Bathtub Installation Types

Finding the Proper Placement

Courtesy of Maax

An apron-front bathtub is commonly used in an alcove placement.

Bathtubs have four common options for placement within a bathroom, each requiring a different method of installation:

Alcove
Surrounded by walls on three sides, a bathtub with an alcove placement only has one finished side. These types of tubs are also called apron or recessed bathtubs, and are extremely common.

Courtesy of Kohler

Corner bathtub.

Corner
Corner tubs are placed flush against two walls, and they come in two varieties. One type has the standard, rectangular shape and is finished on the two exposed sides. The other type of corner tub is shaped like a triangle, and has only one finished side.

Platform
Platform tubs do not have a finished side, as they are designed to sit within a deck. They are usually surrounded by an elevated platform made from wood and covered by decorative tile. Platform tubs can either be dropped in, meaning the lip of the tub sits over the platform, or they can be undermounted, which means the lip of the tub sits under the platform. Many whirlpools and air baths are designed as platform units.

Freestanding
A freestanding bathtub can be placed in any area of the bathroom, provided there is plumbing for it. In instances where a freestanding tub is not placed near a wall, water supply lines will need to be connected to plumbing that is under the floor. These models are finished on all sides and often used in large bathrooms where they function as sculptures as well as tubs. Freestanding tubs come in two varieties: clawfoot and pedestal. For more photos and information, visit our clawfoot tubs slideshow.