trim :)

I have the same issue. We are replacing a tub that measure 58" tile to tile and want a 32" wide soaking tub. Can anyone recommend a manufacturer that makes a 59" tub?

I have the same issue. We're trying to replace the old bathrooms. Stud to stud is measured (W) 59".. What can you recommend if I can't find the right size to replace a new one or do you know any manufactures or company who carries that size.

has anyone with this problem been able to put in a 60" replacement tub? My wall alcove is 58.5" and i have a tub like the one in the picture above and a house from the 1980s.

As already mentioned in the thread above you have to measure stud to stud, not from finished wall to finished wall.

Yes I saw that. Very helpful. Just wondering if anyone who commented had successfully completed their install. Thanks.

Do the old alcove tubs with surrounds above the tub itself set in behind the drywall? I've got one of these older tub units (like the one pictured above) that was put in when the house was built in the mid-'70's - and it needs to be replaced - the unit appears to measure ~58.5' inches in length wall to wall - need to know if I tear this old unit out whether I can get a more modern looking alcove tub to fit - left drain - plan to replace the surround part above the tub with tile - I am a DYI'er - so asking an installer whether a 60" tub will fit isn't very practical - I don't want a free-standing tub and hate the idea of getting a 54" length, since not only will tub space be lost, but I'd need to reconstruct the wall at the back-end of the tub to build it in properly. Tearing out a whole bathroom is kinda dicey as the room is needed - would be nice to be able to plan ahead and get the tub, sink and toilet beforehand - since inevitably if I wait and tear the bathroom apart, the fixtures I choose/need will be on some endless back-order or discontinued. Been here, done this with a kitchen and despite planning and assistance from home improvement store and pros the downtime for important rooms can be tedious - there's always something that causes delays! :-)

Folks, has anyone fitted a 60" tub in to an alcove that is 59"?

A lot of people are saying it will fit, but would like to hear from someone that has done it...

Did you fit a tub in? I have the same space 59" and I am looking for suggestions.

I fit my tub in no problem. Apparently it's pretty standard.

Great that you got one installed. Did you have less than 60" stud to stud, as I literally have 59.5" ? Did you have to trim or notch any studs?

I have this EXACT issue and am desperately looking for a bathtub to fit in this alcove, replacing my old bathtub/shower kit. If I measure from wall to wall, I get 58.5 inches. I too wonder if this is the correct measurement to search out a new tub with???? Thanks for ANY help on this!

Colesy 111, I have your exact scenario. Did you find a tub to fit? If so, what brand?

Hi, we had that issue in an old house and yes, a 60" tub fit for us. It turns out the tiles were very thick and set in thick mortar, plus metal screening, then drywall before we got down to the studs. There are smaller tubs available special order - 54" and even 48" but ask your contractor (assuming you are hiring to do the job) to look at it and confirm before you order. I think you'll be fine.

Did you ever figure out if a 60" tub will fit in a 58.5" space wall to wall. I have the exact same setup

Danielle, We'll be installing our 60" Kohler Devonshire tub into our 58.5 (wall to wall) alcove in August... If you remind me, I can tell you then if all went well...

Thank you. Yes I have the exact same design issue! I'm not sure why contractor are telling me I need a custome built tub. My email is danielle_895@yahoo.com I would greatly appreciate if you let me know how it goes.

Hey M Sm, I have the same problem as everyone above.

just wondering how your install went?

I am planning a total remodel of the quest bathroom

and I would also like to order everything before starting, Trying to do my homework first, This house was built in 2006 and they used dated yellow brass among other things. Jammed a 58 5/8 tub with a cheap white plastic surround and a lot of Plastic "Cultured Marble". I am considering The James Martin Columbia or Mercer Island vanity, a soaker tub and a panel shower system with tub fill. Still thinking about a barn

door shower door and new one piece toilet . I love modern contemporary

so good luck to you all with this tub issue! We are actively doing this! I bought the Jacuzzi tub based on another thread saying a 60 in tub would work. we are 59 stud to stud and we are having to cut out the wall that makes the corner. As much as you don't want to take all of the drywall out if you are replacing a tub and vanity! Trying to match previous texture is impossible! Also as much as you don't want to damage the tub during construction put it in first, as soon as you have the drain plumbing finished!

Hey M Sm, I have the same problem as everyone above. I measure 58.5 from wall to wall on existing tub but i want to put a 60"tub.

just wondering how your install went? Did the 60" tub fit?

M Sm, how did your install go?

same problem here, Did you get 60'' tub? How is it fit?

Got the 60" tub. Had ample room!

Just a thought.... you could always install a mobile home Garden tub (and shower also) these tubs are 54" x 42"... very roomy, even for a 6 ft guy, as they are deeper front to back, if you have room to expand your alcove outward a bit. They also make a larger shower area, than standard tubs and are comfortable to sit and bath in or very roomy to stand and shower in. There's also curved outward shower rods available to accommodate thesee tubs. As I said I just signed up to add this for another possible choice. (Garden tubs run about $240.)

just to get back, please see my comment above, the regular size tub fit perfectly

so what is the verdict? did the 60 inch work/ cause we have the same problem 58.5

.

It fit with room to spare! Love the result!

Thanks

I like my old cast iron tub and I just want to put in new tile and fixtures, but the new tile will be flush against the wall - the old tile was put on over the wall and sticks out about 1/2 inch on all sides. I THINK I have a 60" tub in a shorter wall to wall space, but won't actually know till we take off the tile and peel back the wall. I'm wondering what the best way to clean off all the grout and caulk and whatever else stuck the tub through the wall since now an extra 1/2 inch of tub will show with the new tile not sticking into the alcove as much. Any suggestions for cleaning? Thanks.

I have the same issue, which is what brought to this forum. My tub measures 58" wall to wall. Home built in 1980 and has a bath liner with shower surround in one piece. I was told I need to get a custom built tub, but this forum is giving me hope that a 60" tub might fit since most are this size and don't want to go smaller.

This thread has been helpful. I have a 58.25 alcove from drywall to drywall. What messed me up was I never thought about the fact that the 80's tub was installed and then drywall was added to cover the edges of the tub on the sides. Full steam ahead and thanks to all the contributors.

I'm having the same issues mentioned here but I definitely have only 59" STUD to STUD. Looks like some of the other were measuring wall to wall. Anyone have 59" and were able to fit the 60" tub?

I have a 58 1/2 inch tub as well and Everything is almost done, the tile is up and I grouted it. Will I be able to fit a 60 inch acyrlic tub?

Sammy Eisenberg . I'm not clear when you say the tile is up and grouted. Do you mean you've tiled around where the tub will be BEFORE the tub was replaced?

Normally you would install the tub first and the tiles come right down over the lip edge of it so that it is sealed. Have I misunderstood?

I think like most of the rest of us, you actually have room for a 60" tub. The tub is affixed to the wall studs so it can't shift and crack your tile etc. So, like others above have mentioned, when you measure from stud to stud, it fits. If you measure what you had in place before, it includes the depth of the tile and whatever it was set on plus whatever wallboard and waterproofing was in place.

I was planning at first on spray the tub with paint and refinishing it that way. But then i found out it will only last like two years. So now i want to place the acrlyic tub over the tub i have now and use silicone to make it look smooth around the edges.

Oh, ok, I think you'd better get your bath insert company to come and measure and give you their opinion on what will work. I'd expect they've seen many instances similar to yours but best to look into it as soon as possible so that if you have to rethink your reno, you can do it before all of your finishes are done.

I had this issue and the real problem, drywall! It’s about 2” on each side around the tub making it measure smaller. Yes I had a 58.5“ tub that really was 60” behind the drywall and the new one is 60”! I’ll update with completed renovation Photos when I’m done!

We are getting our bathroom floor fixed and were told we have to tear out the bathtub. Stud to stud is 56", I can't find a bathtub to fit. We have a four inch wall between the bath and toilet that hides the plumbing to the shower. The only sizes I can find are 54" and 60" Not sure what to do here.

Stud to Stud, I’d be interested in seeing a photo because Dryway with cement board is thick

I ran into same issue with having a 58.5" tub measurement from wall-to-wall. After extensive Google search, this professional (Terry Love) has this to say about the apparent non-issue:

"It's a 60" tub, but don't feel bad, you're not the first to jump to that conclusion. Tubs are 60" long, so most bathrooms are framed at 60-1/4" so that the tub will fit in. Then you add 1/2" backer board on both sides, that adds one more inch, then tile over that, which depending on the tile may get you to 58" finished. Its very common for a standard 60" tub to measure something like 58" to 58.5" from end to end with tile. The backer board and tile are built out from the walls so that water drops down into the tub and not behind the tub. Standard tubs are 60" Short tubs are 54" Long tubs are 66" or even longer." So, my conclusion from Terry Love is that a 60" standard tub will fit into a 58 to 58.5 wall to wall space size. You're welcome. lol https://terrylove.com/forums/index.php?threads/58-bathtub-nope-its-going-to-be-60.38234/

Thanks to everyone for their input! I am having an identical issue...bathtub measures approx 58.75" and was researching how to measure because I felt like there had to be more to the story if most tubs are a standard 60"L. This information has helped me understand the process and my actions moving forward.

I just started the demo on my 58.5" bathroom because I'm trusting you all that a 60" tub will fit. I appreciate all the comments here because I was losing my mind search for a tub that would fit. I'll post the results when I have them to hopefully encourage future visitors asking if a new tub will fit in their bathroom.

UPDATE: The 60" tub easily fit between the studs.

yes! The drywall and tile or fabrication takes a ton of space. I had extra space. congrats!!! my contractor said standard drywall is 1-2 inches depth and I’m not sure what the concrete backed drywall ya.

My house was built in 1969. were 1 piece tub inserts 60” then too? We only have the 1 bathroom so really have to prepare in advance. Any help greatly appreciate. Thank you.

I am experiencing a similar issue. We built the house ourselves in 1986 and had an all-in-one fiberglass shower/tub combo installed. After almost 35 years, it is time for an update in the upstairs extra bathroom. We have two options--1) leave the shower/tub combo in place and tile above the fiberglass surround or 2) tear out the shower/tub combo, replace with a new alcove tub, and do a completely tiled shower surround from tub to ceiling. Both options will include a set of frameless shower doors. The issue is that when I measure from drywall to drywall on either side of the tub I only get a measurement of 58". All of the replacement tubs I am finding are 60". I do not want to drop down to a 54" tub. One of the walls is an exterior wall, so I do not want to compromise the structure of the house by trimming the studs as mentioned in an earlier post. Can I pull out my 58" all-in-one fiberglass shower/tub combo and still be able to use a 60" single tub? Is is possible the fiberglass shower/tub combo originally measured 60"?

Do you have to remove any of the drywall to get it to fit or will it flex a little ?

My current fiberglass tub & surround is 57.5" wall to wall which leads me to believe it would be 59" stud to stud. Has anyone experienced this? Did you find a tub to fit? Thanks