The alcove bathtub is the most popular and is seen in most homes. A three-walled enclosure has been designed and fabricated precisely for this tub to fit it completely. Each of the tub’s three unfinished sides is lined with a wall. The “apron,” one of the tub’s longer sides, has been finished and is referred to as such. The apron that covers the alcove supports and styles bathtubs.
The word “alcove tub” refers to how the tub is installed. An alcove tub is recessed between three opposing walls in a traditional bathroom. Two adjoining walls and a large window are employed in some modern designs to give the space a more open feel. The alcove bathtub is a cost-effective and relaxing alternative to a traditional bathtub. Its space-saving design makes all of its surfaces easy to clean and maintain. This type is ideal for anyone who has trouble getting in and out of a standard bathtub.
Advantages
Installing an alcove bathtub in your bathroom has various benefits. The following are some of the most significant advantages:
Space-efficient
If you have a small bathroom, alcove bathtubs are a good idea. Fix it to one side of the bathroom to free up the remaining space. A traditional alcove bathtub is 60 inches (5 feet) long and 30 inches (2.5 feet) wide. On the other hand, Alcove baths are both longer and wider than ordinary baths.
Bathtub-shower-combo
To create a bathtub-shower combo in an alcove, all you need to do is tile the wall and install a shower head at the top of the wall. As previously stated, this is a fantastic idea for folks who have tiny bathroom space.
Cost-effectiveness
Due to their popularity, convenience of installation, and all-in-one design, alcove bathtubs are among the most cost-effective tubs available. A standard-size acrylic alcove tub will cost between $250 and $500, according to Fixr, with prices typically falling in the $250 to $500 area.
Standard sizing
Standard alcove bathtubs are available from most bathtub manufacturers, including Kohler, American Standard, Americast, and Toto. According to a search, when put in a bathroom designed explicitly for installing an alcove tub, the standard alcove tub measures 60 inches long by 30 inches wide. This also means that a simple, off-the-shelf alternative is readily available instead of looking for a specialized or custom product.
Safety
Low sides and modest depth are standard features of alcove soaking tubs, making them safer for young children and individuals with limited mobility. Because of the three-wall design, handrails and a slip-resistant coating may easily be added to make them ADA compliant.
Finishing and the easy cleaning
A glossy surface is applied to the bathtubs using several materials, including porcelain and fiberglass, although the porcelain and fiberglass finish is the most popular. The bathtub always looks perfect with this finish, and maintaining it is a breeze. Grab a wet sponge or nylon brush and clean the bathtub. You can also fill your bathtub with water and clean it afterward.
Overflow and faucet
In most bathtubs, there are overflow drainage systems. It will either harm the right-hand draining system or the left-hand draining system. Depending on the price, some bathtubs come with pre-installed fittings, while others do not. They frequently feature a central draining system.
Disadvantages
While alcove bathtubs provide many benefits, they also have a lot of drawbacks. There are a few disadvantages to these tubs, including:
Limited sizing
Alcove tubs, which range in length from 45 to 72 inches, are available in fewer sizes than most other tub types.
Smaller than most alternatives
While alcove tubs are available in various sizes, they are typically smaller in all three dimensions than other tub layouts. A jacuzzi soaker tub isn’t the ideal choice if you want to spend hours in the tub. There are alcove bathtubs with built-in features like armrests and lumbar support.
Design versatility
Because alcove bathtubs are so popular, they come in various forms and colors, making it simple to pick one that suits your home’s decor. There are fewer design options with these tubs than with conventional tubs because they are designed to fit into an alcove and have an incorporated apron on the front.
Placement limitations
On the other hand, an alcove tub can only be built in a specific section of the bathroom.
Fewer materials
Alcove tubs come in a smaller variety of materials and overall design styles than most other options. They are more durable than tubs made of acrylic, fiberglass, or enameled steel, which are lightweight and inexpensive. Alcove tubs aren’t available in more rich materials like actual stone or copper. Tubs made of porcelain, stone resin, or cast iron are also available.
Less Stylish
Alcove bathtubs are one of the most unappealing bathtub designs available. They are in good condition; nonetheless, they will not make your bathroom stand out from the crowd. When utilized with a shower, it’s typical to have a curtain covering three of the enclosure’s four walls.
Small size
After a long day at work, relaxing in an alcove tub is not good. You can’t stay in one for long because it’s too enormous for most people. If you want to soak for longer, you might want to investigate a different type of bathtub or a giant alcove tub.
Conclusion:
Consider an alcove bathtub to save space. Combined with the other elements, it offers a relaxing and pleasurable soaking experience. So far, we’ve talked about the pros and cons to consider. Safety, durability, comfort, and good fit are the most crucial features in an alcove tub. In addition, one that is within your budget.
