What are the standard bathtub sizes in Australia?

Whether you are building a brand new bathroom or renovating your existing one, if you have decided to include a bathtub, you’ll be faced with a range of choices and decisions to make regarding your preferred tub. So how do you choose one over another?

Choosing an Ideal Bathtub

Choosing your ideal bathtub is a big decision as you will want to enjoy your bathtub for a long time. Your choice will be determined by a range of practical considerations including what your bathroom budget is, how much space you have to work with, and the style you are after. If you are just replacing your tub, your choices will be more limited than if you are undertaking a complete renovation, as you’ll be working with a specific defined space.

Bathtubs come in all shapes, sizes, materials and colours and offer a variety of different features. Even just in terms of materials, the choices are seemingly endless, including tubs made from cast iron, cast polymer, enamelled steel, fibreglass and acrylic. At the upper end of the market you will also find a range of options in stone, timber or metal tubs.

Personal Preference

Your own personal preference will guide your choice, as well as the need to consider ergonomics and the tub’s suitability for the members of the household who will use it the most. For example, if you have a family member with special needs you may also need to consider additional features such as steps or handrails.

And the height of your tallest household members will be an important consideration: it will obviously need to fit them! But even a smaller than standard sized tub can be comfortable for taller people if it is designed well and is deep enough.

Your Space

Obviously the space you have to work with is a huge consideration. Factors to consider when deciding on your ideal tub will include the amount of clearance you need around your tub for convenience, access and safety.
You’ll also need to allow room for your other amenities, such as the toilet, sink and shower. Tap placement is also something to consider when determining your ideal tub width. When you’re installing a wider bath, taps will need to be positioned so they are easily in reach both from inside and outside the bath.

Free Standing or Built In

One of the main choices you’ll face is whether to choose a free-standing or a built in tub. Built in tubs are what is usually regarded as “standard”. These are installed within a typically tiled framework, for example, a tiled “island” which offers extra room around the bath, perfect for accessories. Built in tubs also include “drop in” styles, where the tub is installed below floor level.

Free-standing tubs are increasingly popular because of their luxurious, designer appeal. Standard Australian bathroom sizes are not usually suitable for free-standing bathtubs, because they simply use too much space. However, nowadays there are 1400mm options as well, which will work with smaller spaces.

Other Bathtub Styles

Other styles of bath include four tile flange baths (used when a bath is also to be used as a shower), and spa tubs with massage or whirlpool jets. These are typically built in because of the extra plumbing requirements.

Standard Bathtub Widths and Lengths in Australia

The length of a bathtub is usually measured in millimetres and it’s important to note that this measurement also includes the bathtub’s rim. In Australia, standard tub sizes are 1500 to 1650 millimetres long and 750 millimetres wide, while depth varies from as shallow as 350 millimetres or as deep as 500 millimetres.

Depth is very important when you wish to install a tub flush to the ground. In this case, you’ll need sufficient space underneath to allow for plumbing and insulation.

Bathtub Depths in Australia

Your choice of depth of the tub will also depend on how much you wish to immerse your body during your bath. There are also specially deep tubs on the market, called soaking or soak tubs, so these may be something you wish to consider too.

The standard tub size is usually unsuitable if family members are over 6 feet tall. For taller people, an 1800mm longer tub is often more comfortable, but shorter, deeper tubs can also be a good choice. Older or disabled people tend to find deeper tubs more difficult to use and this may mean ordering a specially made tub rather than a standard sized one.

To figure out the ideal size for your new bathtub, simply going to a showroom and sitting in a range of models will give you a good idea of what works for you.

Need help choosing the right bathtub for your space? Give us a call on 1300 747 656 to speak with one of our experts today, or come in and view our range at https://www.renovationkingdom.com.au/ or visit us at 9 Barney St, Nth Parramatta, NSW.
Main photo by bruce mars from Pexels