Alcove Bathtub | Tub with Skirt & Tile Flange
3 Wall Alcove Soaking & Jetted Tubs
An alcove tub slides between three walls with the edge of the bathtub touching all three walls. It also has a front skirt and a tile flange. Since they are often used as both a tub and a shower, shower spray or splashing can be concerning. This is where the tile flange comes in. It will keep water from getting in between the tub and tile walls, helping prevent water damage. The front skirt fits under the rim creating a compact, space-saving bathtub. All the listed alcove bathtubs come as soaking tubs, but you can have more; micro bubbles, air, whirlpool or heated. See individual bathtubs for systems offered.Alcove Features:
• No Tile Deck
• Tile Flange
• Front Skirt (apron)
• Lower Height
Shop Alcove Tubs by Size:
Choosing the Best Alcove Bathtub
One of the things that is different about choosing an alcove over other styles is the height. Since they are designed to be used as a tub and a shower, the tub rim is kept low. That way stepping into the shower on a daily basis won't be cumbersome. Check to make sure you are comfortable with the height offered if you are using it as a shower. If it is a tub only and you want it as deep as possible look to our Deep Soaking Tub page for the deepest tubs we carry. The other factors in picking the best alcove are no different from choosing any style of tub. See How to Choose a Bathtub for information on sizes, features and design.Acrylic is the perfect material for an alcove tub. It is strong, lightweight material that is resistant to scratches and fading. It is non-porous which makes it easy to clean. If damaged it can be fixed easily. The acrylic can be buffed to remove fine scratches. An acrylic repair specialist can also fill larger scratches. Solid surface provides a modern material although few alcove tubs are currently being made with it. We do have a 60 x 32 alcove solid surface tub though.
Alcove Tub Skirts
A tub skirt is the front piece that hides the underneath of the the tub. It runs across the front, from side wall to side wall. There are a few styles available.
• Integral Skirt
The alcove tubs we have listed in this section have an integral skirt: they are molded together as one piece. Some have a smooth flat panel skirt that doesn't allow access. Others offer system access through the skirt with a removable panel.
• Add on Acrylic Skirt
A drop-in tub can be ordered with a skirt and a tile flange option to create an alcove bathtub. There will be a joining line where the bottom of the tub rim meets the top of the skirt. Some manufacturer's skirts are removable, others not (please check with us or the manufacturer).
Integral Flat Panel
(Not Removable)
Integral Skirt with
Removable Panel
Add on Acrylic Skirt
When creating a custom wood or tile front skirt; a drop-in tub is ordered with a tile flange option (no skirt). This is easier to do with a wide rim soaking tub. Some tub systems have piping going around the sides, making the area for framing narrower, more difficult.
You will find rectangle tubs with the option of a tile flange (custom skirt) or front skirt & flange option by shopping rectangle tubs by size. You will find the tub styles listed in the description. Look for "Alcove Options".
Shop Rectangle Tubs by Size →
Alcove Tile Flange
The two common installations of an alcove tub with tile flange:
(see tub installation for more information)
• No Flange
Do not use a flange if there is a flat area between the tub and the wall. This tub is installed within an alcove, but since it is not directly touching the walls, it is considered a drop-in bathtub.
Knee-wall Alcove
All the pictures and descriptions we have shown so far are of a tub with floor to ceiling walls. We wanted to show another example. 1 wall & 2 knee-walls surround this bathtub, an open concept but, it is still considered an alcove installation.
Soaking Tub or Jetted for Whirlpool or Air?
There are a lot of bath systems offered. With a soaking tub there isn't a system or jets. You can add a recirculating pump and heater to a soaking tub for a tub that will not lose water temperature for as long as it is on. You can have air jets for a light skin caress or water jets that provide a deep tissue massage. Or have a combination tub that uses both. We have included in the descriptions above if the tub is offered in any of these systems: Soaking Tub, Heated Soaking, Air Bathtub & Whirlpool Combination. But there are more possibilities. There are massage systems that can be used with or without water. And micro bubble tubs that provide skin conditioning. Find out more about all the possibilities see: Spa Tubs →
• Access - What is the big deal?
Access is needed for any repairs to the bathtub's system. Repairs with the companies we carry are very rare. But, Murphy's Law suggests build access, and it won't be needed, don't and there will be trouble. Most motors are located behind the backrest, but position does depend on the manufacturer. A 16" x 16" access panel is common among manufacturers. See technical sheets for more information.
More Questions on Alcove Tubs?
We have a large selection of quality alcove tubs listed on our site which can feel overwhelming as you shop through them. Just call us: we have been doing this for so long, we have become tub experts. We work closely with our manufacturers and pride ourselves on our product knowledge. Our experts are here to answer all questions and help you pick the best tub.
Helpful Bathtub Links
• How To Choose A Bathtub - Features to Consider when Purchasing a Bathtub• Tubz.com - Contact us, we are here to help
