Tubs from the last 40 years or so are generally 60" or slightly smaller. The older CI tubs are normally 61 inches. Even older tubs are longer. Why? Way back in the day, the walls around the tubs were 'mudded' with portland ceement and sand. The thickness of the 'mud' provided some measure of waterproofing (acted more like a giant sponge, but that's a longer story) As waterproofing methods improved, and manufacturers liked higher profits, tubs got smaller. Framers are supposed to frame so the tub sets stud to stud. Supposed to.

If the new tub is not long enough to go stud to stud, you should take advantage of that fact and frame out one or both walls to be perfectly flat, square, plumb, and have proper stud spacing. Your new waterproof walls can be built over that.

Sometimes that means there is a narrow line of tiles to look at edging the sides of the tubs walls. They are usually tiled, or the room can be narrowed to make it all one size. The choice is up to you.

Hi, palimpsest and Cabot & Rowe. Thanks for the responses.

Perhaps our tub is actually 66 inches then? Which seems like a lot of tub to be in the wall, no? The edge of the tub near the wall (front and back) is quite narrow. It's just under an inch before it starts to slope down. See attached photos.

This cast iron tub is original to our NYC apartment, which was built in 1955.

So a 60 inch tub would be the best bet for when we replace, correct? I don't want to narrow the room as the bathroom is already tiny. So if we have to tile to cover up that gap, then would it look better to get a 60 inch tub without an apron, and then tile the entire side of the tub so it's more seamless?

Thanks so much

Just curious, what's wrong with the old tub ? Any new tub you're buying (well, 99% of them) is going to be 60 inches or a smidge under.

Nothing's terribly wrong with the old tub, but it is badly scratched up and chipped in a few places, and the flower anti-slip drives me nuts. They are half peeling off and so hard to clean. And really I would like to get a tub that is just a little less wide when we renovate.

There's a bump-out on the tub that drives me crazy. It's so close to the vanity that I can't get in to clean this small space on the floor between the tub side and the vanity. I'm hoping the new tub can have a straight side without any design. I've been looking at Americh and Hydro Systems 60x30 tubs.

Those are very good reasons

To me, that tub looks to be buried into the wall on all three sides. Maybe it's actually a 66"? Is there anyway to peek inside the wall? An access hatch, or maybe by removing the faucet trim?

Hi, Errang_gw. I suppose we could remove the faucet, but otherwise there's no way to peek inside the wall. Is that normal for a tub to be buried into the wall that much? When you look at the actual wall on the side of the tub, it's perfectly flush all around. There's bullnose tile that stops after the tub. We do have an old-fashioned hamper that's recessed into the wall a few inches, so I suppose there is space on that wall. You can see it in the photo below. (Shower curtain is covering most of the tub here, but it's the same shot of the tub section in the above photos I posted where you see the bodywash bottle.)

Regardless, though, our best option would still be to get a 60 inch tub as opposed to something bigger?

And it would be best to get one without an apron so we can tile the side, and if we have to have a sliver of tile to cover some of the gap, that would look more seamless?

Thanks

Calypso, I got an Americh Madison tub of that size. It's a deep soaker and very comfortable. I found one to sit in after a long search. It was scary trying to choose one from a brochure!

I also have a 63" cast iron alcove tub (original - 1940s) and we are going to redo the bathroom and wanted to change the tub and cannot find a tub big enough to fit the space. Either its too big or too small.

I'm in the same situation looking for a 63" bathtub. The previous owner had a 60" bath and bumped out the wall which looked awkward to me. I'm unsure what to do. Did any of you find a good solution?

Our old pink cast iron tub measured 64 inches wall-to-wall with no tile on the walls. The walls were drywall with a coat of plaster over so a bit thicker than usual. There were also originally tiles halfway up the walls that I removed long ago so the (visible) tub would have measured less than 64" if I had measured prior to tile removal. We had a 66" Kohler Bellwether put in to replace it and it fit perfectly between the studs.

Hi. I am currently doing a bathroom Reno in a 1959 house. I measured the tub wall to wall (built in) , it is also 63”!

1930 condo with castiron tub insert, which is also 63”. Seems to be a fairly standard size at one point, especially in pre-war apartments.

I have the exact same tub as the original post. I can't find a fit replacement in 2021.

I am in agreement. I live in Florida and all the tubs including mine is 63". I am trying to get a 63" tub to replace it. I Do find a free standing tub at 63" and 66" there must be a way to get the same size.