What Is a Garden Tub?

A key feature of the garden tub is its freestanding design, allowing it to be placed freely in the bathroom without the need for installation against a wall. This flexibility enables homeowners to arrange the tub according to their personal design preferences. Moreover, since garden tubs are often large and deep, the freestanding design highlights the tub’s elegant lines and adds a striking visual impact to the bathroom.

In terms of shape, garden tubs typically feature an oval-shaped edge, with some models designed with a more pronounced angle to better accommodate ergonomic needs and provide a more comfortable soaking experience. As a result, garden tubs not only provide smoother, more graceful curves that enhance the overall modern aesthetic, but they also conform better to the body’s natural curves. This design allows for a more relaxed and comfortable soaking position, enabling bathers to enjoy the view outside without feeling fatigued.

When it comes to size, garden tubs are generally larger than standard tubs, both in terms of overall dimensions and internal space. A typical garden tub might measure around 60"L*35"W*20"H. High-end models may be even larger. In fact, the size of a garden tub is similar to that of a whirlpool tub, but it is more aesthetically pleasing and lacks the added functionality of jets.

Material selection is also critical. As mentioned earlier, garden tubs are often placed near windows, which means they may be exposed to prolonged sunlight and UV rays. This can cause the tub to develop defects, especially during the summer months. For instance, acrylic surfaces may yellow when exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, and metal materials may rust. To prevent this, garden tubs are commonly made from solid surface materials or Corian. While solid surfaces can still yellow over time, the discoloration can be removed by polishing. Corian, developed by DuPont, is a solid material made from acrylic plastic and hydrated aluminum oxide, offering enhanced UV resistance.

While the advantages of a garden tub, such as its beauty and comfort, are often praised, it's important not to be swayed solely by these compliments when considering whether to purchase one. It's essential to thoroughly examine the drawbacks as well. First, due to the large size of garden tubs, you need to assess whether there will still be enough space for comfortable passage in the hallway after installation. Additionally, in bathroom designs featuring a garden tub, the tub is often placed independently from other areas. For instance, the shower area and the tub may be arranged separately. Therefore, you should carefully review the bathroom floor plan to ensure that the overall layout remains harmonious.

Moreover, the price of the tub is heavily influenced by the materials and size. Clearly, garden tubs are often much more expensive than standard tubs, especially when made from solid surface materials or Corian. Prices can easily exceed $4,000, while standard tubs usually cost around $1,000, which may not be affordable for everyone.

Another aspect to consider is that most plumbing systems are designed to accommodate traditional corner tubs or showers, so installing a garden tub in the center of the bathroom often requires significant DIY effort or hiring professional plumbers, which can substantially increase installation costs. Additionally, a frequently overlooked cost is the delivery charge. While suppliers like Giving Tree Home typically offer free shipping to your doorstep, this service only covers delivery. Once the tub is at your home, you may need to move it to the bathroom yourself or pay extra for movers, depending on the tub’s weight, which could add hundreds of dollars in additional costs.