A bathtub can be your perfect place to relax, feel comfortable after a long day. If you want to make your bathroom feel luxurious to picking the right tub can be confusing. Choosing the right one can make your daily routine better.
But let’s be real: with so many styles, sizes, and materials, it can get confusing fast. I’ve seen people get stuck in the middle of a bathroom remodel just because the tub they chose didn’t fit quite right.
That’s why we made this guide—think of it as a helpful checklist to make things easier and help you choose the right tub with confidence.
1. Size and Space Compatibility
Before you fall in love with that sleek, Whirlpool bathtub online, pull out the tape measure and really get to know your bathroom.
Measure your space: This means length, width, and height—plus doorways, hallways, and any tight corners the tub has to pass through during installation. You’d be surprised how often people forget this part (I’ve been on jobs where a dream tub had to be returned because it couldn’t make it past the stairwell).
Know standard dimensions: A typical tub is around 60″ long, 30″ wide, and 14–16″ deep, but sizes vary a lot. There are compact models for tight bathrooms and oversized soakers for that “luxury hotel” feeling.
Pro tip: If your space is tight, an Oyster tub might be your best bet—it’s built for smaller footprints and doubles as a shower. Looking for a bath tub for bathroom spaces that are limited? Oyster designs are your friend.
2. Material and Durability
The material of your tub is essential when purchasing. It will help you determine how long it lasts and for maintenance.
Acrylic: Lightweight, affordable, and retains heat decently. It’s a popular all-rounder.
Fiberglass: Even more budget-friendly but less durable. It can scratch or fade over time—better suited for light use.
Cast Iron: These tubs are heavy, but are good at holding heat and long long-lasting as well. Just be sure your floor can handle the weight.
Enameled Steel: A middle ground—strong, but it doesn’t keep water warm as well as cast iron or acrylic.
Stone Resin / Solid Surface: These are luxury picks. Gorgeous, durable, and excellent at retaining warmth, but they’re not light on your wallet—or your floor joists.
Ask yourself: Is this your main bath tub for bathroom use, a guest bath, or a once-in-a-while retreat? The answer will steer you toward the right material.
3. Style and Design
Tubs have come a long way from the cookie-cutter options of decades past. These days, your bathtub can make just as much of a design statement as your tile or lighting.
Here are a few popular styles:
Alcove: Tucked into a three-wall nook, often with a shower above. Efficient, functional, and space-saving.
Freestanding: A bold centerpiece—great in larger bathrooms or where you want that boutique hotel vibe.
Drop-in: Set into a custom-built surround, these offer lots of design freedom with tile or stonework.
Corner: Perfect for odd layouts or maximising a compact space.
Walk-in: Safe and accessible, often with built-in seating. Ideal for seniors or people with mobility concerns.
Ask yourself: What’s the look I’m going for? Modern and sleek? Classic and timeless? Cozy and practical? Let your tub complement your vision. Just remember that the bathtub price can vary dramatically depending on the style you choose.
4. Comfort and Features
At the end of the day, a tub should feel good. This is where it gets personal. Think beyond just appearance—comfort matters.
Shape & Ergonomics: Some tubs are built for lounging with a sloped back or headrest, while others are more upright for quick showers.
Soaking Depth: If deep, meditative baths are your thing, look for tubs with at least 18″ of depth.
Extra Features: Depending on your budget and preferences, you might consider:
- Whirlpool jets Body Massage- Whirlpool jets are built with jets that are basically used to massage your muscle, reduce pain and is recommended by the doctors for its therapeutic benefits.
- Air bubble massage systems- This bathtub has air jets that provides complete oxygenation throughout your for deep relaxation. This one has a feel good factor.
- Heated backrests or surfaces- These bathtub offers heated backrest for maximum comfort to sooth your back muscles for maximum relaxation.
- Built-in Bluetooth speakers- With this feature you can listen to your favourite music while relaxing and bathing.
- LED lighting-Chromo-therapy, Internationally recognised for therapeutic experienced
Sure, features like these sound fancy—and they are—but they can turn a simple soak into a full-blown experience. Just be honest with yourself about whether you’ll use them often enough to justify the cost (and the extra maintenance they might bring). These are also factors that influence bathtub price in a big way.
5. Installation and Maintenance
This is where your practical side needs to kick in. Install a bathtub that is easy to clean.
Ease of installation: Freestanding tubs are often simpler to install than drop-ins. A jacuzzi bathtub may need extra setup, so plan accordingly.
Weight concerns: Heavier tubs (like cast iron or stone resin) may require floor reinforcement. Talk to your contractor before buying.
Maintenance: Go for smooth, non-porous surfaces that resist stains and mould. If cleaning is your least favourite chore, skip tubs with complex shapes and grooves.
Also, think about bathtub fittings early to make sure that your tub is easier to use and also extend its lifespan. Your bathtub fittings should be as per your tub’s style.
It’s also worth thinking long-term. A tub that’s easy to clean and durable will serve you better over the years, especially in a busy household with wear and tear on both the surface and bathtub fittings.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a bathtub should be as on your needs. Focus on the size of the bathroom and choose the right kind of bathtub material, design, comfort, and installation. And remember—don’t rush it. Visit a showroom if you can. Sit in the tubs. Imagine yourself using them after a long day. The best pick is the one that makes you say, “Yes, this is my kind of comfort.”
Because in the end, a bathtub price isn’t just a number—it reflects the value you place on relaxation, comfort, and your personal space.