How to Fix Your Outdated Garden Tub
Mar 12, 2021Some bathroom design styles stand the test of time. the garden tub isn’t one of them.
Once the sign of an upscale master bathroom, now the garden tub is outdated and no longer trendy. In fact, these tubs are so wasteful, garden tub removal is one of the most common bathroom renovations among Improveit customers – especially in homes built in the late 1980s and early 90s.
Why is it called a garden Tub?
Originally, a garden tub was 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.
Tubs themselves may be oval or triangular, and often feature seating and whirlpool jets. Larger garden tub surrounds often include steps or ledges to allow for easier entry and exit from the tub.
Are garden bathtubs outdated?
Because of their size, these bathroom behemoths are on their way out. A 5-foot triangular corner tub can hold as much as 96 gallons of water, and take up nearly 25 square feet of valuable floor space in the master bathroom! These deep tubs with large surrounds are also challenging to climb in and out of safely, not to mention the hassle of cleaning so much grout.
With all these challenges, many homeowners are removing their garden tubs. In fact, 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 new report identifies the 5 ways garden tubs are the most wasteful part of your home – plus 8 ideas for replacing a garden tub with a more useful space. Download 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), and another 23% removed theirs as part of a master bathroom remodel during the reporting period.
The Youngs struggled to climb in and out of their built-in garden tub and were looking for a better solution for their aging-in-place needs. A tub-to-shower conversion solved the problem and gave them a beautiful, bright, and – most importantly – safe bathing solution.
Beautiful Tub-to-Shower Conversions
Not surprisingly, most homeowners that remove their bathtubs (nearly 80%) do so to enlarge their shower space. At Improveit, our popular tub-to-shower conversion lets you customize your perfect shower oasis and do away with all the inconvenience and outdated style of a garden tub. The result is a beautiful walk-in shower that meets all your needs and style preferences.
Before & After: Pickerington, Ohio customer Alan Lancaster removed his garden tub and enlarged his walk-in shower with some beautiful customizations.
Pickerington, Ohio resident Alan Lancaster worked with Improveit to replace his garden tub with a larger walk-in shower. “I’ve done all kinds of project 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 meets his needs every day. No more outdated garden tub taking up space – and a gorgeous shower to boot!
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!
"*" indicates required fields
