Single or Double-Ended Baths?

Style and appearance are important when it comes to selecting your new tub and, of course, you’ll want it to be the perfect fit for your bathroom. More important than style, however, is practicality. It’s important to consider how you’re going to use your tub before you invest.

If you’re weighing up the pros and cons of getting a single or a double ended bath, then we’ve got all the information you need to make the right decision.

Single-ended baths

Single ended baths tend to be the standard design for inset tubs. Both the taps and the waste are situated at one end of the bath, usually with the taps fitted above the waste area. The tap and waste end of the bath is typically straight, whereas the opposite end of the bath has a gentle slope for back and shoulder support while you’re enjoying a relaxing soak in the tub!

This style of bath is typically designed for one person to relax in the tub. The taps being located at one end is ideal for bath showers which have a mixer shower valve, as this can be fitted to the wall directly above the taps and waste.

Double-ended baths

A double ended bath has the waste and taps fitted in the centre of the tub or fitted to the wall. This means that both ends of the bath have a gentle slope and that there’s enough room for two people to bathe together. Both ends of the bath tend to be identical, so you can face either way in the bath with comfort and ease.

Additionally, the different position of the taps allows you to stretch out in the tub, without catching your feet and toes on the taps! This is particularly useful if you’re quite tall and could use the extra space.

Aside from providing the opportunity for a relaxing bath with your loved one, a double ended bath makes bathing children much easier, as the taps are in the middle and there’s more space.

Many freestanding baths tend to be double ended, and these are an especially popular choice for traditional style bathrooms with freestanding tubs and taps. However, many inset baths will also be double ended, particularly where there simply isn’t enough space for taps and pipework to be fitted at the end of the tub.

When it comes to choosing between a double or single ended bath, it’s really down to what you’ll get the best use of. If you’re using the tub to bathe the kids or share a relaxing soak with your loved one, then a double ended bath might be the better option. On the other hand, a single ended bath might be the better option if you only have the occasional swim in the tub alone.