Deciding on a bathtub can be a daunting task. Even after you've decided on the size, shape, and material of your bathtub, you have to consider how much it will weigh. This makes the acrylic tub a popular choice as they are notoriously lightweight. How much do these types of tubs actually weigh, though? We looked into it and have discovered some typical weight and weight capacities for this bathtub material.
The average weight of an acrylic bathtub is approximately 100 pounds, and depending on the shape and type of the tub, it can hold up to 1,000 pounds. Each type of bathtub has its own range of weight capacities. These ranges are:
- Alcove bathtub: 333 lbs to 667 lbs
- Freestanding bathtub: 292 lbs to 917 lbs
- Corner bathtub: 333 lbs to 1,001 lbs
- Walk-in bathtub: 333 lbs to 751 lbs
- Drop-in bathtub: 500 lbs to 667 lbs
Those are the general weights that each type of bathtub can support. Now we'll look at more specific information about each type of tub to see how the weight of an acrylic tub compares to other bathtub materials.
Types Of Acrylic Tubs
While many consider the standard bathtub to be an alcove bathtub, this isn't the only type of tub available for purchase. There are five common types of bathtubs: alcove, freestanding, corner, walk-in, and drop-in. On average, each of these tubs is going to weigh in at around 100 pounds. Smaller tubs can weigh as low as 70 pounds, and larger tubs can weigh as high as 120 pounds.
The biggest difference in acrylic tubs is how much weight that they can hold. Tubs can hold anywhere from 40 to 120 gallons of water. This capacity is the most weight that a tub can hold. It won't hold more because water will be displaced and overflow if a person enters the tub. So, if you have a 120-gallon capacity tub, it will never hold more than 1,001 pounds of weight.
While we have compiled a range of weight capacities for each type of tub, you will need to determine your tub's inner measurements to determine how much weight your tub can hold.
Alcove Bathtub
The most common and popular style of tub is the alcove bathtub. It is held within a three-wall enclosure and has one finished side that is visible. The placement of this tub makes it an excellent choice for a bath/shower combination. The typical capacity of an alcove bathtub is 40 to 80 gallons of water.
Click here to see this contemporary 60-inch bathtub on Amazon.
Freestanding Bathtub
As its name would suggest, a freestanding bathtub doesn't need to connect to any walls or surfaces. These tubs can have beautiful designs and are typically the centerpiece of the bathroom. Freestanding acrylic tubs can hold as little as 35 gallons to as much as 110 gallons. These tubs are frequently larger, so it's more common to see a higher capacity.
Click here to see a 59-inch freestanding soaking tub on Amazon.
Corner Bathtub
Corner bathtubs connect between two walls. Normally these tubs are triangular in shape. However, it's possible to find different shapes and configurations for this type of tub. Corner baths are more for soaking and relaxing rather than washing. Corner bathtubs can carry anywhere from 40 to 120 gallons of water.
Click here to see a corner bathtub with jets on Amazon.
Walk-In Bathtub
A walk-in bathtub is a great tub for people who have trouble climbing in and out of a regular tub. These tubs also offer more customization than a typical bath, including special jets, handrails, and a seat for added comfort. A walk-in tub is designed to hold between 40 and 80 gallons of water.
Click here to see this acrylic walk-in with water jets on Amazon.com.
Drop-In Bathtub
A drop-in bathtub is very similar to an alcove bathtub. However, a drop-in bathtub is placed, or dropped, into an existing, open surface. The sides of the tub are unfinished, and only its outer rim is visible. Drop-in bathtubs can hold between 60 and 80 gallons of water.
Click here to see a 60" drop-in tub on Amazon.com.
How Acrylic Tubs are Made
An acrylic bathtub is made by heating and cooling sheets of acrylic and forming it against a mold. Once cooled, it's removed from the mold, reinforced with sheets of fiberglass, and then goes through a lamination process.
Acrylic Tub Weight Vs. Other Materials
While each material of tub has its own advantages and disadvantages, acrylic tubs are increasingly popular due to their variety of style, affordable price point, and light materials.
To see more information on this material of tub, check out "Acrylic Bathtubs Pros and Cons."
How much does a fiberglass bathtub weigh?
A fiberglass bathtub has a similar creation process to the acrylic tub. This tub is created by first spraying a gel coat to the mold, using fiberglass to strengthen the tub, and then adding a final gel coat layer. This process makes them the lightest tub option. These generally weigh around 70 pounds, but you can find some that way as little as 50 pounds.
How much does a cast iron bathtub weigh?
The cast iron bathtub is one of the heaviest types of tubs. They are created by pouring molten iron, or recycled steel, and pouring it into a mold. It's then sprayed with a powdered glass which becomes a porcelain surface coat. The powdered glass is applied two more times, which creates an especially strong porcelain finish. A cast iron tub can weigh from 250 pounds all the way up to 500 pounds before any water is even added to the tub.
Can my floor support a bathtub?
Most modern buildings are built to support the weight of a bathtub without any additional reinforcement. Local building codes generally state that non-sleeping rooms have a minimum load capacity of 40 pounds per square foot. This is typically strong enough for most tubs.
If you want to determine how much weight your floor can safely hold, then you multiply your room's square footage by 40 or the square foot rating for your home. This will help you determine if your tub is too heavy for the room. Don't forget to consider both a full and empty tub.
There are other factors that might affect your floor's ability to hold a bathtub. If there's any existing joint damage, you suspect joint damage, or you have an older house, then contacting a professional will be your best course of action. They will be able to recommend any additional support you may need.
How much water does a standard bathtub hold?
With so many different shapes and styles of bathtubs, it's difficult to determine a standard tub and how much water it can hold. If we assume that a standard bathtub is the popular alcove tub, then a regular bathtub will hold anywhere from 40 gallons to 80 gallons of water.
In A Nutshell
While acrylic bathtubs all weigh a similar amount, the weight they can hold varies as much as their designs can. When picking a bathtub for your home, it's very important to do your research on the tub first. Be on the lookout for dimensions and water capacity. This information will help you make an informed decision when buying your new tub.
For more information on bathtub dimensions, try "How Big Is A Bathtub?"