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Drop-in bathtubs are installed anywhere a carved out deck or structure is implemented, often times in the center of the bathroom. Alcove bathtubs on the other hand, are installed in a recess, against the wall or an alcove.
Can you use a drop in tub in an alcove?
Yes, drop in tubs can be installed in an alcove, but they’re more commonly installed in more open spaces, freestanding or jutting out from a wall. Depending on the size of the bathroom, a drop in tub installed in an alcove may provide less space; one may be able to fit a larger tub into another space in the room.
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. The tub gets installed into an alcove section of the bathroom with three of its sides enclosed by a wall.
What is a drop in tub?
Drop-in tubs are the tub shell only. They’re fitted inside a framed enclosure that’s finished to match bathroom cabinets or tile. An enclosure is a separate item, so budget accordingly. Undermounts are drop-ins destined for floor-level installation. Flooring, such as tile, covers the lip of the tub.
What does an alcove tub mean?
Alcove Bathtubs. Alcove tubs, which are surrounded by walls on three sides. The front side is then covered with an integral tub apron. Right and left-handed drains are available and are selected depending on your bathroom configuration.
Why are drop-in tubs more expensive?
Drop-In: A drop-in tub can be more cost-efficient because of install and materials, these tubs are often acrylic and not cast iron. Because it sits atop the horizontal deck, it comes with a lip that sits atop the horizontal surface to prevent water from overflowing – though some people don’t like this look.
How do you convert a drop-in tub to alcove?
Measure the alcove space with a measuring tape. Place a piece of cardboard in the bottom of the tub. Check the subfloor where the tub will be located. Build a frame for the tub that fits into the alcove using the manufacturer specifications. Set the tub in place and mark the holes for the plumbing and fixtures.
Are alcove tubs good?
Whether you have a large or a small bathroom, the alcove bathtub will be good for you. Unlike other bathtubs out there, the best alcove bathtubs are stylishly designed to take very little space and to give you an excellent bathing experience.
What type of bathtub is best?
What Is the Best Kind of Bathtub to Get? Porcelain enameled cast iron (Cast Iron) – Best All Around; See Kohler Cast Iron Bathtubs. Thermoformed acrylic (Acrylic) – Better to Excellent; See Kohler Acrylic Bathtubs and Aquatic Bathtubs.
What is alcove installation for bathtub?
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.
How are drop-in tubs installed?
A drop-in tub can be set in an alcove or out in the room. It’s dropped into a custom-made raised platform deck, which covers the plumbing and the exposed sides of the tub and creates a place to sit as you get in and out. The platform doesn’t, however, support the tub.
How much do drop-in tubs cost?
Compare walk-in tub prices Walk-in bathtub types Price range Bariatric walk-in tubs $5,000 to $10,000 Walk-in tubs plus shower units $2,500 to $6,000 Luxury walk-in tubs $9,000 to $20,000 Two-seater walk-in tubs $3,500 to $7,000.
What is the difference between an alcove and a skirted bathtub?
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.
What should I look for in an alcove tub?
Smaller than most alternatives: While there is some versatility in alcove sizing, overall, alcove tubs are smaller in length, height and depth than most other varieties. If you want a Jacuzzi soaker tub in which you can spend hours, other styles might be a better choice.
Can a freestanding tub replace an alcove tub?
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.
Can you tile the front of an alcove tub?
The aprons that are cast into alcove bathtubs simplify the tub installation, but they often come up a bit short in the style department. One way to improve the appearance of a plain apron and create the look of a built-in tub is simply to build and tile a short wall in front of the tub.
