Alcove Bathtub Buying Guide
Explore the size & design of an alcove tub so you can choose the perfect apron bathtub.
An alcove tub slides between three walls with the edge of the bathtub touching all three walls. It also has a front skirt (apron) and a tile flange. The finished side that you step into the bath from, is called the apron or skirt and it creates a compact, space-saving bathtub. Since they are often used as both a tub and a shower, shower spray or splashing can be a concern with this style tub. This is where the tile flange comes in. It will keep water from getting in between the tub and tile walls, helping prevent water damage. All the listed alcove bathtubs come as soaking tubs, but you can have more; micro bubbles, air, whirlpool or heated. See individual bathtubs for systems offered.
Choosing the Best Alcove Skirted Bathtub
These are the features that make an alcove bath different that another style of bath. Go directly to our large selection of alcove tubs? Alcove Skirted Tubs →Material
Yes, the acrylic tubs at the box stores are flimsy builder's grade. And buying such a large item online can be scary. That is why Tubz.com is here. We only offer preferred quality tubs that we would feel comfortable putting in our own mother's house. And we have done just that! Our bathtubs are the best in the industry, and we have years of experience with the manufacturers. Issues are very rare, and if they do arise, they are quickly resolved.• Acrylic
Acrylic is the perfect material for an alcove tub. It is strong, lightweight material that is resistant to scratches and fading. It is non-porous which makes it easy to clean. If damaged it can be fixed easily. The acrylic can be buffed to remove fine scratches. An acrylic repair specialist can also fill larger scratches.
• Solid Surface
Solid surface provides a modern material and we have a 60 x 32 alcove solid surface tub →.
Step-in Height
One of the things that is different about choosing an alcove over other styles is the tub height. Since they are designed to be used as a tub and a shower, the tub rim is kept lower so that stepping into the shower on a daily basis won't be cumbersome. This usually means to water height is also lower than standard height tubs. Check to make sure you are comfortable with the rim height (step-in height) if you are using it as a shower. If it is a tub only and you want it as deep as possible look to a drop-in tub with the addition of a tile flange and or skirt. We do have a few deeper that normal tubs with a flange and skirt, give us a call and we will help you find one. How about bathing well size & backrest angle? See our How to Choose a Tub Guide →
Tub Skirts (aprons)
A tub skirt is the front piece that hides the underneath of the the tub. It runs across the front, from side wall to side wall. There are a few styles available.
• Integral Skirt
The alcove tubs we have listed in this section have an integral skirt: they are molded together as one piece. Some have a smooth flat panel skirt that doesn't allow access. Others offer system access through the skirt with a removable panel.
• Add on Acrylic Skirt
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).
Integral Flat Panel
(Not Removable)
Integral Skirt with
Removable Panel
Add on Acrylic Skirt
When creating a custom front skirt, a drop-in tub is ordered with a tile flange option (no skirt). Many times the framing for the skirt is tucked under the rim, keeping the skirt even with the front of the rim (2nd picture below). This is easier to do with a wide rim soaking tub. Some tubs with systems have piping around the tub's sides, making the area for framing too narrow and difficult to create a flush skirt. Shop for a rectangle drop in tub, look for "alcove option" →
The two common installations of an alcove tub with tile flange:
(see tub installation for more information)
• Alcove Tub | No Flange
Do not use a flange if there is 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. There a flange is also not used if the the tub is an undermount.
Knee-wall Alcove
All the pictures and descriptions we have shown so far are of a tub with floor to ceiling walls. We wanted to show another example. 1 wall & 2 knee-walls surround this bathtub, an open concept but, it is still considered an alcove installation.
Drain Location
Alcove tubs need to be ordered as a right or left drain tub. This will tell us which 3 sides have the flange and which has the front skirt. It is determined when standing in front of tub, as you are about to step in, is the drain on the right or left?
Soaking Tub or Jetted for Whirlpool, Micro Bubbles or Air?
The majority of our tubs come as soaking tubs. Just as may can have may system options. Add a recirculating pump and heater to a soaking tub for a tub. Then it will not lose water temperature for as long as it is on. Choose air jets for a light skin caress or water jets that provide a deep tissue massage. Micro Bubbles give your skin a real spa treatment. Or have a combination tub that uses multiple systems. Learn More: Spa Tubs →
Why buy your bathtub from Tubz.com?
We are not just order takers in a call center. We are a small team that takes pride in our personal customer service and the expert knowledge we have accumulated in our 25+ years of experience. As you browse through these tubs and see list prices, these are not our sale prices. Most of the time our prices are too low to show (from a manufacturer's position). Email or call us to receive the same prices contractors do, up to 40% off! Plus the majority of our tubs are made right here in the US, and come with strong warranties. Let us help you find the bath of your dreams at a great sale price and with free shipping!Ready to Start Shopping for Your Perfect Alcove Tub?
Shop Alcove Apron Tubs →Helpful Bathtub Links
• How To Choose A Bathtub - Features to Consider when Purchasing a Bathtub• Tubz.com - Contact us, we are here to help
