Garden Tub vs Soaking Tub: What Builders Recommend for Modern Homes

Builders commonly recommend soaking tubs for modern homes due to their efficient use of vertical space, ergonomic depth for full immersion, and sleek designs that fit well in smaller or standard bathrooms. In contrast, they suggest garden tubs when a spacious layout allows for a luxurious, statement piece, as these tubs are typically wider and longer but shallower than soaking tubs. The optimal choice ultimately depends on available square footage, the homeowner’s desired aesthetic, and bathing preferences.

Whether you are building a new house or remodeling your master bath, the choice between a garden tub and a soaking tub often comes up. These aren’t just different names for the same thing they serve different needs, fit different spaces, and appeal to different lifestyles.

What Is a Soaking Tub

In simplest terms a soaking tub is any bathtub designed to allow deeper immersion of the body so you can sit in warm water and have most of your body submerged. Builders see soaking tubs as a mark of comfort. Because modern homeowners increasingly treat the bathroom as more than just utility (it’s a relaxation zone), the soaking tub has become a recommended option in many mid to high end homes.

Here are some aspects to consider when builders talk about soaking tubs:

• Depth matters. A typical tub may have a depth of around 14 inches, but soaking tubs often offer 16-20 inches or more of water depth.
• Installation flexibility. Soaking tubs come in many shapes: alcove installations, drop in, freestanding. This gives builders more options to match the bathroom layout.
• Value building. Some builder blogs claim that including a quality soaking tub can improve the perceived value of a home (especially in markets where buyers look for spa-like bathrooms).

However, “soaking tub” is a broad term. It doesn’t always give you a luxury statement piece it might just be a deeper tub.

What Is a Garden Tub

A garden tub is a more specific concept. Think “luxury soaking tub that occupies significant space and is designed for pure soaking, often freestanding, often a feature piece.” Builders who use the term mean: a tub that you install when you have space, want a statement, and often want a view or open layout around it.

Key features often mentioned:

• Larger size in footprint (wider, longer) and often freestanding or in a prominent position (not tucked into a shower/tub combo).
• Depth similar or greater to a soaking tub but with added “luxury” positioning, e.g., near a large window, or with space around it.
• Weight and installation requirements are more demanding; space and plumbing/layout matter more.
• Usually targeted at the “primary” bathroom in a modern home, rather than secondary baths where efficient use of space is more important.

Garden Tub vs Soaking Tub: Key Differences

Here we’ll look at the major areas builders and designers emphasise when advising homeowners. I’ll highlight how typical builder considerations steer the choice.

Space & Layout:

Builders always ask: How much room do you have, A soaking tub can often fit more easily into a layout because the footprint can be more modest. A garden tub demands a larger footprint, which means a bigger master bathroom. If your home has a compact primary ensuite, or if your builder wants to optimise square footage, a soaking tub may be the better recommendation.

Modern homes (especially those in urban areas or smaller lots) may lean toward efficient layout, less wasted space:

• Builder recommendation: For homes with generous master bathroom area (8’×12’ or larger, or open plan with window wall), a garden tub works.
• Builder recommendation: For smaller bathrooms or where the bathroom space is tight, a soaking tub delivers the deep soak experience without sacrificing too much layout flexibility.

Structural and Installation Requirements:

This is where builders really differentiate. A garden tub, especially freestanding and heavy (cast iron, stone resin), may require floor reinforcement, special plumbing (floor mount rather than wall mount), and careful placement near windows or as an open center piece. If the home is multi-storey and the bathroom is upstairs, that’s more of a concern.

For a soaking tub: depending on design, you may have fewer structural issues (especially if drop in or alcove). Builders like this when they want to keep cost and structural complexity down.

Materials & Maintenance:

Builders advising homeowners will point out materials (acrylic, cast iron, stone resin) and their implications. From competitor posts we saw: heavier materials (cast iron) hold heat well but are more costly and heavy.

Builder points for modern homes:

• Choose a material that balances budget, ease of installation and long-term maintenance.
• For a garden tub, you might pick a premium finish (stone resin, cast iron) if you want that high-end look and you have the floor support.
• For a soaking tub, you might pick engineered acrylic or lighter material to keep cost/installation simpler.

Maintenance also matters: larger tubs (garden tubs) mean more water, more surface area for cleaning, possibly higher utility bills (hot water load). Builders will warn homeowners of those long-term costs.

Usage & Lifestyle Fit:

• If you and your partner both like long relaxing soaks, wine in hand, maybe reading or window-view, a garden tub delivers that indulgent experience.
• If you’re looking for practical luxury (say you want a deep soak but still shower a lot, or you have children or limited time), then a soaking tub might be the better fit.

Modern homes often blur bath/shower functions (maybe you want a shower plus occasional soak). Builders will recommend which option aligns with your routine.

Resale Value & Market Appeal:

Builders know homeowners care about resale. From one competitor blog: a soaking tub can boost property value, especially for luxury-focused buyers.

For modern homes:

• A well-executed garden tub in a large master suite can be a selling point in higher end markets.
• But in more modest homes or in markets where efficient design is valued, a nicely styled soaking tub may be more pragmatic and still attractive.

Cost Considerations:

Of course, budget matters. Garden tubs typically cost more (larger size, premium materials, more water usage). Soaking tubs, while still a luxury step up from a standard tub, can be more budget-friendly. Builders will walk homeowners through incremental cost: tub cost, plumbing, structural support, water/energy over time, maintenance.

Modern Home Design Trends & How They Affect Your Choice

Open Plan Master Bathrooms:

Many new homes favour large, open master bathrooms with glass walls, freestanding tubs, windows. In that scenario, a garden tub can act as a centerpiece. Builders in such homes might recommend placing the tub near a large window or as the focal point of the room.

However, in more standard or modest master bathrooms, the trend is toward efficient layouts (walk-in closets, dual vanity, separate shower). In those cases, a soaking tub that has a smaller footprint and can integrate with the layout becomes more attractive.

Water & Energy Efficiency:

As sustainability becomes more important, modern homes often aim to limit water use and energy consumption. Here’s how that influences tub choice:

• A larger garden tub uses more hot water to fill. That means higher utility costs (and higher embodied energy).
• Soaking tubs that are designed for immersion but have efficient volume (not overly oversized) can give the same feel with less water.
• Builders may recommend tub insulation or covers (for freestanding tubs) to retain heat, again making efficient design choices.
  Including that practical sustainability lens is something many older blogs don’t emphasise.

Integration With Smart Home & Wellness Trends

Modern homes are also increasingly wellness oriented (spa-style bathrooms, wellness features). A garden tub fits a “show-off luxury spa bath” trend; a soaking tub fits a “everyday wellness” trend. Builders may recommend:

• For wellness focused homes: a deep soaking tub with optional hydro therapy jets, built in headrest, ambient lighting.
• For luxury statement homes: a garden tub perhaps with freestanding floor faucet, large glass window, minimal design.

Safety & Accessibility Considerations:

Modern homes also consider aging in place, accessibility. If the homeowner is thinking long term, installation height, step in/out and handling matters. Getting in/out of a higher wall (as might be found in oversized garden tubs) can be harder. Builders who think ahead may recommend a soaking tub with modest walls and good step-in height, or one with integrated grab bars.

Should You Choose? A Builder Recommendation Framework

Measure the space: If your master bathroom is large (say width or length >12 ft, ceiling height good, good window placement) → a garden tub is feasible. If the bathroom is modest or you have other priorities (walk-in closet, shower area), then a soaking tub is more practical.

Consider your lifestyle: Do you take long baths regularly, prefer lounging, maybe with a view? Garden tub ticks that. Or do you want a deep soak occasionally but also prioritize showering, efficiency or minimal footprint? Go for a soaking tub.

Think about materials and installation: If you pick a garden tub, check floor support, plumbing (floor vs wall art), water heater capacity. If you pick a soaking tub, you’ll still check these but often the demands will be less extreme.

Factor in long-term costs and resale: Is your home in a market where big luxury bathrooms matter? Then garden tub might add value. If your market values efficient, modern design, the soaking tub may be smarter. Also consider utility/water cost, maintenance.

Match the design aesthetic: If your home is contemporary, open plan, expecting luxury features a garden tub can be a show piece. If your home is modern but understated, or you prefer minimal maintenance, a soaking tub integrates nicely.

FAQs

Q: Can a garden tub be installed in a small bathroom?
A: It’s possible but usually not recommended. Garden tubs require more floor space for comfort, bigger water volume, and often more structural support. In a small bathroom a soaking tub will often make more sense.

Q: Do garden tubs or soaking tubs have showers above them?
A: Usually, garden tubs are used as stand-alone soaking features; showers are separate in that layout. Soaking tubs can be more flexible and sometimes tied into a shower/tub combo. Builders will ask: do you plan to shower in this tub or just soak? The answer affects layout.

Q: Which is better for resale value a garden tub or a soaking tub?
A: It depends on the market. In high-end homes where buyers expect luxury features, a garden tub can boost appeal. In more standard or modern homes where efficiency and functionality matter, a well-designed soaking tub may be smarter. Always consider what similar homes in your area show.

Q: Are there bigger differences in maintenance or cost than what we’ve discussed?
A: Yes. Garden tubs often mean more water to fill, more surface to clean, more heat loss, potential structural modifications these all add cost. Soaking tubs can cost less in each of those areas if chosen thoughtfully.

Q: What materials should I pick for either tub type?
A: Builders typically recommend materials based on weight, look and maintenance. Acrylic is lighter and easier to install; cast iron is heavy but classic; stone resin gives a premium look but is pricey and heavy. For modern homes, many builders pick a high quality acrylic or composite to balance luxury and cost.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between a garden tub and a soaking tub isn’t just about style it’s about how you live, how much space you have, and what kind of comfort you value most. In modern homes, builders lean toward soaking tubs for their practicality, efficiency, and ability to fit into sleek, spa like designs. But if you’ve got the space and love that luxurious “retreat” feeling, a garden tub can turn your bathroom into a showpiece. Either way, the right tub should make your everyday routine feel like a little escape.