Choosing the right bathtub can significantly enhance the functionality of your bathroom and uplift the value of your home. A well-selected bath can serve as a striking design feature, a daily indulgence, and even a drawcard for future buyers. But with so many styles, sizes and materials to choose from, it’s not a straightforward decision.
To make the most of your investment, you’ll want to choose a tub that fits your space comfortably, complements your bathroom aesthetic, and is made from a material that suits your lifestyle — whether that’s easy to maintain, great at retaining heat, or simply built to last.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of bathtubs on the market, and help you understand the pros and cons of each material, so you can find the perfect tub for your dream bathroom.
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Different types of baths
There’s a lot to consider when picking the right bath but as always, good design should put function ahead of form. So before we delve into the different materials, let’s start with finding the right type of bath for your space.
Drop-in, inset or hob bath
Call it what you want — drop-in, inset or hob bath — the idea is the same. This bath is built into a frame or hob that is usually tiled. It’s a traditional style that was favoured because of its affordability, practicality and how easy it is to keep clean. Plus the hob around a bath can act like a ledge for bathroom essentials or decor.
It’s important to note that while hob baths are cheaper than freestanding designs, the cost to frame, waterproof and tile the hob adds up quickly! Consider the total cost of materials and trades to build a hob bath rather than just the price of the inset bath tub if you are making your decision largely based on cost.
Best for: Families, tight budgets, bathrooms where a shower-over-bath or wet room design is needed.
Freestanding bath
If you’re looking for a design statement or to channel day spa vibes in your bathroom, it’s hard to go past a freestanding bath. Available in egg, round, rectangular and organic shapes, freestanding baths are designed to sit away from the wall — either in the centre of a room or near a window.
Generally the most expensive because of their size, these baths need space to shine. Don’t squeeze a freestanding bath into a tight space where it will be awkward to clean behind and where the beauty of the design will be lost. It’s also important to consider your plumbing early. If your bath is in the middle of a room or away from a wall, you will need a freestanding bath spout.
Best for: Larger bathrooms, luxury aesthetics, soaking sessions.
Corner bath
If you love the look of a freestanding bath but are tight on space, there are a few newer designs on the market that offer a softer look while being smart on space. A corner fit bath is where one corner of the bath (either the left or right side) is at a 90 degree angle and the other end is rounded. It allows the bath to fit snugly into a corner of the bathroom while giving that freestanding look from the front.
Best for: Small or awkward-shaped bathrooms where you want to maximise floor space. Ideal for easy cleaning. Affordable when comparing the full cost of a hob bath (building and tiling the hob) vs a corner fit bath.
Back to wall bath
Taking the free-standing bath look one step further than the corner-fit bath is the back-to-wall bath. As the name suggests, this is where the back of the bath sits flush against the wall but the rest of the bath is designed to look freestanding. These are available in a range of shapes, from angular rectangular designs to rounded and fluted shapes. When selecting any bath, it’s a good idea to see them in person so you can feel the material and even step inside to make sure it’s comfortable for a long soak. Search ‘Bathroom stores near me‘ to find ones in your local area.
Best for: Smaller bathrooms, easy cleaning, renters or renovators who want a luxe look with fewer plumbing adjustments.
Multi-fit bath
Offering ultimate versatility, the multi-fit bath is a clean and minimalist shape that can sit anywhere in the bathroom — use it as a freestanding, back to wall or corner fit bath. While the outer shape of a multi-fit bath is always a flat-sided rectangle (so it can slot anywhere in a bathroom), you can choose from a range of internal shapes including oval and sled designs.
Best for: Minimalist design bathrooms, space saving and easy cleaning.
Clawfoot or pedestal baths
As farmhouse and traditional design styles gain popularity, clawfoot baths are having a resurgence. Adding a vintage or provincial charm to any bathroom, these freestanding baths are designed to steal the show so give them breathing room. Just like with a freestanding bath, it’s important to consider your plumbing in the planning stages to avoid costly changes at installation.
Best for: Heritage-style homes, eclectic interiors, or anyone who wants a romantic vibe.
Whirlpool or spa baths
Spa baths (also known as whirlpool or jetted tubs) were all the rage in the ’90s and then their bulky designs and shapes made them feel dated. Thanks to slimmer and more contemporary shapes, they are regaining popularity. Spa baths use water or air jets to create massaging bubbles that help soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation. These are typically the most expensive baths on the market but you can find well-priced options at online stores offering discount bathroom supplies. If you select a spa bath, it’s especially important to ventilate your bathroom and have excellent drainage.
Best for: Athletes and people who want therapeutic benefits, luxury homes.
Types of bath materials
Acrylic
Lightweight, affordable, and available in a huge range of shapes and sizes, there are many reasons why acrylic baths are so popular! Be sure to check the bath is made from a sanitary-grade acrylic finish for easy cleaning and durability.
Pros: Retains heat well, affordable, easy to clean, won’t chip easily. Available in a huge range of designs from freestanding to clawfoot baths and spa baths. Matte or gloss, as well as coloured options also available.
Cons: Not as long-lasting or luxe in feel as other materials like stone.
Solid stone and solid surface
Stone bathtubs are the epitome of luxury. Crafted from natural stone or stone composites, they are known for their aesthetic appeal, durability and ability to retain heat. Available in natural stones like travertine or marble, as well as stone composite bathtubs which mix stone with other elements like resin for enhanced performance.
Pros: Visually stunning, highly durable, adds a feeling of spa-like luxury.
Cons: Heavier (check your floor can support it), more expensive, can be harder to maintain if it’s natural stone.
Concrete bath
If you love the earthy, organic interior aesthetic, the ultimate bathtub is a freestanding concrete bath! Strong and bold, curvaceous concrete baths suit contemporary luxury homes and those wanting day spa vibes.
Pros: Bespoke look, earthy and organic aesthetic, great thermal mass.
Cons: Extremely expensive and heavy (check your floor can support it), porous if not sealed properly, and prone to hairline cracks over time (or at installation!).
Porcelain on steel or enamelled steel
A traditional material made by fusing enamel over steel. Available in freestanding and inset styles, steel baths offer durability and often come with a 30 year warranty. Not only easy to install, they are even easier to clean and maintenance. Generally more expensive than acrylic but less expensive than stone, it’s a premium material that offers longevity.
Pros: Tough and hygienic, durable, easy to clean and install.
Cons: Can chip, feels colder to the touch and may be noisy when filling.
Cast iron
Incredibly strong and built to last, cast iron baths can be found in the iconic clawfoot freestanding design as well as drop-in styles. Popular for their ability to retain heat and durability, it’s also resistant to most chemicals, chipping, denting and scratching.
Pros: Excellent heat retention, can offer a particular design aesthetic, incredibly durable, timeless look.
Cons: Very heavy (not suitable for all homes), expensive, and may require floor reinforcement.
Wood
When we think of baths, wooden baths don’t generally come to mind but they offer a beautiful soaking experience for those who can afford it. Traditionally used in Japanese soaking tubs (ofuro), timber baths have made a quiet comeback in high-end and nature-inspired interiors. If you’re considering a wooden bath, invest in a high-quality model made from hardwoods like teak, hinoki, or cedar, and speak with your builder or bathroom supplier to ensure your space is suitable for timber installation.
Pros: Beautiful soaking experience, brings a sense of the outside in, said to help with stress and insomnia.
Cons: Very expensive, requires maintenance such as oiling and careful cleaning.
Solid copper
Another statement material, copper baths are the ultimate blend of old-world charm and luxe character. Their warm metallic tones naturally develop a beautiful patina that adds depth and unique finish.
Pros: Naturally antibacterial, excellent at retaining heat, and virtually indestructible with proper care. A copper bath brings serious wow-factor to any bathroom.
Cons: They’re a premium option — both in price and weight — and require occasional polishing if you want to maintain a shiny finish (or you can embrace the aged look). Not suited to all design styles or budgets.
Reinforced resin
These show-stopping tubs are made from high-strength, transparent or tinted reinforced resin. Delivering a sleek, modern look that instantly elevates your bathroom, you can find these in a range of colours including smoky grey, olive green and yellow. Ideal for modern designer bathrooms where you want to add an unexpected or playful feature.
Pros: Visually striking and available in a range of contemporary colours, durable and lightweight compared to traditional stone or cast iron. The non-porous surface resists stains and is easy to clean.
Cons: Pricey, scratches may be more visible than non-translucent baths, plumbing needs to be kept neat as everything beneath may be visible through the bath.
Top 5 tips for picking the right bath
Now that we’ve covered all the styles and materials, you may be left wondering how to pick the right bath?! While it’s easy to make a decision purely based on looks, we suggest considering these things so you find one that’s right for your space, lifestyle and home.
1. Consider your space first
Before anything else, measure your bathroom (twice!) and factor in things like access points, plumbing location, and clearances around the bath. A freestanding bath looks dreamy on Pinterest but may feel cramped in a small bathroom if it’s wedged between two walls. A freestanding bath needs to have a minimum of 200mm on either side for cleaning and ideally 500-800mm to achieve that luxe look. So if you’re tight on space, a back-to-wall or inset bath might be the better fit.
2. Think about how you’ll use it
Is this your daily unwind zone or just for the kids’ bath time? For a family-friendly and low maintenance option, an acrylic bath will more than suffice. However, if you’re designing your dream bathroom and love a deeper soak, investing in a stone or composite bath is a good move.
3. Choose a material that suits your needs
Acrylic is affordable and easy to maintain, stone is luxurious and long-lasting, while coloured resin or copper makes a bold design statement. Each material has pros and cons — so balance your dream aesthetic with practical considerations like weight, cleaning, and cost.
4. Don’t overlook plumbing and floor support
Some baths — particularly concrete, cast iron and stone tubs — are heavy and may require reinforced flooring. Freestanding designs also often need plumbing rerouting, which can add to your renovation costs. Always speak with your builder or plumber before finalising your selection as last minute changes are especially expensive!
5. Test it out in person if you can
We mentioned this earlier and weren’t joking! One minute of embarrassment in a bathroom showroom can save you years of regret. So hop in the bath you’re thinking of buying and see how it feels. Is the slope of the backrest comfortable? Can you stretch your legs? Is the height manageable for everyday use? What looks perfect online might not feel quite right in real life, so if you’re investing in a statement piece, it’s worth experiencing it before you buy.
We hope this guide to picking the right bath helps you! Do you have any questions we didn’t answer? Pop a comment below and we’ll get back to you asap.
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