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Where Do I Buy an Extension Panel for My Walk-In Tub?

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary7
  1. First, Check What Shipped with Your Tub
  2. What the Extension Panel Does
  3. How to Order One
  4. When the Panel Arrives
  5. Related Guides
  6. Related Videos
  7. Common Questions

Extension panels are bought through your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850, and the first step is to check whether your tub already came with one: every Ella walk-in tub shorter than 60 inches ships with an extension panel so it fills a standard 60 inch alcove. Panels are cut for a specific model and door side, so have your model, serial number and door side ready before you call. The purchase path for a panel ordered after the tub is delivered is the one described in How to Add a Second End Panel to Your Walk-In Tub Order or Buy One Later.

First, Check What Shipped with Your Tub

Any Ella walk-in tub that is less than 60 inches long comes with an extension panel, and it can be placed on the right side of the tub or on the left. If you do not need it, you can opt out of receiving it in an effort to reduce plastic waste, so an order placed without one is the usual reason a tub arrives with no extension panel. The second video below walks through what ships with every tub and where each panel goes.

Make sure you are asking for the right part. The extension panel is the piece that closes the gap between a shorter tub and the alcove wall, and it is the only panel that adds length. The end panel is the reversible panel that covers an exposed short end of the tub, and one of those ships with every model. What Is an End Panel on a Walk-In Tub? explains why the two are so often confused.

What the Extension Panel Does

  • It creates the fit between your tub and the alcove. If the alcove is out of square or an unusual size, the panel can be trimmed so the tub fits seamlessly, which is how a standard tub size goes into an opening slightly larger than the tub without a custom unit. Walk-In Tub and Shower Base Sizes and How to Measure for Fit covers matching a tub to your alcove.
  • It becomes a shelf for towels, shampoos, soaps and other bathing items.
  • It rests on integrated stainless steel shelf support brackets that are fully adjustable and part of the tub frame, which is what makes the shelf sturdy. The first video shows the panel and its brackets.

How to Order One

  • Find your serial number on the label behind the magnetic access panel next to the door, and note your model and door side.
  • Note which side of the tub the gap is on, and take a photo of that end of the alcove so the team can confirm what you need.
  • Call (800) 480-6850, open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support, or ask your Ella dealer, who can place the order on your behalf.
  • If you are still placing your tub order, tell your dealer or the team about the alcove length so the panel is listed on your order paperwork before the tub is built.

When a second end panel is bought later, it is invoiced on its own, paid by card and shipped with a tracking number on the receipt. Ask the team to confirm the same steps for your extension panel when you place the request.

When the Panel Arrives

Inspect it as soon as it is delivered and keep all the packaging. Shipping damage, including concealed damage found after the driver leaves, must be reported within 48 hours of receipt so a claim can be filed, through ellasbubbles.com/support or (800) 480-6850. If the mounting brackets and clips on a new panel look rotated or crooked, that is how they are turned for shipping. If you are also short a few of the white screw caps or trim pieces for the front apron, Where Do I Get the White Screw Caps and Trim for the Front Panel? covers those small stock parts.

Remember that every removable panel, including the extension panel, the end panel and the front apron, must come off before the tub is moved into the house, and the tub is lifted only by its frame.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 What Are Extension Panels? Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs use extension panels to create the best fit for your new tub in your home.
  2. 0:14 Trimming Panels For Fit Extension panels can be trimmed to ensure your tub fits seamlessly and beautifully, even if your alcove is out of square.
  3. 0:29 Panel Storage Space The extension panels provide a convenient place for towels, shampoos, soaps, and other bathing items.

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

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Reversible End Panel Included Every Ella walk-in tub includes one reversible end panel that can be placed on either side of the tub.
  2. 0:36 Extension Panel for Tubs Ella walk-in tubs under 60 inches long come with an extension panel to fit a standard 60-inch alcove.
  3. 1:08 Removable Front Apron Ella walk-in tubs feature a removable front apron with access panels for plumbing and component service.
  4. 1:30 Removing Panels Before Moving All removable panels must be taken off before the walk-in tub is moved into the house and bathroom.

Watch: Ella's Bubbles: Understanding Extension and End Panels with chapters and a full transcript.

Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Reversible End Panel Placement The video explains how to position the reversible end panel on either side of the tub to cover plumbing and the frame.
  2. 0:33 Extension Panel For Shorter Tubs Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs under 60 inches long include an extension panel to fit standard 60-inch alcoves.
  3. 1:06 Removable Front Apron Panels Ella's Bubbles walk-in tubs feature a removable front apron with access panels for servicing plumbing and components.
  4. 1:28 Removing Panels Before Moving Tub All removable panels, including the front apron, end panel, and extension panels, must be removed before moving the walk-in tub.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Extension Panel for Seamless Installation The video introduces the extension panel, also called a fill kit, which allows for custom cutting to fit various wall spaces.
  2. 0:35 Integrated Shelf Support Bracket The video shows the integrated shelf support brackets, which are adjustable and made of stainless steel.
  3. 0:52 Panel Support and Durability The video explains how the integrated support prevents issues like silicone cracking or panel failure, making it a durable component.

Common Questions

Does every Ella walk-in tub come with an extension panel?
Every Ella tub shorter than 60 inches ships with an extension panel so it fills a standard 60 inch alcove. A tub ordered without one, because the buyer opted out to reduce waste, arrives without it. For a longer tub, ask your dealer or the team what your layout needs.
Can the extension panel be trimmed to fit my alcove?
Yes. If the alcove is out of square or an unusual size, the panel can be trimmed so the tub fits seamlessly. That is how a standard tub goes into a slightly larger opening without a custom unit.
What information do I need to order an extension panel?
Have your model, serial number and door side ready, plus which side of the tub the gap is on. The serial number is on the label behind the magnetic access panel next to the door. A photo of the open end of the alcove helps the team confirm the right part.
Is an extension panel the same thing as an end panel?
No. The end panel is the reversible panel that covers an exposed short end of the tub and adds no length. The extension panel is the piece that fills the gap between a shorter tub and the alcove wall.
Can the extension panel go on either side of the tub?
Yes. The extension panel can be placed on the right side of the tub or on the left. Tell the team which side of your alcove has the gap so the panel and brackets suit your layout.
What should I do if the extension panel arrives cracked?
Photograph it, save all the packaging, and report it within 48 hours of delivery through ellasbubbles.com/support or by calling (800) 480-6850. Concealed damage found after the driver leaves falls under the same 48 hour window.

Related guides

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