An alcove tub is placed inside a recessed space with 3 walls. It’s best used when you have a small bathroom, want a cost-effective bathtub system, and want the dual function of a tub shower combo. An alcove tub has a finished front side (also called an apron or skirt).

Fiberglass alcove tubs are the cheapest on the market. They’re built by forming layers of fiber-reinforced plastic (also called FRP) into sheets which become a mold which is coated with a gel-coat resin. While fiberglass will be the cheapest priced tubs, they’re porous (which can lead to dirt getting embedded into the surface you can’t get off). They’re also prone to fading, scratching, and chipping and can warp over time.

Acrylic alcove tubs will be more expensive than fiberglass. They have a non-porous acrylic polymer composite topcoat which is placed over fiberglass for strength underneath. These tubs are lighter than cast iron tubs, won’t chip and fade and are simple to install. Acrylic tubs are warm to the touch and moderately priced. They’re available in matte and gloss finishes.

Cast iron alcove tubs are made by pouring molten iron into a mold which is covered with porcelain. They’re the heaviest and most expensive. They’re the coldest when you get in (although they retain the heat well) and are more difficult to install due to their weight.

An alcove tub has a finished front which is called a skirt (or an apron). What’s nice about an integral tub skirt is it saves on the cost of finishing the front of the tub with tile and doesn’t require any maintenance.

The reasons to choose an alcove tub is they’re less expensive, can serve multiple functions (bathing and showering) and are space efficient.

A freestanding tub is a fun option because it can make a dramatic design difference in a room and provides a deeper soaking experience.

Drop-in tubs are nice when you want to create an area for a recessed or corner tub which isn’t a standard size. With these odd sizes you can ‘drop in’ a tub around a deck made of tile, stone, composite, or other materials.

Walk-in tubs are used when you have a family member who either can’t (or will struggle) stepping over the tub deck. While they’re expensive, they’re a safe option for those who are mobility challenged.

It’s hard from a picture to tell the difference between a high quality and cheap alcove tub shower combo. However, here’s what you’ll want to compare to ensure you’re making a wise investment.

1. What’s the warranty on the tub? Cheap tubs have little to no warranty. Look for tubs with long warranties (10+ years are best).
2. What material is being used? Fiberglass tubs are cheapest, but to most people looking at a new tub they can’t tell the difference (at the surface) between a fiberglass and better quality acrylic bathtub.
3. See how much the tub weighs. Cheaper tubs are lighter, and you won’t even see in their spec sheets how much they weigh. Sturdier tubs are thicker and will weigh 75 lbs. or more.

With an acrylic tub with integral flanges, you can use any type of wall surrounds – from tile to stone to decorative grout free wall panels. The installation of the tub should ALWAYS come before installing the wall backer board (greenboard, extruded polystyrene or plywood). Note – your tile or waterproof wall panels will be set inside the integral tub flange.

The first thing you’ll want to ask is who will be using this alcove tub/shower combo. If your primary user is someone with mobility challenges who will use it for showering (or you’ll be bathing small children), a more comfortable choice will be a shallower tub (with a 14” high skirt) with a non-skid bottom. If, on the other hand, you want to enjoy relaxing soaking sessions with a nice glass of wine – then a deeper acrylic alcove tub (with an 18” or 21” high skirt) will be best.

Pay attention before choosing any alcove tub to the size of the ‘bathing well’ (this is the area inside the tub) and water capacity. The ‘interior dimensions’ (called the bathing well) is the space available to make your tub or shower roomier. If you have a big or tall person – you want a longer and wider ‘bathing well.’

The advantage of a matte finish tub is it’s a better match to other matte or brushed finish materials popular in bathroom remodeling today and it’s not prone to show scratches as easily.

The advantage of a gloss tub is it reflects more light which is nice in a small bathroom.

No, acrylic alcove tubs are made in standard 60” x 30” and 60” x 32” sizes. An option when you have a non-standard width or depth will be to resize the opening to fit the alcove tub. The other option is to use a drop in tub with a deck around it to fit your custom alcove space.

Since tubs are set inside ‘rough openings’ (next to the bare studs), many people assume they need a custom size (because they measure inside their existing walls which have tile or a surround system at the edges). The proper way to measure for your tub is when you’d down to the bare walls (also called the rough opening).

If you need assistance with sizing, our Bathroom Product Specialists can help.

Make sure the tub has an anti-slip bottom which meets ADA (Americans with Disability Act) and ANSI (American National Standards Institute) requirements.

• Soap, shampoo, oversized recessed niches and tub caddies.
• Thick frameless bypass tub doors where both sides open so you can turn on the water without getting wet.
• Walk-in tub screens which give you an open feeling – and are less costly than bypass doors.
• Curved curtain rods.

• Innovate has Bathroom Product Specialists who will guide you to the right tub for your job. We’re not an ‘Internet site’ just selling products. You’ll get the full name (and cell number) of these Specialists who can help you before, during and after the installation. Innovate Bathroom Specialists work daily with homeowners (and installing contractors) with shower bases, wall panels, glass shower doors and alcove tubs. Bottom line – they know bath and shower products.
• Innovate stocks complimentary lines of grout free shower wall panels, and offers glass shower doors and bathtub accessories to compliment your bath remodel.
  
• Innovate has worked with over 190,000 customers since 1977 and is a debt-free company. We’ll be here to honor your warranty.
• Outstanding reviews. Check them out on Google.

Leverage Innovate’s dealer network of professional installers across the country if you don’t have the time (or expertise) to DIY your job.