Garden Tub: What It Is, What It Costs, and More

If health and self-care are topping your list of priorities, a garden tub offers a luxurious, deep soaking experience. Here is everything you need to know about this popular bathtub type to see if it is a good fit for your bathroom renovation project.

What Is a Garden Tub?

A garden tub is an oversized soaking tub that is larger than a standard bathtub. It is a type of freestanding tub with a taller profile and curved design to allow for a deep and relaxing soak. 

Why Are Garden Tubs Popular?

Its beauty lies in its simplicity – its design and function focus on water immersion instead of the moving jets common in massage tubs or whirlpool tubs. Due to its size, it is usually separate from a shower, though you may install a handheld shower head for convenience. 

French elite in the 1700s had their servants place a bathtub outdoors so they could quite literally bathe in the open air among their gardens’ flowers and trees, hence the name “garden tubs.” 

Fast forward 300 years and these luxurious tubs have been reinterpreted for our modern era. Their design-forward profiles and materials create a natural focal point in a well-appointed bathroom. 

Garden Tub Characteristics

These tubs look and feel good, and are a sought-after feature among homeowners who want to create a spa experience at home. Key features include:

• Larger lengths and depths compared to standard bathtubs
• Acrylic, enameled cast iron, stone resin, or natural stone material
• Freestanding
• A curved or oval shape for added comfort
• Separation from a shower

How Much Does a Garden Tub Cost?

The average replacement cost for a garden tub ranges from $1,500 to $6,800. Pricing will vary depending on bathtub material and size. 

Acrylic tubs will cost less than more expensive tubs crafted from natural stone or stone resin, for example. Garden tubs are typically less expensive to replace than standard drop-in or freestanding tubs, but more expensive than replacing an alcove tub. 

Here is a replacement cost comparison between garden tubs and other bathtub types:

Pros and Cons of a Garden Tub

Your bathing habits and preferences will ultimately guide your bathtub selection. For garden tubs, these are the advantages and disadvantages you should be aware of.

Pros:

Bigger is better. They are taller so more of your body is submerged in water for a warmer and more comfortable soak.

Style meets function. Their often striking designs become a lovely focal point of a bathroom.

Maximize your views. They are often placed in front of a window so you can take in the view while you bathe. 

Cons:

Will they fit in your space? They take up more space than standard bathtubs and may not be suitable for smaller bathrooms. 

Consider maintenance and upkeep. They are larger and deeper, making them harder to clean.

Is a garden tub in your budget? They often cost more than standard bathtubs due to their size, materials, and the additional labor required for installation. 

Will it impact your utility bill? Their larger capacities require more water and energy to operate and may increase your monthly utility costs. 

Differences Between a Garden Tub vs. a Soaking Tub

A garden tub is a type of soaking tub. While the terms are used interchangeably, a garden tub is always oval or curved-shaped to accommodate a reclined and relaxed body position. Other soaking tubs may feature more vertical sides or shapes. 

The typical depth of a garden tub ranges from 24” to 30”, well above the average 14” to 20” depth of an alcove or drop-in bathtub. A soaking tub’s depth, however, can extend to 36” or more. 

Is a Garden Tub Right For You?

If the size of your bathroom and budget allow it, this tub is a great option. Its distinctive shape and size add a striking design element to any bathroom. The tub’s larger depths also allow for a deeper soak and can help relax and soothe muscles. 

However, it may not work for certain bathroom layouts. As a larger-than-average freestanding bathtub, it requires ample floor space for safe entry. 

A professional bathroom remodeler can measure your space and help you select the right type of bathtub.