Tips for Choosing the Ultimate Bathtub for Tall People
Finding a properly fitting bathtub can be a headache when you're over 6 feet tall. With legs that hang off the edges and cramped positions being the norm, bath time is often anything but relaxing for us taller folks.
But it doesn't have to be this way. Plenty of bathtub options are specifically designed with extra height and length in mind to accommodate taller bodies. You just have to know what to look for.
Consider Size First
When bathtub shopping for tall people, size considerations are paramount. Standard tubs simply won't cut it space-wise. Focus your search instead on models offering increased interior dimensions to comfortably fit individuals over 6 feet.
Length
Length is likely the most important dimension for providing room for outstretched legs. For proper stretching clearance, tall people need bathtubs with an interior length of at least 70 inches. This allows taller bodies to fully extend legs without painful bending or edges digging into knees.
Many standard 60-inch bathtubs fall short here, leaving tall soakers cramped and uncomfortable. Seek out longer options explicitly advertised as accommodating for people over 6 feet. Models labeled as bariatric tubs also typically have extra length for ample leg room.
Height
While length handles leg clearance, height affects back support and water coverage. Standard bathtub wall heights of 14-17 inches often don't suffice for taller statures. This leads to slouching postures and cold shoulders peeking out above water lines - hardly a relaxing bath!
For proper lumbar support, experts recommend a minimum wall height of 22 inches. This allows the back to rest fully against the tub wall with shoulders comfortably immersed. Some models also have adjustable tub heights to customize the perfect level.
Width
Width comes down to personal preference, but a wider tub base provides more room for moving around, stretching sideways, and just feeling less boxed in. Those over 6 feet tall should look for widths of at least 32 inches for adequate space. For even more lavish room to spread out arms or bathe multiple people, widths up to 42 inches exist.
Adjustable Height
Some bathtubs come with adjustable height features, which can be a game-changer for tall individuals. These tubs can be raised or lowered to accommodate different heights, ensuring maximum comfort and ease of entry and exit.
Water Capacity
Along with physical dimensions, don't forget water capacity for adequate coverage and depth. Standard tub depths around 14 inches may only fill halfway up a tall person's torso. Instead, look for models with depths of 18-20+ inches for full body immersion during baths and soaks.
Consider Design & Style
Dimensions make up pure physical space, but specific designs and styles optimize that space for tall bathers.
Freestanding Tubs
Freestanding tubs have gained popularity for their contemporary style, but their versatility also suits tall bathers. Without awkward corners or alcove constraints, they can adapt to any open space that fits. This allows positioning even in narrower bathrooms to save limited real estate for leg room. Just be sure to account for plumbing needs.
Soaking Tubs
Extra deep, extra wide soaking tubs aim to provide maximum relaxation immersion. Their amplified interior capacity not only prevents the cold shoulder effect but allows stretching out fully submerged. Look for soaking tubs with lengths over 60 inches and depths over 15 inches for full tall person appeal.
Low Threshold
Lift-leg fatigue and coordinating long limbs over standard tub walls prove challenging for tall bodies. Seek out models with low threshold or walk-in designs with doorways and built-in seats to simplify access.
Assess Special Features
Beyond footing the basic size bill, certain special features further customize and enhance the tall person bathtub experience.
Non-Slip Surface
Prevent slips and falls with tubs containing textured bottom surfaces or adhesive strips for traction. These grippy additions provide much-needed slip resistance for wet tile and tall person clumsiness.
Quick Drain
Tall bodies equate to greater water displacement and splashing during baths. An oversized or pop-up quick drain helps whisk away overflow much faster compared to standard drains.
Lumbar Support
Even in a tub that fits, a flat back wall still leaves something to be desired comfort-wise. Built-in lumbar support through curved, cushioned backrests enhances the soak by correctly aligning the back.
Reinforcement
At the end of the day, a taller, heavier frame exerts added pressure on tub walls. Seek out reinforced builds featuring acrylic, resin layers or fiberglass to withstand frequent tall person use without cracking or chipping.
Wide Base
In addition to length and height, the width of the bathtub is also crucial for tall individuals. A wider base provides ample room for stretching out legs and preventing them from touching the sides of the tub. Look for tubs with a base width of at least 33 inches.
Deep Water Capacity
Tall individuals require deeper water capacity in their bathtubs. The standard depth for most bathtubs is around 14 inches, but some models offer a depth of up to 20 inches. This allows for maximum water capacity, providing enough room for tall individuals to fully immerse themselves.
Built-in Seats
Some bathtubs come with built-in seats, which can be especially helpful for tall individuals who may have difficulty balancing or sitting for extended periods of time. These seats can be adjustable, allowing for customized comfort.
Low-Profile Drain
A low-profile drain can prevent water from spilling over the sides of the tub during use, ensuring maximum comfort and preventing accidents.
Determine Ideal Location
The bathtub placement itself plays a role in accessibility and ease of use for tall bathers. Consider these prime positioning tips:
- Near Entryway: Place the tub near the bathroom door or entryway for quick access without bumping into surrounding walls or fixtures
- Open Floorplan: An open concept floorplan allows ample clearance to maneuver long limbs into the tub
- Corner Setting: Corner tub installations utilize dead space while freeing up floor space for leg swinging ease
- ADA Compliant: For safety and convenience, verify distance from walls and doorways meet ADA standards for wheelchair and mobility aid access
Select Durable Materials
A bathtub must stand the test of time through frequent tall person scrubbing, soaking, and daily wear and tear. Ensure durable construction from quality materials like:
- Acrylic: Resilient, scratch-resistant, and affordable acrylic stands up to heavy use from taller bodies.
- Cast Iron: Heavier but extremely durable, cast iron provides long-lasting sturdiness.
- Fiberglass: Chip and fade-resistant fiberglass carries reinforced strength perfect for taller loads.
- Enameled Steel: Steel coated in a porcelain enamel finish prevents corrosion and resists cleaning chemicals over years of baths.
Find the Right Balance of Features & Budget
It's tempting to seek out every ergonomic addition and the highest end materials for the ultimate tall person soaking session. But finding the right balance between helpful features and overall price makes settling on a tub more feasible.
Prioritize must-haves like size, lumbar support, and non-slip surface when evaluating options. Consider convenient but non-essential features like massaging jets, overflow drains, and mood lighting as nice but inessential perks.
Luxury brands offer exceptional quality yet typically carry premium pricing. More affordable options from trusted retailers like Home Depot, Lowes, and Wayfair frequently hit the tall bathtub sweet spot blending practicality, purpose, and price.
Top-Rated Tall Bathtubs Worth Considering
Through extensive product research, we've compiled this list of top-rated bathtub options catering to the needs of taller individuals:
Empava 67" Acrylic Freestanding Tub
- Extra deep basin and length for soaking ease
- Contemporary style fits modern aesthetics
- Textured bottom and included adhesive for slip resistance
American Standard 72" Soaking Walk-In Tub
- Ultra-low walk-in threshold simplifies access
- Built-in cushioned seat for comfort
- Quick drain speed facilitated by extra large drain pipe capacity
KOHLER Underscore Oval Extra Deep Soaking Tub
- Deeper water depth fully immerses larger bodies
- Oval shape allows sideways lounging stretches
- Three wall surround creates spa-like relaxation
Woodbridge 71-inch Acrylic Freestanding Bathtub
- Reinforced double-wall acrylic construction prevents flexing
- Convenient quick drain and overflow drain inclusion
- Sleek modern style available in white or black finishes
Being vertically gifted shouldn't mean cramped quarters and leg dangling during bathtime. Plenty of perfectly fashioned tall person tubs exist offering length, depth, lumbar support and other must-have amenities specific for above average heights.
By arming yourself with the ultimate bathtub knowledge for tall statures, you're sure to find a model checking all the boxes for maximizing both comfort and relaxation.