
Having a bath and separate shower in your home can be a game-changer for your daily routine.
The benefits of a separate shower are numerous, including improved water efficiency and reduced water bills.
A bath can also be a great feature to have, especially for relaxing and unwinding after a long day.
Some homeowners choose to install a freestanding tub, which can be a stylish and luxurious addition to their bathroom.
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Assessing Your Bathroom Space
Assessing your bathroom space is crucial before deciding on a separate tub and shower. You need to evaluate your available space carefully to ensure a functional and comfortable layout.
Measure your bathroom carefully, and consider the dimensions of the fixtures you want to install. A separate bath and shower can work in various bathroom sizes, but it's essential to plan ahead.
To give you a better idea, here are some common dimensions to consider: Fixture TypeDimensionsStandard tubs60 inches long by 30 inches wideNewer comfort tubs72 inches longStandalone showers36 x 36, 36 x 42, and 36 x 48-inch modelsCorner unitsSpace-saving options for both tubs and showers
In small bathrooms, separate fittings can be inefficient. For instance, a 9 x 5-foot area, common in many New York apartments, isn't sufficient to fit a separate bath and shower.
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Assessing Your Bathroom Space
Assessing your bathroom space is crucial before starting a renovation. You need to carefully evaluate the available space to ensure a functional and comfortable layout.
A separate tub and shower can work in various bathroom sizes, but it's not always the best choice. In small bathrooms, separate fittings can be inefficient.
Most New York apartments have a 9 x 5-foot area, which isn't sufficient to fit a separate bath and shower. You can consider a Japanese-style sitting tub, but it's a compromise on space.
To determine if your bathroom can accommodate separate units, you need to understand standard fixture sizes. Here are some common dimensions to consider:
A minimum of 60 square feet is required to upgrade your bathroom with a separate bath and shower conveniently. This will give you enough space to work with and avoid feeling cramped.
Benefits of Soaking Tubs
A soaking tub can be a game-changer for your bathroom space. It's deeper than an ordinary tub, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the water.
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You can place a free-standing tub almost anywhere in your bathroom, which is a big plus. One popular spot is beneath a window, so you can enjoy the view while you soak.
Soaking tubs are less common than stand-up showers, but they can be a fantastic addition to some spaces.
Benefits of Separate Shower Areas
Having a separate shower area is a game-changer for daily use, allowing for a convenient and efficient showering experience.
Convenience is key, and separate showers make it easier to get in and out of the bathroom quickly, especially during busy morning routines.
Customization is a major advantage of separate shower areas, enabling you to add features like rainfall showerheads for a more luxurious experience.
A stand-alone shower also makes cleaning easier, as it reduces the risk of water splashing onto the tub and surrounding areas.
Separate showers can also make a bathroom feel more spacious, creating a sense of openness and airiness.
From a practical standpoint, separate showers can extend the lifespan of each fixture by reducing wear and tear.
Design and Layout
A 2-piece tub and shower combo is a great way to create an open and charming bathroom, especially in a farmhouse-style design. This style of bathroom remodel projects an aura of charm and allows for a truly open feel to the entire bathroom space.
You can also maximize your space with a 2-piece tub and shower combo. This project showcases just how space-efficient these combos can be, with both the soaking tub and walk-in shower being massive yet still feeling comfortable and accessible.
Separating the tub and shower areas can also be beneficial, especially in smaller bathrooms. This allows you to enjoy the individual benefits of these fixtures and can make a bathroom feel more spacious.
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Tub Dimensions
Standard tubs are typically 60 inches long by 30 inches wide, but newer comfort tubs can be as long as 72 inches.
If you're looking to save space, consider a corner unit for your tub or shower. Corner units can be a great space-saving option.
You'll find standalone showers available in various sizes, including 36 x 36, 36 x 42, and 36 x 48-inch models.
If you're working with a smaller bathroom, choosing a shorter bath can provide the extra space needed for a shower. You can find 1,500mm lengths widely available, and even shorter soaker tubs like the Dinkee acrylic bath, which measures L1,500xW780xD600mm.
Here are some common tub and shower dimensions to keep in mind:
- Standard tub: 60 inches long by 30 inches wide
- Newer comfort tub: 72 inches long
- Standalone shower: 36 x 36, 36 x 42, or 36 x 48 inches
- Corner unit: Space-saving option for both tubs and showers
- Shorter bath: 1,500mm, 1,200mm to 1,400mm (e.g. Dinkee acrylic bath)
On a Smaller Scale
In smaller bathrooms, choosing a shorter bath can provide the extra space needed for a shower. You can find 1,500mm lengths widely available, and even 1,200mm to 1,400mm soaker tubs from companies like Albion Bath Company.
For instance, a 9 x 5-foot area, like in many New York apartments, isn't sufficient to fit a separate bath and shower. This is why many homeowners consider a Japanese-style sitting tub as an alternative.
A minimum of 60 square feet is needed to upgrade your bathroom with a separate bath and shower conveniently. This is a crucial consideration for those with smaller bathroom spaces.
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Considerations and Decisions
Before starting a bathroom renovation, it's essential to evaluate your available space. You'll need to carefully plan the layout to ensure a functional and comfortable space for a separate tub and shower.
A shorter bath can provide the extra space needed for a shower, and you'll find 1,500mm lengths widely available. Some companies, like Albion Bath Company, even offer 1,200mm to 1,400mm soaker tubs.
Consider a bath like the Dinkee acrylic bath, which measures 1,500x780x600mm, from BC Designs. This will give you a good starting point for planning your bathroom layout.
Separate Fittings in Small Spaces
Separate fittings in small spaces can be a challenge, especially if you're dreaming of a luxurious bath experience. A typical New York apartment, for instance, has a 9 x 5-foot area, which is too small to fit a separate bath and shower.
Careful planning is essential to ensure a functional and comfortable layout in a small bathroom. Evaluate your available space before beginning a renovation to avoid costly mistakes.

In small spaces, separate fittings are often inefficient. You'll need at least 60 square feet to upgrade your bathroom with a separate bath and shower conveniently.
A shorter bath can provide the extra space needed for a shower. You can find 1,500mm lengths widely available, and even 1,200mm to 1,400mm soaker tubs from companies like Albion Bath Company.
Cost and Disadvantages
Having a separate bath and shower arrangement can be a costly mistake, as it requires two distinct bathroom fixtures and their controls, which can be more expensive than a typical shower-tub combo.
You'll also need to hire a plumbing contractor to work out a plan, which can add to the overall cost. Freestanding and jetted tubs often have specific requirements that necessitate an update to the supply pipes and DMW system.
Installing separate pipes on the same wall can help minimize costs, but it's not a guarantee that you won't incur additional expenses. The water heater may need a capacity upgrade if you have a large tub that exceeds 30 pounds per square foot when it's full.
Maintaining a separate bath and shower arrangement can be high maintenance, as there's no overhead shower water to clear out grime and muck. This means you'll need to expend more labor to keep your bathroom sanitary.
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Quotes and Costs
The cost of a bath and separate shower can range from $8,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the materials and features chosen.
Purchasing a pre-fabricated bath and shower combo can save you around $3,000 to $5,000 compared to building one from scratch.
A good rule of thumb is to budget at least 10% to 15% of the total cost for labor and installation.
The cost of a freestanding tub can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the size, material, and brand.
A high-end shower system can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the features and quality of the components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fit a separate shower and a bath in a small bathroom?
Yes, it's possible to fit a separate shower and bathtub in a small bathroom with clever planning and space-saving fixtures. With careful design, you can have both in a compact space.
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