How to Choose the Right Bathtub for Your Bathroom?

With so many types available, choosing the right bathtub can be confusing. Whether you're replacing an old, outdated tub or planning a new installation, our bath buyer’s guide will provide you with all the information you need for a hassle-free experience.

There’s nothing better or more relaxing than a bath at the end of a long, hard day away from home. But modern bathtubs need to offer much more than just comfort. From bathing children to washing down pets, a bathtub should provide all-around functionality. Besides that, their role in enhancing bathroom aesthetics cannot be ignored.

Our bathtub buying guide explains the different types of baths available and outlines the key bathtub buying factors you need to consider before making a purchase. 

Understanding the different types of baths available is crucial if you want to learn how to buy the right bathtub in the UK. 

Straight (“Alcove”) Baths- The Classic Choice

Straight baths, also known as alcove baths, are rectangular tubs installed against three walls. This configuration makes them the simplest and most affordable option for most UK homes. 

Straight bathtubs typically measure 1700 x 700mm, which is a standard UK size dating back to imperial 5 ft 6 in bath, which leaves around 1 m of clear floor space in an average 2.3 m x 2.7 m bathroom, considered to be the right balance of functionality and comfort. They come in 1500-1800 mm lengths and 700-800 mm widths, with deeper and more soak-friendly models reaching 550mm depth for full body immersion. 

Material choices include:

• Acrylic: lightweight, retains warmth well, inexpensive; scratches easily but can be. buffed out 

• Enamelled steel: hard-wearing and budget-friendly, but thinner walls mean quicker. heat loss; chips can be repaired with kits. 

• Cast iron: extremely durable and retains heat longest, but weighs 130–200 kg and may need floor reinforcement.

Why choose a straight bath?

Straight baths are the most common type in UK households, accounting for over 60% of installations. Their compact footprints (suitable for bathrooms under 10 sqm), lower costs ( around £200–£400 for the bath itself, and straightforward installation typically £150–£250 make them a popular choice for small and medium bathrooms. 

*Ideal for first-time buyers, small households, or those renovating on a budget.

Single-Ended vs. Double-Ended Baths – Designed for Comfort 

The main difference between a single and double-ended bathtub is the location/placement of taps and drain. There is also a difference in bathing capacity. These baths dominate family bathrooms due to their space-saving design and easy fitting against existing plumbing. The double-ended bath, on the other hand, has sloped on both ends with taps and a drain positioned in the center. These are 20-30% more expensive, allowing for two people to bathe comfortably. However, double-ended baths require more space to fit, and are suitable for 15+ sqm medium to large bathrooms.

*UK renovators report 60 % higher satisfaction with comfort and flexibility in double-ended tubs versus single-ended models. If you have the space, the luxurious dual-slope design is well worth the extra room and spend.

Shower Baths- Dual Functionality  

For homes where a separate shower cubicle won’t fit, shower baths combine bath-soak and standing-shower functions in one unit. In 2024, they accounted for 20 % of new UK bathroom installs, driven by urban apartment demand. Bathrooms under 12 sqm opt for shower baths to retain shower functionality. Another advantage of shower baths is cost saving. According to an estimation, combining a bath and shower into one fixture reduces renovation costs by up to £1,000.

L-Shaped Baths:

An L-shaped bathtub is an angular bath with one end of the tub flares wider in a square shape, making an “L” shape. These baths are much more spacious in comparison to straight shower baths, typically 1500mm to 1800mm in length, with a bath end width of 700mm and a roomy shower end width of  800mm to 900mm. A curved screen often follows the “L” contour to contain splash and gives it a modern look. 

It maximises shower elbow-room in a compact footprint, offering better containment than a straight bath with a screen. Choose an “L” shaped bath for corner fitting or awkward layouts.

P-Shaped Baths

P-shaped baths feature a standard bath combined with a rounded section at one end, forming a distinctive 'P' shape. The wider area with a curved shower screen attachment offers a generous shower area. The dimensions of this type of bath are almost identical to those of “L” shaped bathtubs. 

It's a perfect type of shower bathtub if you prefer a more curved design that offers a spacious and comfortable showering area.

Freestanding Bathtubs

Freestanding tubs stand unattached to walls, creating a focal centrepiece. Once a luxury reserved for grand homes, they’re now more accessible, with enquiries slowly gaining popularity in the UK. Available in a variety of shapes, such as traditional with scrolled “roll” rim, slipper with one end raised for ergonomic support, and modern minimalist with smooth geometric lines. The biggest consideration when choosing a freestanding bath is the availability of floor space (minimum 1700 x 800 mm) footprint. The plumbing requirements include exposed freestanding taps or creative boxing for waste pipe. These baths, on average, cost 30% *more than the alcove baths but add substantial aesthetic and perceived property-value benefits

*Whirlpool baths are another type of tub that is fitted with jets to provide a massage-like experience. They come in both freestanding and fitted styles.

How To Choose the Right Bathtub?

You should consider the following factors when buying a bathtub in the UK. Understanding of these factors is important in helping you understand how to choose the right bathtub for your home. 

Key bathtub buying factors include understanding bathroom size and layout to help you choose the right bath size, material, design, types, and your budget. We have discussed all of these here as follows. 

Bathroom Size & Layout

The type of bathtub you choose highly depends on the available floor and wall space. Small bathrooms (< 3 m²) often only accommodate straight or compact shower baths; medium rooms (4–6 m²) suit L- or P-shaped showers or double-ended alcoves; large rooms (> 6 m²) can feature freestanding tubs for a spa-like centrepiece. Therefore, it will be a good idea to measure the available space in the bathroom. 

Comfort & Ergonomics

Depth and length of the bathtubs matter a lot in providing a comfortable bath experience. Therefore, before you choose a bathtub, remember that you should consider how your body interacts with the tub's shape, water level, and support while taking a bath. Ideally, the optimal depth will let the water cover key muscle groups for relaxation while taking a bath. For the perfect combination of your comfort and ergonomics when buying a bath, you should consider

Measure yourself:  Sit upright against a wall and mark your shoulder height and heel position to determine needed depth and length. Work out the height you will require and compare it with the height of the bathtub in the product description.  

Compare internal dimensions: When viewing bath specs, focus on “internal” bathing measurements, not external footprint.

Check backrest alignment: Ensure the deepest section of the bath coincides with your shoulder mark.

Material Durability & Maintenance

Material is a critical consideration when choosing a bathtub because it directly affects longevity, maintenance effort, installation requirements, cost, and the overall bathing experience. The choice of the bathtub material will determine how well the bathtub will resist scratching, chipping, or staining over the years of use. Additionally, it will also indicate how long the water can retain heat for a comfortable bath experience. 

Here is how to choose the bathtub material in the UK. The table shows the comparison of different types of materials with durability, cost and maintenance.  

• Longevity vs Cost: As you can see in the comparison table, acrylic and fiberglass are budget-friendly but have shorter lifespans. In comparison, cast iron, stone resin, and copper have decades of life span, but come at a higher upfront investment • 

• Heat Retention & Comfort: Metal (cast iron, copper) and composite stone tubs retain heat best. In comparison, acrylic offers reasonable heat retention. Fiberglass is quicker to lose.

• Installation and Maintenance: If you choose a heavier material for the bathtub, then you will need structural reinforcement and professional installation. Lightweight options such as acrylic are suitable for DIY but may require more frequent maintenance.

Installation, Complexity & Plumbing

The complexity of installation and plumbing requirements for the bathtub you choose can add up hundreds of pounds and days of work to your bathroom project. Freestanding or spa tubs often need pipe re-routing and floor hoist replacement. Overlooking these factors often leads to unexpected costs increase and time spent on installation. 

Labour Time & Cost: Based on average plumber rates of £30–£40/hour in the UK.

Plumbing Work: Straight alcove baths typically reuse existing connections, whereas freestanding and thick-walled models require customization and pipe routing, and secure mounting that potentially increase the costs. 

Structural & Access Notes: Heavy tubs need floor reinforcement; curved or freestanding baths often need boxing or panels with access to service valves.

Bathtub Prices, Budgeting, and Cost Breakdown

Set aside a clear budget before you buy a bathtub. It will expedite the process and allow you to make the right choice. An in-depth understanding of the cost breakdown will help you avoid overspending and ensure you get the bathtub according to your requirements. So, technically, it should be your first step when planning for a new bathtub.

Here is how much a bathtub costs in the UK. Our estimation includes installation costs of the new bathtub in the UK. 

*Cost includes bathtub panel, bathtub filler with shower attachments, and shower screen. Add 10% of the budget for unexpected costs. Costs may increase due to structural work required.

• Bath Unit: The single largest variable. You should choose according to style, material, and budget. 

• Labour & Plumbing: Often 40–60 % of your installation budget—don’t underestimate pipework for non-standard baths. You may have to add the existing bathtub removal fee (£50–£150)

• Extras & Reinforcement: Panels, screens, taps, and any structural work can quickly add several hundred pounds.

Here we have a breakdown of other bathtub installation costs in the UK. 

Water Usage & Environmental Impact

Water usage during the bath and its environmental impact are a growing concern in the UK. Prior knowledge of the bathtub water capacity and how such usage will impact your utility bills and environmental footprint may help you choose the right option, especially if you are an environmentally conscious buyer.  Larger and deeper bathtubs may offer a luxurious experience but require up to 150-200 litres of water in comparison to standard 80-litre baths. Therefore, anyone concerned with excessive water usage may choose a compact bathtub.  

Final Thoughts

That’s how to choose a bathtub in the UK.
It’s not just about style, but about matching your lifestyle, space, and comfort needs with the right design.
Remember! Your bathtub buying journey should include the following steps

1. Set a Budget – Factor in the cost of the bathtub, bath panels, shower screen, and installation.

2. Measure Your Space – Length, width, and height ( determine the correct bath size).

3. Choose a Style – Straight (Single-Ended vs. Double-Ended), Shower Bath (P-shaped or L-shaped), or Freestanding Baths.

4. Material Matters – Acrylic, steel, cast iron, or stone?

5. Check Water & Floor Support – Can your plumbing and floor structure support the bathtub?

6. Ease of Cleaning – Opt for low-maintenance surfaces that are easy to clean.

Warranty & Aftercare – Look for reliable customer support and product warranties.

Frequently Asked Questions