Single Ended vs Double Ended Baths

A single ended bath has the taps and waste at one end, with the other end sloped to support your back. A double ended bath has the taps and waste in the centre or on the adjacent wall, so both ends are sloped and you can lie back at either one.

The two styles lead to quite different designs, but the practical differences matter just as much, both for installation and for how the bath gets used afterwards.

What is a single ended bath?

The more common design for inset tubs, single ended baths have the taps and waste at one end of the bath, in most cases with the taps directly above the waste area. The tap end is usually a straight vertical, while the opposite end is sloped for back support when relaxing. These baths are usually designed for one person at a time.

What is a double ended bath?

On a double ended bath, the waste and taps are fitted either in the centre of the bath or on the adjacent wall. With no taps at either end, both ends can be gently sloped, leaving enough space for two people to share the bath. Most double ended baths are symmetrical, so you can face either direction without worrying about hitting your head on the taps, and you get more leg room if you want to stretch out. That makes them a good fit for taller people, as there’s no wasted space in the tub. They’re also great for homes with small children, as there’s room to bathe two at once and no taps in the way.

Freestanding baths are commonly double ended, as the freedom of tap placement they offer suits more traditional bath designs, which then fit beautifully into the aesthetic of old-fashioned bathrooms. At the same time, plenty of inset baths are double ended, particularly in spaces where you can’t find enough room for the necessary taps and plumbing anywhere other than at the side of the tub.

Can you have a shower with a single or double ended bath?

Single ended baths are the usual choice for a bath and shower combination. The shower valve can be installed above the taps, and once you add a screen you have a shower enclosure in the corner of your bathroom. Our bath screen buying guide covers the types, glass thickness and how to get a watertight fit. A double ended bath can have a shower too, usually on the wall with a bath screen, but the sloped ends and central taps make it less practical. If you shower more than you bathe, a single ended bath is the easier fit.

Which takes up more space?

Neither. Both styles come in the same standard sizes, so a 1700mm double ended bath takes up the same floor area as a 1700mm single ended one. The difference is inside. With the taps at one end, a single ended bath gives up some of its length to the tap end, so a double ended bath of the same size often feels roomier when you’re lying back.

Which is better, a single or double ended bath?

It comes down to your own needs. Double ended baths are the more versatile of the two and the better option for families with young children. If you live alone or only use the bath as an occasional treat between showers, a single ended bath is probably enough. There’s no right or wrong answer; your choice of bathtub should be based on your lifestyle and the room you’re installing it into. As many modern baths are supplied undrilled, you have plenty of freedom over tap placement, so that isn’t necessarily a deciding factor either.