Some bathroom designS stand the test of time. the garden tub isn’t one of them.
Once the sign of an upscale master bathroom, today garden tubs are outdated and no longer trendy. In fact, these tubs are so wasteful, garden tub replacement is one of the most common bathroom renovations we see – especially in homes built in the late 1980s and early 90s.
What is a garden tub anyway?
Originally, these garden bathtub creations referred to any deep soaking tub (usually a standalone tub) installed near a window. This allowed the bather to relax while gazing outside, hence the term “garden tub.”
This definition changed over the years. By the early 1990s, garden tubs were a popular amenity in new homes. They were usually built into a corner or alcove in the master bathroom and had extensive tiled surrounds.
The tubs themselves may be oval or triangular, and often feature seating and whirlpool jets. Larger garden bathtub surrounds often include steps or ledges to allow for easier entry and exit.
Are garden bathtub designs outdated?
Because of their size, these bathroom behemoths are on their way out. A 5-foot triangular tub can hold as much as 96 gallons of water, and take up nearly 25 square feet of valuable floor space! These large, deep tubs are also challenging to climb in and out of safely, not to mention the hassle of cleaning them.
With all these challenges, a recent report suggests that bathtubs are leaving master bathrooms more than ever before. This matches what we’re seeing among Improveit customers. From wasting water to wasting useful space, our research identifies the 5 ways garden tubs are the most wasteful part of your home – plus 8 ideas for replacing a garden bathtub with more useful space.
Download the Report Here!
More than a quarter of renovators (27%) reported that they had previously done away with their master bathtubs (up 7 points from 2019). Another 23% removed theirs as part of a master bathroom remodel during the reporting period.
try garden tub replacement with a beautiful Tub-to-Shower Conversion
Not surprisingly, most homeowners that remove their bathtubs (nearly 80%) do so to enlarge their showers. At Improveit, our popular tub-to-shower conversion lets you customize your shower size and accessories, and do away with inconvenient, outdated garden soaking tubs.
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Pickerington, Ohio resident Alan Lancaster worked with Improveit on a garden tub replacement in favor of a larger walk-in shower. “I’ve done all kinds of projects on my house,” Alan says. “I know you can spend money on a lot of things that won’t have that big of an impact on you. But if it’s something you use every single day, that money’s going to go a long way.”
Now Alan’s master bath (below) meets his needs every day, and features a stylish and much more modern walk-in shower.
Ready to get rid of your outdated garden tub?
Improveit can help! Our design team is eager to help you update your bathroom to suit your needs and style. Click here to schedule your custom design consultation today!
