An alcove bathtub is not really a bathtub type but more the installation method for which it is installed. 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 does alcove mean for a bathtub?
An alcove bathtub “is any tub enclosed on three sides by walls,” says Eric Phillips, a plumber and the founder of Dripfina. It's the most common bathtub installation, according to The Home Depot. You'll see them in all kinds of properties: houses, apartments, hotels and more. They're also called recessed bathtubs.
How is an alcove bathtub installed?
1:403:13How to install a bathtub, alcove bathtub installation. Call 800-815 ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow that your ledger is installed an approximately level apply a thick bead of adhesive caulk orMoreNow that your ledger is installed an approximately level apply a thick bead of adhesive caulk or silicone along the top of the ledger. Then position your tub into the alcove.
What is the difference between a bathtub and an alcove bathtub?
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.
What does alcove shower mean?
The alcove shower is the most common shower type and designed to maximize space. It has 3 shower walls and a single threshold. You find them in a square or rectangular shape. We offer a wide array of sizes but can also do a custom shower should you need it as well.
Do you tile under an alcove bathtub?
Don't Tile Under A Drop-In Or Alcove Tub Alcove tubs aren't meant to sit on top of tiles. They are meant to sit on the bathroom subfloor directly via support feet or mortar.
What is the difference between alcove and skirted tub?
Alcove vs skirted tubs 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.
How much does it cost to install a bathtub?
Bathtub Installation Cost Installing a bathtub typically costs $7,206. The average price range is between $4,132 and $10,775, including labor and materials. The total cost depends on the type of tub and the scope of the project—you could pay as little as $600 or as much as $14,000, depending on the job complexity.
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.
What is 3 wall alcove bathtub?
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 company makes the best bathtubs?
BEST OVERALL: WOODBRIDGE B1418-B/N-Drain &O Bathtub.RUNNER UP: Vanity Art 59 x 30 Inches Freestanding Acrylic Bathtub.BEST VALUE: KINGSTON BRASS VTDE603122L 60-Inch Acrylic Bathtub.BEST WALK-IN: Empava EMPV-WIT373 52.5″ Freestanding Walk-in Bathtub.BEST DROP-IN: American Standard 2422V002.011 Evolution Deep Tub.More items...•
How wide is an alcove tub?
The standard tub size for an alcove fixture is 60 inches long, 32 inches wide, and 18 inches deep. Small alcove tubs are available for smaller bathrooms, which are anywhere from 48 to 55 inches in length.
What is an alcove installation shower door?
An alcove is a recessed space in a wall. They can be added to feature large sculptures, shrines, artwork, or even a piano in a building. On a more casual level, alcoves can be used in long and thin bathrooms to fit in a shower, bathtub, or shower/bath combo.
What do you put under a bathtub for support?
0:056:16How are Most Bathtub Supported? – Remodeling and Home Building ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd of course this would be usually with a some type of a mortar bed or plaster a pair of some typeMoreAnd of course this would be usually with a some type of a mortar bed or plaster a pair of some type of a durable product that can actually be fitted into the bathtub.
How do you install an acrylic alcove tub?
1:513:13How to Install a Delta Acrylic Bathtub (Quick Tips!) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThrough the tub the the little tub flange that comes up and goes flush with the studs. So you got aMoreThrough the tub the the little tub flange that comes up and goes flush with the studs. So you got a pre drill all these holes. But don't go through into the studs.
Do you have to mortar under tub?
When you're installing a heavy bathtub or one that you expect to support an unusual amount of weight, it's important to lay mortar underneath it. It's easy to adjust the level of the tub when the mortar is fresh.
Do acrylic tubs need a mortar bed?
An acrylic tub is not self-supporting, which means it must be supported along its entire bottom with mortar or grout. It should go without saying that the floor should be solidly constructed to support the weight of the tub, water and the person using it.
What is an alcove bathtub?
If you don’t have an alcove bathtub, you’ve probably seen one elsewhere. An alcove bathtub “is any tub enclosed on three sides by walls ,” says Eric Phillips, a plumber and the founder of Dripfina. It’s the most common bathtub installation, according to The Home Depot.
How much does an alcove tub cost?
You can find plain alcove bathtubs for around $200 and usually not higher than $500. Special features like jets or extra space will cost more, with luxury alcove tub prices rising to the thousands.
How big is a Kohler alcove tub?
A larger space might even have room for a round alcove bathtub. This Kohler bathtub, at 60-in. x 42-in., is much larger than the standard.
How many sides does an alcove bathtub have?
Though enclosed on three sides, alcove bathtubs offer a lot of variety.
What is the most common bathroom option?
One of the most common bathroom options is an alcove bathtub. This is what you need to know about alcove bathtubs.
Do all hot tubs fit in every bathroom?
Some styles are more square than rectangular, creating a hot tub-like experience. And not every size will fit in every bathroom. “Unless you’re redesigning your bathroom from scratch, you’ll have to pay careful attention to the measurements of the space you’ve allocated for your tub,” Phillips says.
Is a bathtub a part of a home?
In a new home build or a renovation, the bathroom is a major component, and a bathtub is a big piece of that puzzle. Soaking tubs, tubs with jets, freestanding tubs, shower-tub combos and many more options make bathroom personalization easy, but they make shopping decisions hard.
How wide is an alcove tub?
Most alcove bathtubs are a standard 60 inches long and 30 or 32 inches wide, but the actual frame may be a bit larger, so measure the tub with a tape measure and make the floor space in the alcove about 3/4 inches larger than the dimensions you measure to ensure an easy fit.
How far apart should an alcove tub be?
Its dimensions have to match those of the tub within 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch, the floor must be solid and level, the walls must be straight and the wall studs must be spaced 16 inches on center. This can be difficult to accomplish if you're removing ...
How long is a bathtub drain?
Typical dimensions for this opening, which allows the bathtub drain assembly to hang below the floor, are 12 inches long and 3 to 6 inches wide.
Where is the drain assembly on a tub?
The drain assembly connects to the tub at the drain opening in the bottom of the tub and at the overflow drain opening in the front wall. A vertical pipe extends from the overflow opening to join with the horizontal pipe coming from the drain in a tee fitting, and a pipe extends from the tee to connect with the P-trap, which you have already prepared. The drain pipes are usually plastic, and they may have compression connections similar to those on a sink P-trap or slip connections that you glue together with plastic pipe cement.
What is the best material to waterproof a bathtub?
Once the tub is level, you've secured it to the wall and you've hooked up the plumbing, you have to finish the wall around the bathtub, and the most reliably waterproof wall covering is fiber cement board. When tiling or installing a shower in the alcove, you should use this or an alternative, such as the foam board recommended by Construction Pro Tips, provided that the alternative is permitted by your local building authority.
What is the best waterproof wall covering for a bathtub?
Once the tub is level, you've secured it to the wall and you've hooked up the plumbing, you have to finish the wall around the bathtub, and the most reliably waterproof wall covering is fiber cement board .
Which side of the tub is the drain?
This configuration allows the tub to be installed in only one direction, so you have to choose a right-hand tub, which has the drain on the right side, or a left-hand tub (drain on the left side) based on the location of the plumbing pipes.
What is an alcove tub?
Also known as a fitted or recessed bathtub, an alcove tub is one that fits between three walls. While other tubs like drop-in and undermount tubs can also be fitted in these spaces, these tubs have no finished sides and must have a base constructed around them in order to be installed. An alcove bathtub, on the other hand, ...
How much does an alcove tub cost?
In fact, Fixr says that a standard-size acrylic alcove tub will average around only $350 with prices usually ranging between $250 and $500.
What brands of bathtubs sell alcove tubs?
Most bathtub manufacturers sell standard alcove tubs, including Kohler, American Standard, Americast and Toto.
What is the most common bathtub style?
Other Common Bathtub Installation Methods. While alcove tubs are the most popular bathtub style because they work well with showers and are inexpensive, they are far from the only option. Other types of bathtub installation methods include: Corner: These are very similar to alcove baths only they are designed to fit in a corner.
How to categorize bathtubs?
There are a few different ways to categorize bathtubs, and one common way of categorizing tubs is by installation method. The most common of these is the alcove bathtub. The basics of these frequently used tubs are fairly simple, but it's important to understand the characteristics of an alcove tub before purchasing one for your bathroom. ...
How long is an alcove tub?
Standard sizing: Many bathrooms are designed specifically for alcove installation and have three walls set up with the exact dimensions of a standard alcove tub, which Nimvo says is 60 inches long and 30 inches wide.
What is the best material for a bathtub?
The majority of these tubs are sold in an acrylic, fiberglass or enameled steel, all of which are both lightweight and affordable, but it's also possible to get tubs in more high-quality materials such as porcelain, stone resin and cast iron, which are all longer lasting.
What is an alcove tub?
An alcove tub is installed between three walls, has a front skirt and a tile flange. These bathtubs can be used for a tub & shower combination or bath only. They can be a soaking bathtub or have a massage system such as a whirlpool or air. A whirlpool bathtub with provide deep tissue massage while an air tub is a vigorous skin caress.
What are the factors to consider when selecting a bath?
There are many factors to consider when selecting a bath: bathing room, back slant and water depth. We have more information on tub size here: Bathtub →
Can you use a tile skirt on a drop in tub?
A drop-in tub can be ordered with a skirt and a tile flange option to create an alcove bathtub. There will be a joining line where the bottom of the tub rim meets the top of the skirt. Some manufacturer's skirts are removable, others not (please check with us or the manufacturer). • Custom Skirt. When creating a custom wood or tile front skirt;
Do alcove tubs have a skirt?
The alcove tubs we have listed in this section have an integral skirt: the skirt & bathtub are molded together as one piece. Some have a smooth flat panel skirt that doesn't allow for access. Others offer system access through the skirt with a removable panel.
Can you use a flange on an alcove tub?
The two common installations of an alcove tub with tile flange: Do not use a flange if there will be a flat area between the tub and the wall. This tub is installed within an alcove, but since it is not directly touching the walls, it is considered a drop-in bathtub.
Do you need access to a bathtub?
Access is needed for any repairs to the bathtub's system (whirlpool, air or heated soaker). Repairs with the companies we carry are very rare. But, Murphy's Law suggests build access and it won't be needed, don't and there will be trouble. Most motors are located behind the backrest, but position does depend on the manufacturer. A 16" x 16" access panel is common among manufacturers. See technical sheets for more information.
Can you use a soaking tub with a jet?
There are a lot of bath systems offered. With a soaking tub there isn't a system or jets. You can add a recirculating pump and heater to a soaking tub for a tub that will not lose water temperature for as long as it is on. You can have air jets for a light skin caress or water jets that provide a deep tissue massage. Or have a combination tub that uses both. We have included in the descriptions above if the tub is offered in any of these systems: Soaking Tub, Heated Soaking, Air Bathtub & Whirlpool Combination. But there are more possibilities. There are massage systems that can be used with or without water. And micro bubble tubs that provide skin conditioning. Find out more about all the possibilities see: Spa Tubs →
