Garden Tub vs Soaking Tub: What’s the Difference
Curious about the epic showdown—“Garden Tub vs Soaking Tub: What’s the Difference”? Explore unique features, pros, cons, and design tips for both tub types so you can craft the perfect relaxation haven in your own home.
Nothing beats ending a stressful day by slipping into a warm, inviting bath. You light a few candles, dim the lights, and sink into a blissful pool of comfort—aaaah. But hold that bubble bath for just a second: which type of tub should you pick for these rejuvenating nightly rituals? If you’ve been drooling over magazine spreads and Pinterest boards, you’ve likely stumbled upon two popular buzzwords in the world of bathroom design: “garden tub” and “soaking tub.” They sound dreamy, sure—but what’s the difference, anyway?
In this article, we’ll dive headfirst into the swirl of Garden Tub vs Soaking Tub: What’s the Difference, exploring their unique features, aesthetics, maintenance needs, and more. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have a crystal-clear idea of which one fits your style, budget, and relaxation goals. Plus, we’ll throw in a few design pointers and practical tips, because you deserve more than just a lukewarm explanation. Ready to unravel the tub talk? Keep reading!
Where Did These Tubs Come From, Anyway?
Before we address the nitty-gritty of “Garden Tub vs Soaking Tub: What’s the Difference,” let’s unearth a little backstory.
1. A Peek into Tub History
Centuries ago, taking a bath was often a communal or purely functional affair—think public bathhouses in ancient Rome or wooden tubs plunked in front of the fireplace. Fast forward to the modern era, and baths have evolved into private sanctuaries for relaxation and self-care. With that shift, design and comfort soared in importance, paving the way for more extravagant tub styles like the garden tub and the soaking tub.
2. The Rise of Spa-Like Bathrooms
In recent decades, the concept of a spa-like bathroom has blossomed. People no longer see bathrooms as an afterthought but as an extension of their living spaces—decked out with lush greenery, mood lighting, and top-shelf fixtures. Both garden tubs and soaking tubs thrive in this environment: they’re more than mere places to scrub off the day’s grime; they’re vessels of tranquility and rejuvenation.
Garden Tub vs Soaking Tub: What’s the Difference?
You’ve likely heard both terms tossed around, sometimes even used interchangeably (spoiler alert: they’re not the same). Let’s get down to brass tacks.
1. Defining a Garden Tub
Picture a large, deep, freestanding tub with a wide, rounded or oval shape—often installed near a window or in a corner—surrounded by built-in decks or steps. Some believe the name “garden tub” emerged because homeowners would style the tub’s surroundings with greenery or place it near windows facing, well, a garden. True or not, the name stuck, implying a luxurious, open, slightly romantic bathing experience.
Key Traits:
Generally bigger and deeper than standard bathtubs
Often includes a ledge or deck for candles, potted plants, or your beverage of choice
Freestanding or drop-in style with minimal to no shower attachments
Sometimes features jets, but not always
2. Defining a Soaking Tub
A soaking tub is all about that deep-water immersion. Unlike a typical bathtub where water might only cover part of your torso, a soaking tub allows you to submerge more of your body—thus the name. While garden tubs can be a type of soaking tub, the term “soaking tub” spans various designs, from sleek Japanese-style ofuro tubs to chic clawfoot models.
Key Traits:
Prioritizes depth over length, enabling the bather to immerse up to the shoulders
Comes in multiple styles (freestanding, drop-in, clawfoot, alcove)
Typically lacks jets—though some soaking tubs do incorporate air or whirlpool features
Known for a minimalistic vibe focusing on pure water depth
So, to address “Garden Tub vs Soaking Tub: What’s the Difference?” succinctly: a garden tub is a type of tub that’s often quite spacious, typically placed in a bathroom nook or corner, often built with a wide deck for decorative flair. A soaking tub focuses primarily on water depth and your ability to lounge in full watery comfort. All garden tubs may offer soaking depth, but not all soaking tubs are garden tubs. Make sense?
Dimensional Differences and Space Requirements
1. Garden Tub Dimensions
Garden tubs tend to be roomy—both in terms of overall footprint and water capacity. Expect them to measure around 60 to 70 inches in length and 30 to 40 inches in width (or more), with enough depth to submerge a good portion of your body. Because these tubs are often placed in a corner or near a window with a deck area, plan for additional space around the tub’s perimeter. If your bathroom is more phone-booth than palatial, squeezing in a garden tub might be a challenge.
2. Soaking Tub Dimensions
Soaking tubs can vary from short and deep (like ofuro tubs) to longer, modern freestanding designs. A typical soaking tub might be 60 inches in length, 30 inches in width, and 20+ inches deep, allowing for complete immersion. Of course, measurements can swing widely based on style, but the bottom line is: soaking tubs come in more shapes and sizes than you’d expect. If you’re tight on real estate, a deeper but shorter model might do the trick.
3. Assessing Your Bathroom Layout
Before you get starry-eyed over that monstrous garden tub, ask yourself if your bathroom can handle it. Measure carefully—consider door widths, hallway turns, and the load-bearing capacity of your floor. The last thing you need is a tub you can’t even maneuver through your doorway or a floor that starts sagging under the tub’s weight when it’s filled with water (and you!). On the other hand, a soaking tub might be more flexible in smaller bathrooms, especially if you choose a vertical, deeper design rather than a wide, sprawling one.
Installation and Plumbing Considerations
1. Plumbing Setup
Garden Tub: Usually, garden tubs are placed away from the shower area, requiring separate plumbing lines for hot and cold water. Some models come with deck-mounted faucets, so you’ll need to build a platform or surround to conceal the plumbing.
Soaking Tub: Freestanding soaking tubs often demand floor-mounted or wall-mounted faucets, depending on the design. If you’re doing a major remodel, factor in the cost of installing or relocating water lines and drains.
2. Weight and Flooring Support
When filled, these tubs can weigh a ton—literally. Always confirm that your bathroom floor can support the load. For upstairs bathrooms, you may need additional floor reinforcement. If you’re set on a cast iron soaking tub, it’ll be heavier than, say, an acrylic garden tub, so plan accordingly.
3. Surround and Decking
Garden Tub: Often features a built-in deck or surround that can double as a shelf or seat. This means more construction work—framing, tiling, etc.
Soaking Tub: If you choose a freestanding version, installation is simpler in theory, but you must ensure precise leveling. If you go for a drop-in soaking tub, you’ll face a similar process to a garden tub, albeit with a different aesthetic.
Comfort and User Experience
1. Bathing Posture
Garden Tub: Picture a wide, open space that might let you stretch out horizontally but sometimes doesn’t allow deep submersion if the water isn’t deep enough. Some garden tubs do have impressive depth, but many are known more for their breadth than their vertical immersion factor.
Soaking Tub: The entire point is submersion, so you’ll usually find a contoured interior designed to let you sink up to your shoulders. If your main objective is that “ahhhh” moment of feeling weightless in water, a soaking tub might edge out its garden counterpart.
2. Extras and Features
Garden Tub: Because of the deck area, there’s room for all the extras—candles, bath caddies, potted plants, a glass of wine (or two). Some garden tubs also come with whirlpool jets if you’re craving that Jacuzzi vibe.
Soaking Tub: Typically more minimalistic. Sure, you can still incorporate aromatherapy or a small bath tray, but the design ethos revolves around the purity of immersion. Some advanced soaking tubs incorporate heated surfaces or air jets, though that can bump up the cost significantly.
3. Aesthetic Appeal
Garden Tub: Exudes a sense of grandeur—like a mini spa corner in your bathroom. The deck area can be tiled or decorated to match your style, giving it a custom, luxurious flair.
Soaking Tub: Ranges from sleek and modern to vintage clawfoot charm. Because you can choose from an array of shapes (oval, rectangular, slipper), a soaking tub can be a bold design statement—or quietly elegant if that’s your jam.
Maintenance and Upkeep
1. Cleaning Routines
Garden Tub: The extra ledge or decking can become a dust magnet or a place for water to collect. You’ll need to wipe down surfaces regularly to prevent mold or mildew. The interior’s generally straightforward to clean, though bigger size can mean more scrubbing.
Soaking Tub: Usually has simpler lines, especially if it’s a freestanding model. Fewer nooks and crannies means less real estate for grime. However, if you opt for a narrow deep shape, be prepared to reach in a bit more awkwardly to scrub.
2. Jets or No Jets?
If you pick a garden tub or a soaking tub with jets, you’ll have to do that occasional purge of the jet system to ward off bacteria buildup. Non-jetted models only require standard soap-scum removal and an occasional deep clean with mild cleaners—far less of a chore.
3. Wear and Tear
Quality materials last longer, obviously. Acrylic can scratch more easily but is lightweight and easy to install. Cast iron or stone composite is more durable but heavier and pricier. Think about your long-term usage. If you’re someone who bathes nightly with bath bombs, essential oils, and the works, you’ll want a material that can handle that level of daily pampering without losing its luster.
Style, Cost, and Practicality
1. Cost Breakdown
Garden Tub: Prices vary widely. An acrylic garden tub might be relatively affordable, but factor in the cost of building that deck or surround. If you splurge on custom tile or fancy faucets, the sky’s the limit.
Soaking Tub: Basic acrylic soaking tubs can be budget-friendly, while high-end cast iron or stone resin tubs can cost an arm, a leg, and possibly your next paycheck. Also consider that an intricate shape or a brand-name design can push costs up further.
2. Resale Value
Both garden tubs and soaking tubs can boost your home’s allure in the resale market—luxurious bathrooms are always a hit. However, the real question is which style resonates with your region’s typical homebuyer. Some prefer that spa-like corner garden tub, while others pine for a sleek, modern soaker. Local trends matter, so if you’re planning to sell soon, peek at listings in your area.
3. Day-to-Day Practicality
A tub is only as wonderful as your desire to use it. If you love lengthy soaks, a deeper tub might hold more appeal. If you want an all-in-one solution that offers both a broad ledge for leisurely candle-lit evenings and enough space for occasionally bathing the dog or a small child, maybe the garden tub’s layout is more your speed. And let’s not forget: do you have the time to take regular baths, or are you more of a quick-shower type? Installing an opulent tub that rarely sees water could be more aspirational than practical.
Design Ideas and Inspiration
1. Minimalist Zen
Pair a monochromatic soaking tub with neutral tiles and bamboo accents. Add a few potted succulents or a Japanese maple, if you’ve got the right light and space. The result? A tranquil retreat that whispers “day spa.”
2. Boho-Chic Corner Garden Tub
Think plush rugs, macramé wall hangings, trailing ivy on the deck around your garden tub, and a small stool for your artisan soaps. Soft pastel or earthy tones keep the vibe warm and inviting.
3. High-Contrast Modern
If you prefer a bold statement, choose a glossy black or deep navy soaking tub in an otherwise white bathroom. Or install a bright white garden tub with black hexagonal floor tiles. Crisp lines and minimal clutter highlight the tub as a sculptural masterpiece.
4. Rustic Cabin Retreat
Wooden walls, exposed beams, and a rustic garden tub. Incorporate hammered copper or wrought-iron fixtures to complete that woodsy-chic look. Bonus if your tub is near a window offering a forest view.
Garden Tub vs Soaking Tub: What’s the Difference—Summarized
Size & Shape: Garden tubs often have broad decks and might not be as deep. Soaking tubs focus on water depth for full submersion.
Installation: Garden tubs typically come with built-in surrounds; soaking tubs can be freestanding or drop-in.
Aesthetic: Garden tubs exude spa vibes, especially when surrounded by décor. Soaking tubs can be anything from minimalist to vintage glam.
Maintenance: Both require standard tub care, but garden tubs have extra surfaces to wipe down.
Cost: Varies across both types; the biggest factors are materials and additional building or plumbing needs.
Comfort: Soaking tubs usually excel at deep immersion. Garden tubs deliver a roomy experience plus the potential for scenic displays.
Conclusion
So, Garden Tub vs Soaking Tub: What’s the Difference? We’ve delved into the specifics of dimensions, design, plumbing, comfort, maintenance, and style. The ultimate verdict hinges on your personal preference, available bathroom space, budget, and, of course, how you envision your tub time.
If your heart yearns for a lavish, spa-like corner vantage point with plenty of deck space for candles and greenery, a garden tub could be your match made in heaven.
If you crave deep, shoulder-level immersion and see yourself sinking into a minimalistic or classic clawfoot silhouette, you might be more of a soaking tub devotee.
Whatever tub you choose, the important part is to actually enjoy it—because these luxurious additions shouldn’t collect dust like an abandoned piece of furniture. Treat yourself to calming bath salts, essential oils, or even a captivating novel, and indulge in a nightly escape from the hustle and bustle. After all, life’s too short not to soak in a tub that speaks to your soul.
Now that you’re armed with all the knowledge, why not start measuring your bathroom and hunting for design inspiration? It’s time to transform your bathing ritual from mundane to marvelous. Ready to take the plunge?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a garden tub always larger than a standard tub?
Most garden tubs are indeed bigger and deeper than a run-of-the-mill alcove tub. However, “larger” can be subjective. If you pick a compact garden tub, it might not be drastically bigger than a standard tub—but generally, they’re known for spaciousness.
2. Can I add a shower to a garden tub?
It’s possible, though not as common as with an alcove tub. You might install a handheld shower wand on the deck or a full shower system overhead. But the open design of garden tubs sometimes makes containing water splashes trickier. You’d likely need a custom shower curtain or enclosure.
3. Do soaking tubs waste more water?
They can use more water if you fill them to capacity, especially the deeper models. But if you’re a connoisseur of a good soak, that’s part of the experience. Some folks prefer offsetting water usage by taking fewer baths overall or adopting eco-friendly habits in other areas.
4. Are there jetted soaking tubs?
Yep! While soaking tubs traditionally focus on still water immersion, plenty of modern versions offer air jets, whirlpool jets, or a combination of both. Just be prepared for a bump in price and cleaning requirements.
5. Which is better for small bathrooms, a garden tub or a soaking tub?
A small bathroom typically pairs better with a narrower soaking tub—especially if you choose a deeper, vertical style that doesn’t hog floor space. Garden tubs often need more horizontal room and a deck area, which might not be feasible in a cozy bathroom layout.
