Standard Bathtub Framing Rough In Dimensions Explained

Bathroom spaces are already filled with too many amenities, from the toilet and shower space to bathroom basins. So, fitting a bathtub into a tight space can feel like solving a jigsaw puzzle. So, it becomes trickier than most people imagine.

Knowing the bathtub framing is rough in dimensions will help with the cause. It is crucial as different bathtubs will have variable dimensions for their circumference. You must also know the interior and exterior dimensions of the tubs.

You need to know the rough dimensions for tubs to fit accurately in your bathroom space. You can only choose the perfect bathtub shape and type with dimensional knowledge. So, let’s dive deep into bathtub rough in-dimension measurements.

Standard Bathtub Dimension Size:

In modern homes, you will see different types of bathtubs. However, older homes have a standard bathtub with a fixed dimension. These tubs have three walls, and one side will be adjusted along the bathroom wall.

The dimension is measured on the external circumference of the tub. It includes the following measurements:

• A standard tub is 60 inches long
• Its width will be 30 inches or ½ of its length
• Its height will be 14 to 16 inches
• The front of the tub will have an apron

The standard tub size is perfect for smaller bathrooms with alcoves. If you need a soaking bathtub, its length will be between 60 to 72 inches.

Different Bathtub Farming Rough In Dimensions

Apart from the standard tub, modern homes have stylish and versatile tubs. These tubs differ in size, style, and shape. So, before finalizing your selection for a bathroom tub, you must know their sizes. It will help you fix the properly styled tubs in your large or small bathroom. With it, you can plan the spacing in your bathroom perfectly.

Alcove bathtubs:

Smaller bathrooms mostly have alcove tubs. It’s one side will connect to the existing bathroom wall. The other three walls will bind the space. Its sizing chart includes the following:

• 60 inches long
• 32 inches width
• 18 inches height

Choosing the alcove tub for smaller rooms is helpful as its one side will fit along the existing wall. Also, its enclosure side will fit with its backend. This formation saves colossal space in your room and allows you to arrange other items brilliantly.

To fit the alcove tub in a larger bathroom, you must construct an additional partition. It will separate the tub and toilet alcove and provide a beautiful coziness. Also, the front panel of the alcove tubs comes fully finished. It is known as an apron and needs no adjustment at all.

Small alcove tubs:

Apartments are getting pricier, and people are looking for smaller homes day by day. So, the bathroom size has also reduced considerably. It propelled the popularity of smaller alcove tubs nowadays. It is even smaller than the standard alcove tubs. So it will fit into the smallest bathroom space.

Its rough dimensions are:

• 54 inches long
• 30 inches wide
• 15 inches high

You may need to compromise with a separate shower space to install it in a tighter space. Yet, it brings a spa-like vibe, and you will surely enjoy the coziness.

Moderate and long bathtubs:

If you are lucky enough to get ample bathroom space, it’s time to install a luxurious tub here. Choose moderately sized or long bathtubs. Their size difference is minimal and so alternating between them might be easy.

The rough dimensions for the moderately sized tub will be:

• 60 inches long
• 32 inches wide
• 18 inches high

As you see its dimension, it replicated the alcove-style tub. So, everything is the same in their design. Nonetheless, you may opt for large-sized tubs with adequate space in your bathroom. Its size chart includes the following:

• Its length is 72 inches
• Its width will be 36 inches
• Finally, the height is 20 inches

As you see, this large tub is ideal for couples. You may even bathe with kids here. However, its 20 inches height can be difficult for shorter people. You should use a tape measure to calculate the space in your bathroom twice for accuracy. Also, check the tub size in your plumbing store to ensure it has accurate measurements. It’s crucial because large tubs may have 0.5 to 1″ shorter or longer dimensions.

Oval bathtubs:

Oval bathtubs personify luxury and aesthetics in your bathroom space. So, modern-day homes will have oval tubs as part of their design. You can get the oval-shaped bathtubs in two different options.

1. Free-standing models
2. Drop-in models

Many people perceive that oval-shaped bathtubs are larger, broader, and longer. So, people often avoid these tubs because of their sizing. Nonetheless, this is a conception.

Oval bathtubs only are wider than the standard ones, not so long. So, they may look more generous than the standard tubs but aren’t in reality. In fact, it offers an excellent compactness to fit even in mid-sized rooms easily.

• It is 60 inches long
• Its width will be 41 inches
• The height is 24 inches

As you see, you don’t need to worry about your bathroom length with oval tubs. Its wider side should also fit in between the nooks perfectly. However, with a height of 24 inches, getting in and off the tub can be concerning for many people.

Corner bathtubs:

Corner tubs may look like oval bathtubs, but they are different. It has an oval shape but will fit into one corner of your bathroom. With spaces in the corner, you can keep cigars, books, candles, and what not to enjoy the coziest bath. It provides you with a perfect lounging experience.

Although it primarily has an oval shape, you will find it rectangular or square. It’s not about size or convenience. Instead, corner tubs are favored for their luxurious facilities and look.

• Its length and width are 60 inches, respectively
• The height of a cornered tub is 22 inches

As you see its length and width, fitting it in a small or mid-sized bathroom space isn’t possible. Unless you have ample space in the bathroom, leave the idea of installing it. Also, it will only look good with tighter space, even if you somehow mount it.

Drop-in bathtubs:

Drop-in tubs are famous for their compactness and adjustability. You can get it in different lengths, widths, and heights. So you can choose the correct size to match your bathroom space. Also, with a quick drop-in feature, mounting this tub is a brisk task.

The downside of drop-in tubs is the deck requirement. It would help if you created a separate deck where the tub will sit. In a smaller bathroom, it fits like an alcove. And in larger bathrooms, it fits in quickly.

• The length varies from 45 to 72 inches
• Its width will be 30 to 32 inches
• You can get it at 14 to 20 inches in height

Depending on your bathroom size, you can quickly adjust its height when buying it.

Free-standing tub:

Our final section is the free-standing tubs that differ from the standard alcove or drop-in tubs. You can choose it at different lengths, widths, and heights. However, it needs space on the sides and lengths to fit perfectly. It is essential because its lips will stretch out and need additional space. Also, many free-standing bathtubs have legs made of metal. So, it is heavier than other tubs and might damage the floor.

• Its length varies from 55 to 72 inches
• The width is 27 to 32 inches
• You can get it from 15 to 20 inches in height

As you see, its stretching lips need more space. So, you must calculate the bathroom space accurately before buying free-standing tubs.

What Should The Rough Opening Be For A Bathtub?

The rough opening for tubs refers to its distance from the stud to the stud. As you set up the bathtub in your bathroom space, measuring its opening is crucial. Otherwise, the plumbing hole to drain the tub will be useless.

So, what is the standard rough opening for the tubs?

The rough opening for the standard bathtubs in bathrooms has two measurements. These are:

• It should be 12 inches in extension from the connecting wall
• The wide of the rough in the opening hole should be 9 inches

When you set up the bathtub, you should be careful about its rough opening. This measurement needs to be more precise for the claw foot bathtub. The claw foot bathtub will expose the space underneath it, making the draining hole visible. Thus, the rough opening must be highly accurate and constructive.

Following the bathtub’s rough plumbing dimensions and calculating the bathroom space properly allows you to decorate the bathroom space brilliantly. You should use a tape measure to find the exact length of your bathroom. Once you find it, it becomes easier for you to choose the right tub. If you want luxury and aesthetics, choose oval or cornered tubs. And for convenience and tighter space, choosing the alcove tubs will be wise.