A nominal 60 inch walk-in tub measures about 59 3/4 inches long on the shell, so an alcove that is 60 inches from stud to stud is a very tight fit, and the tub will not simply drop in. Once drywall and tile go onto the end walls, the finished opening is shorter than the framing, and it is the finished opening that has to clear the tub. Measure finished wall to finished wall, then measure every doorway and turn on the path to the bathroom, and share both sets of numbers with your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850 before you settle on a model.

Two Measurements That Get Confused

Stud to stud is the rough opening before any drywall or tile goes on. Finished wall to finished wall, often called tile to tile, is what you can measure in a finished bathroom today, and it is always smaller than the framing. In one common case, a bathroom framed for a standard tub measures only 58 1/4 inches tile to tile. That is why a 60 inch nominal tub that actually measures 59 3/4 inches may or may not fit until your contractor has looked at the walls. Our guide to tub sizes and how to measure covers the basics, and what an alcove installation is explains how a walk-in tub meets three walls.

When the Finished Opening Is Under 60 Inches

Tile and a surround take up room. A contractor can sometimes remove the old surround, set the new tub against the drywall and finish the tile down to the tub, which is how a tub that measures a little longer than your tile-to-tile opening can still be installed. Only your contractor can confirm that after seeing the walls, and the team is glad to talk with them about the tub itself. If the opening cannot be opened up, look at the shorter models. Most Ella walk-in tubs under 60 inches are 52 inches long, and they come in several widths and door styles. When the tub is shorter than the opening, an extension panel fills the gap so the tub still meets the wall. See end panels and extension panels for how those panels work.

Do Not Round Up on the Long Tubs

Long tubs have no wiggle room. The Shak is 72 inches long, so it cannot fit a 70 inch opening no matter how the walls are finished. The Big4One is 33 by 66 inches and is the closest large model for an opening in that range. Width counts as well. The Transfer30 has an actual width of 29 1/4 inches, so it is narrower than the 31 1/2 inch standard bathtub it often replaces and leaves a little room at the front edge.

Getting the Tub into the Bathroom

The alcove is only half of the fit question. Measure the front door, the hallway, every interior doorway and each corner the tub must turn, then compare those widths to the actual exterior width of the model rather than its nominal size. The Elite has an actual width of 30 inches. The Petite has an actual width of 27 1/2 inches even though it is sold as a 28 inch tub. A 34 inch hallway leading to a 30 inch door frame is a common layout, and in that case the Petite passes with room to spare while the Elite needs the door opening checked to the trim by your installer. The Mobile profile covers another compact option, and common fit questions covers doorways and what can be taken apart for delivery.

Exact Dimensions for Your Contractor

Nominal sizes are rounded, so always work from the actual figures. Walk-in tub dimensions by model lists exterior length, width and height for each tub. When a tub has to tip on end through a doorway or turn a tight corner, your contractor will want the exact length, width and height to work out the diagonal, so have the model name ready when you call. Ella does not install, so have your contractor on the call or pass the figures along to them.

How to Measure Before You Choose

1. Measure the finished opening wall to wall at the front edge and again at the back wall, and note whether the finish is tile, drywall or a one-piece surround.
2. Locate the studs, or have your contractor do it, and record the stud-to-stud length as a second figure.
3. Measure from the back wall to the front edge of the opening and note where the toilet and vanity sit.
4. Measure the narrowest doorway and hallway on the delivery path, including every turn.
5. Share those numbers, your existing drain side and a photo of the space with your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850.

Related Guides

• Will it fit through my doorway? How to measure your home for a walk-in tub
• Will it fit my alcove? Extension panels, end panels, and 60 inch spaces
• What Is Nominal Size vs Actual Size on a Walk-In Tub?

Related Videos

Watch: Ellas Bubbles: Extension Panels or "Filler Kits" For Alcove Installation with chapters and a full transcript.

Common Questions

Still Need Help?

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.