If you’re wondering “what is a garden tub?” you’ve come to the right place, and you’re not alone. Maybe you heard the term is passing, or it’s come up in the midst of a bathroom renovation. Regardless, the name often leaves people confused and asking where the name come from. Fortunately, we have all the answers you seek below. What Affects the Cost of a Pool in California?

What Exactly Is a Garden Tub?

A garden tub is a type of freestanding soaker tub that first originated in France during the 1700s. The French elite would place these tubs by windows overlooking a garden, or even in the garden itself. Following a bath, the water would often be reused for plants in the garden.

Garden tubs are deep and spacious, which allows the user to fully submerge themselves in the water and keeps the water warmer for a longer period. Modern day garden tubs have an oval shape and can be customized with different faucets, materials, and luxury features. They also have side facets that can be equipped with luxury features, such as detachable showerheads.

Garden Tub vs Standard Tub: What’s the Difference?

CharacteristicsGarden TubStandard Tub
DesignFreestanding, oval shaped, deep, wideBuilt-in or freestanding, rectangular or oval shaped, shallow, narrow
CostCan be more costly, with additional expenses for customized fixtures and luxury featuresLess costly, with varying prices depending on the model, brand, fixtures, and material
Spacing RequirementsRequires 12 to 18 inches of clearance around tubRequires minimum of 6 inches of clearance
UsageSuitable for therapeutic, medical, or relaxation soaks as well as regular bathingLess suitable for soaking, ideal for regular bathing
Water Capacity85 to 100+ gallons of water40 to 70 gallons of water

Common Garden Tub Dimensions – How Much Space Do You Need?

Garden tub dimensions can differ depending on the brand and style. The average size of a garden tub is 60 to 70 inches long, 42 to 50 inches wide, and 24 to 30 inches deep. In contrast, a standard tub is on average, 60 inches long, 30 inches wide, and 14 to 20 inches deep.

How Much Does a Garden Tub Cost?

Garden tub costs vary depending on the size, brand, style, and added features. On average, a garden tub can cost between $600 and $2,000 before installation expenses. High-end or customized garden tubs can cost more $5,000 before installation.

outside bath in the garden some people call it garden bath

Popular Garden Tub Styles

Garden tubs are available in a wide range of styles and colours. There are also many additional features you can add to your garden tub to customize it to your needs, desires, and design preferences. Explore the various styles and features for garden bathtubs below.

Styles

With all the different colours, fixtures, hardware, and materials to choose from, there’s a garden tub style for every bathroom. Common garden tub colours you can choose from include, white, off-white, charcoal, black, and beige. Examples of garden tub styles include:

  • Modern
  • Japanese
  • Roman
  • Claw-foot
  • Rustic wood or cast iron

Added Features

Boost the comfort and/or accessibility of your garden tub with an array of additional features. Options include:

  • Water jets
  • Detachable showerhead
  • Walk-in
  • Seating
outside bath in the garden some people call it garden bath

What Are Garden Tubs Made Of? Materials & Durability

Garden tubs have fewer material options than standard or corner tubs because of their freestanding design. As with any type of tub, the materials used can alter the price of durability of the tub. Here is a list of the most commonly used garden tub materials, along with their durability and price range:

Typical yearly maintenance includes:

  • Acrylic: Cost ranges between $700 and $1,000. High-end models can cost up to $14,000 or more. Average lifespan is 10 to 15 years.
  • Enameled Cast Iron: Standard models typically cost between $2,000 and $3,000, while luxury models can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $14,000. Freestanding enameled cast iron tubs have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years.
  • Stone Resin: Basic stone resin garden tubs have an average price range of $1,500 to $3,500. Higher-end models can cost between $3,500 and $5,000+. Stone resin tubs have a lifespan of 15 to 20 years.

What Is a Garden Tub Used For? Practical & Creative Uses

Beyond regular bathing, garden tubs are perfect for deep soaks, dual bathing, and spa-like treatments. They’re also great for ice baths and can help relieve chronic pain, thanks to their size and ability to retain heat.

Is a Garden Tub Right for Your Bathroom?

Now that you have the answer to “what is a garden tub?” it’s time to use that information to determine if a garden tub is right for you. Top Home Builders Inc. today for a free consultation and discover if a garden tub is right for you and your bathroom.

FAQs

Soaker tubs are much larger than garden tubs and are available in both freestanding and built-in styles. The average size of a soaker tub is 60 to 72 inches long, 30 to 40 inches wide, and 27 to 34 inches deep. While the average water capacity is between 60 and 100 gallons, some luxury soaker bathtubs can accommodate over 200 gallons of water.

As with any tub, a garden tub has defining characteristics. As mentioned above, standard tub dimensions are different from garden tub dimensions. Additionally, each style of tub has varying water capacities, shapes, and spacing requirements.

The terms Roman tub and garden tub are often used interchangeably. Although each is wide and deep, oval-shaped, and freestanding, they have different style variations and material options. While garden tubs have a more minimal design, Roman tubs have s more traditional appearance. Roman tubs are also available in marble in addition to cast iron and stone resin. Another difference is that Roman tubs don’t always have side faucets. You may see them with front-facing faucets that are built-in or standalone.