good with tighter space, even if you somehow mount it.
Drop-in Bathtubs:
Drop-in tubs are famous for their compactness and adjustability. You can get it in different lengths, widths, and heights.
So you can choose the correct size to match your bathroom space. Also, with a quick drop-in feature, mounting this tub is a brisk task.
The downside of drop-in tubs is the deck requirement. It would help if you created a separate deck where the tub will sit. In a smaller bathroom, it fits like an alcove. And in larger bathrooms, it fits
What Should The Rough Opening Be For A Bathtub?
As you plan to install a bathtub in your bathroom, it is essential to know the rough opening required for the bathtub.
The rough opening refers to the distance between the studs where the bathtub will be installed.
It is crucial to measure this distance accurately to ensure that the plumbing hole aligns with the drain.
So, what is the standard rough opening for the tubs?
The standard rough opening for a bathtub has two measurements. The extension from the connecting wall should be 12 inches, and the width of the rough opening hole should be 9 inches. These measurements are crucial for ensuring that the bathtub fits perfectly and that the plumbing is correctly positioned.
It is important to note that the rough opening measurement must be more precise for claw foot bathtubs. Since these bathtubs expose the space underneath, the drain hole must be accurately positioned.
When installing a bathtub, it is also important to consider the clearance required for the water supply lines and faucet valves. The bathroom rough-in and drain lines must also be positioned correctly to ensure that the bathtub functions properly.
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) and Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) provide guidelines for plumbing dimensions and building codes. It is important to adhere to these codes to ensure that the installation is safe and meets the required standards.
To choose the right bathtub for your bathroom space, measure the exact length of your bathroom using a tape measure. This will help you determine the appropriate size and type of bathtub to install. Oval or cornered tubs are ideal for luxury and aesthetics, while alcove tubs are suitable for tighter spaces.
In summary, the standard rough opening for a bathtub is 12 inches in extension from the connecting wall and 9 inches wide for the rough opening hole. It is important to follow the guidelines provided by the IPC and UPC and measure the bathroom space accurately to ensure a successful installation.
