Project: Finding the Deepest Tub for the Money

Project: Finding the Deepest Tub for the Money

What matters to you in a bath tub? I want the water to be deep. I was surprised that the beautiful clawfoot tub I had my heart set on was only 13 1/2” deep. That’s an awful lot of me not under the water.

Project: Finding the Deepest Tub for the Money – Tub Dimensions
Project: Finding the Deepest Tub for the Money – Tub Dimensions

Soaking Depth

So, I made a spreadsheet on soaking depth. I broke it down by how much it costs per inch of water.

These are Lowes 2017 prices. Subject to change, of course.

Project: Finding the Deepest Tub for the Money – Skirted, Alcove or Recessed Bathtubs Only one side is finished, so they have to have walls around them.
Skirted, Alcove or Recessed Bathtubs
Only one side is finished, so they have to have walls around them.

Skirted, Alcove or Recessed Bathtubs

Only one side is finished, so they have to have walls around them. These can be the least expensive option, but they can get deep. This chart gives you an idea of the range of depth to dollar.

Lowes Style Selections White Acrylic Oval in Rectangle Skirted Bathtub is a good choice. 18″ deep at only $366.66.

Brand Material Soaking Depth Price Per inch of water
Briggs Porcelain Enamel 13 $122.00 $9.38
Sterling Performa Vikrell 10.25 $139.00 $13.56
Style Selections Acrylic 15 $205.00 $13.67
Style Selections Acrylic 15 $273.83 $18.26
Jacuzzi Primo Acrylic 15.25 $309.00 $20.26
Style Selections Acrylic 18 $366.66 $20.37
Mustee Topaz Fiberglass 14.25 $293.23 $20.58
Sterling All Pro Fiberglass/Plastic composite 9.375 $194.55 $20.75
American Standard Porcelain Enamel 9.5 $255.00 $26.84
American Standard Evolution Acrylic 18.5 $508.99 $27.51
Laurel Mountain Hourglass Trade Acrylic 18.5 $704.18 $38.06
Laurel Mountain Mercer V Acrylic 16.5 $747.13 $45.28
Laurel Mountain Mercer Iv Acrylic 16.75 $786.82 $46.97
Project: Finding the Deepest Tub for the Money – Drop-in or Platform Tub This is only the tub. No sides are finished. Figure in the cost of the deck, the frame to support the tub and the surround.
Drop-in or Platform Tub
This is only the tub. No sides are finished. Figure in the cost of the deck, the frame to support the tub and the surround.

Drop-in or Platform Tub

This is only the tub. No sides are finished. Add in the cost of the deck, the frame to support the tub and the surround.

Lowes Style Selections American Standard Evolution Arctic Acrylic Rectangular Drop-in Bathtub is a good choice. 18 1/2″ deep at $525.00.

Brand Material Soaking Depth Price Per inch of water
Jacuzzi Primo Acrylic 16 $408.00 $25.50
American Standard Evolution Acrylic 18.5 $525.00 $28.38
American Standard Evolution Acrylic 18.5 $572.93 $30.97
Jacuzzi Primo Oval Acrylic 16 $508.00 $31.75
Laurel Mountain Acrylic 18.5 $616.48 $33.32
Laurel Mountain Standard Trade Acrylic 16.5 $579.12 $35.10
Jacuzzi Primo Acrylic 17.19 $608.00 $35.37
Sterling Lawson Vikrell 15.25 $550.10 $36.07
KOHLER Archer Acrylic 15.125 $549.26 $36.31
Sterling Lawson Vikrell 15.25 $592.14 $38.83
American Standard Studio Acrylic 17.75 $692.17 $39.00
Laurel Mountain Drop In I Plus Acrylic 18.5 $740.00 $40.00
Laurel Mountain Seneca Acrylic 16.75 $692.17 $41.32
Laurel Mountain Melfa Acrylic 17.75 $750.00 $42.25
Laurel Mountain Boston Acrylic 16.25 $690.00 $42.46
American Standard Studio Acrylic 17.75 $764.43 $43.07
Laurel Mountain Trade Standard Acrylic 17 $945.00 $55.59
Project: Finding the Deepest Tub for the Money – Freestanding Freestanding tubs are completely finished on all sides and just sit on the floor. Almost like furniture, you can put them anywhere.
Freestanding Tub
Freestanding tubs are completely finished on all sides and just sit on the floor. Almost like furniture, you can put them anywhere.

Freestanding

Freestanding tubs are completely finished on all sides and just sit on the floor. Almost like furniture, you can put them anywhere. That means they may cost less to install than other tubs.

Lowes Jacuzzi Primo White Acrylic Oval Freestanding Bathtub is a good choice. 18 1/2″ deep at $908.00.

Brand Material Soaking Depth Price Per inch of water
Jacuzzi Primo Acrylic 18.5 $908.00 $49.08
American Standard Cadet Acrylic 21 $1,365.00 $65.00
Avanity Acrylic 18.1 $1,224.00 $67.62
Jacuzzi Primo Acrylic 18.5 $1,267.00 $68.49
American Bath Factory Chelsea Acrylic 16 $1,098.00 $68.63
OVE Decors Rachel Acrylic 17 $1,199.00 $70.53
OVE Decors Serenity Acrylic 17.75 $1,259.00 $70.93
Wyndham Collection Uva Acrylic 17.5 $1,299.00 $74.23
Jacuzzi Inizio Acrylic 16 $1,260.94 $78.81
Project: Finding the Deepest Tub for the Money – Clawfoot Clawfoot tubs are a kind of freestanding tub. Freestanding tubs are completely finished on all sides and just sit on the floor. Almost like furniture, you can put them anywhere.
Clawfoot Tub

Clawfoot tubs are a kind of freestanding tub.

Clawfoot Tub

Clawfoot tubs are a kind of freestanding tub. Sadly, they are not as deep as I hoped. Still, there are some great options out there.

Lowes American Bath Factory Chelsea Acrylic Oval Clawfoot Bathtub is a good choice. 17″ deep at $1,098.00.

Brand Material Soaking Depth Price Per inch of water
American Bath Factory Chelsea Acrylic 17 $1,098.00 $64.59
Barclay Acrylic 13.5 $1,006.77 $74.58
American Bath Factory Chelsea Acrylic 14.5 $1,288.00 $88.83
Barclay Cast Iron 12 $1,748.73 $145.73
Barclay Cast iron 13 $2,765.70 $212.75

After doing all the math, I chose the acrylic skirted tub. It’s practical, easy to clean and nice and deep. Not as cool. But practical and a good value.

In the new house we are building, I can fit a bigger tub. Choosing the Soaker Tub >