Choosing the best bathtub with side panels starts with matching the tub’s size, drain location, and surround to your bathroom. The options below include two WOODBRIDGE tub-and-panel combinations, a separate American Standard wall set, and a larger whirlpool tub that is a different kind of fit. Check the exact package contents and installation requirements before ordering, especially where a listing describes more than one configuration.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | What’s Included | Best For | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| WOODBRIDGE 60 × 32-Inch Right-Drain Tub and Wall Kit | Right-drain alcove tub and four-piece wall panels, according to the listed tub configuration | A coordinated tub-and-wall set | Drain and overflow kits are sold separately |
| WOODBRIDGE 60 × 32-Inch Left-Drain Tub and Surround | Left-drain soaking tub and four-piece wall panel kit | A left-drain alcove remodel | Integrated niches and a stated 10-year warranty |
| American Standard Studio Three-Piece Wall Set | Two side walls and one back wall; bathtub sold separately | Adding a surround to a compatible Studio tub | Six built-in shelves |
| WOODBRIDGE 60 × 32-Inch Left-Drain Tub Wall Kit | Four-piece wall panels; supplied details also describe a left-drain tub | Shoppers seeking a left-drain WOODBRIDGE set | Confirm the selected package contents before buying |
| Empava 71 × 51-Inch Whirlpool Tub | Large jetted tub with a waterfall faucet and hand shower | A spacious spa-style bathroom | Not a conventional alcove tub-and-wall surround set |
Our Picks: Best Bathtub With Side Panel reviews
1. WOODBRIDGE Right-Drain Tub and Solid-Surface Wall Kit
This WOODBRIDGE set is designed for a 60-by-32-inch alcove and has a right-drain soaking tub with four solid-surface wall panels. The supplied description lists a 17-inch tub height and 64-inch wall-panel height for the tub configuration. The non-porous panels are described as resistant to scratches, stains, and moisture, while their grout-free surface avoids the upkeep of tiled grout lines.
Built-in niches provide space for bath items, and the side panels have finished edges for a cleaner look at the sides of the surround. The listing also describes an alternate shower-base configuration, so check the selected option carefully to confirm whether you are ordering the tub or the base version. The tub’s drain and overflow kits are sold separately.
This is a practical choice if you want the tub and surround to arrive as a coordinated set and your plumbing is set up for a right-side drain. The main trade-off is that the panel height and tub configuration need to suit your room, and installation still requires careful measuring and preparation.
Pros:
- Matching tub and four-piece wall-panel design
- Grout-free, non-porous wall surface
- Built-in niche storage and finished panel edges
- Textured bottom is described as slip-resistant
Cons:
- Drain and overflow kits are sold separately
- The listing describes more than one configuration, so verify the selected package
Verdict: Choose this set if you need a right-drain, 60-by-32-inch alcove tub with matching solid-surface walls and have confirmed the tub configuration and separate drain parts.
2. WOODBRIDGE Left-Drain Tub and Four-Piece Surround
This set pairs a 60-by-32-inch, 17-inch-high left-drain soaking tub with a four-piece wall panel kit. The tub and panels are designed to align as a system, which can simplify planning compared with buying a tub and surround from unrelated product lines. The panels are described as 1.7 inches thick and made from a non-porous composite material.
Integrated niches keep everyday bath products within reach. The listing says the tub-and-panel combination is designed as a caulk-free system when installed together, but proper preparation and installation remain important for water protection. It also notes that a wall opening may be needed for the niche depending on the site conditions. The drain and overflow kits are not included.
Compared with the right-drain WOODBRIDGE option, this model is the more direct fit for a left-side drain layout and explicitly includes the tub and wall panels. Its stated 10-year warranty and US-based support may also matter if you want help with installation or replacement parts. Make sure the niche location and wall construction work for your bathroom before committing.
Pros:
- Clearly listed as a tub-and-panel combination
- Left-drain layout for compatible plumbing
- Built-in niches and a grout-free panel design
- Listing states a 10-year warranty
Cons:
- Drain and overflow kits must be purchased separately
- Niche installation may require a wall opening
Verdict: This is a strong option for a left-drain alcove remodel when you want the tub and surround in one coordinated package and have checked the niche and drain requirements.
3. American Standard Studio Three-Piece Tub Wall Set
Unlike the first two picks, this American Standard product is a wall set, not a tub-and-surround bundle. It includes two side walls and one back wall, and is intended for use with American Standard Studio bathtub models 2946.102 or 2946.202, which are sold separately. That distinction makes it important to confirm tub compatibility before ordering.
The panels use impact-resistant polystyrene and have a smooth, glossy finish. Six shelves, each described as 4½ inches deep, give you more built-in storage than the niche-style storage on the WOODBRIDGE sets. The interlocking tongue-and-groove construction is designed to help prevent water seepage, and the set is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
This may suit you if you already have a compatible Studio tub or are planning to buy one separately. It is not as complete a package as the WOODBRIDGE tub-and-wall combinations, and its listed availability may vary. The product information does not provide the same material or panel-thickness details as the other surround options.
Pros:
- Six built-in shelves for bath essentials
- Smooth, glossy surface with no grout lines
- Interlocking panel design
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Bathtub is sold separately
- Designed for specific Studio tub models
Verdict: Consider this wall set if you have, or plan to buy, a compatible American Standard Studio tub and want multiple built-in shelves without tiled grout lines.
4. WOODBRIDGE Left-Drain Solid-Surface Wall Surround Kit
This WOODBRIDGE listing is for a 60-by-32-inch alcove surround with a left-drain opening. Its supplied product details describe four solid-surface panels and also specify a 60-by-32-by-17-inch left-drain soaking tub. However, the product title calls it a wall surround kit, so confirm the chosen package includes the tub if you need a complete set.
The panels have a non-porous, grout-free finish intended to resist moisture, stains, scratches, and everyday buildup. The listing describes finished side edges, built-in niche storage, and a textured bottom surface. It also notes that the niche may require a wall cutout depending on its size and the installation site. Drain and overflow kits are sold separately when the tub is included.
Compared with the left-drain WOODBRIDGE bundle above, this option has similar dimensions and panel features, but its package description is less straightforward. That makes it especially important to read the selected configuration details before checkout. It may be worth considering if you want this panel style and can verify the exact contents with the seller.
Pros:
- Left-drain option for a 60-by-32-inch alcove
- Grout-free, non-porous panel surface
- Built-in niche and finished side edges
- US-based support is listed
Cons:
- Product title and description may leave the package contents unclear
- Drain and overflow kits are sold separately if the tub is included
Verdict: This could fit a left-drain bathroom, but choose it only after confirming whether the selected listing option includes the bathtub or just the wall panels.
5. Empava PRO Series Two-Person Whirlpool Tub
The Empava is a very different choice from the alcove tubs above. At 71 by 51 inches, it is a large whirlpool tub designed for two, with 40 water jets and air bubble nozzles. Its listed features include an inline heater, color-changing LED lights, a waterfall faucet, and a hand shower. This is a spa-style tub, not a standard 60-by-32-inch tub-and-side-panel kit.
Additional features include a digital control panel, GFCI protection, automatic shutoff, and a built-in clean cycle. The listing describes the heater as maintaining water warmth up to 104°F. These features may appeal if hydrotherapy is your priority, but they also make this a more specialized choice than a simple soaking tub with a surround.
Before considering it, measure the bathroom carefully and confirm that the layout can accommodate its larger footprint. The supplied information does not describe a matching alcove wall-panel set, and the listing’s “3 Side” wording should not be taken as proof that a conventional side-panel surround is included.
Pros:
- Large two-person design
- Water jets and air bubble nozzles
- Includes a waterfall faucet and hand shower
- Listed with a heater, lighting, and clean cycle
Cons:
- Much larger than a standard alcove tub
- Does not appear to be a conventional tub-and-surround package
Verdict: Choose this only if you want a large whirlpool tub and have confirmed that its size and installation needs work for your bathroom; it is not the closest match for a standard bathtub with side panels.
How to Choose a Bathtub With Side Panels
Measure the Alcove and Panel Height
Measure the available space from wall to wall, along with the floor area and the height of the walls where the surround will sit. Several options here are sized for a 60-by-32-inch alcove, but that does not guarantee they will fit every opening. Compare your measurements with the full product specifications, including panel height, before ordering.
Match the Drain to Your Plumbing
Check whether your drain is on the left or right when you face the tub from the front. The WOODBRIDGE combinations are offered with different drain layouts, and choosing the wrong one can complicate installation. If you are unsure, confirm the drain location with a plumber before selecting a tub.
Check Whether the Tub Is Included
Some products are complete tub-and-wall packages, while others are wall panels only. The American Standard set, for example, is intended for compatible Studio tubs that are sold separately. The WOODBRIDGE left-drain surround listing also has wording that can make the package contents unclear, so verify the selected option rather than relying on the product title alone.
Review Panel Material and Storage
Solid-surface composite panels offer a grout-free wall surface in the WOODBRIDGE sets, while the American Standard set uses impact-resistant polystyrene. Think about the amount and type of storage you want, too. The American Standard surround has six shelves, while the WOODBRIDGE panels use built-in niches.
Plan for Drain Parts and Installation
At least some of the tub-and-panel listings say that drain and overflow kits are sold separately. Check the parts list for the exact configuration you plan to buy, and confirm that the plumbing connections match your bathroom. Wall openings may also be needed for a niche, depending on the product and site conditions.
Consider the Scope of Your Remodel
A coordinated tub-and-panel set can make product matching simpler, while a separate wall surround may make sense if you already own a compatible tub. A large whirlpool tub is a different project: it has a much bigger footprint and should not be treated as a direct substitute for a standard alcove tub. Match the product to both your space and the type of installation you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a bathtub with side panels usually include?
It depends on the listing. A tub-and-panel package may include the bathtub and walls, while a wall set may include only two side panels and a back panel. Check the included-parts list and selected configuration before purchasing.
How do I know whether I need a left-drain or right-drain tub?
Face the tub from the front and locate your drain plumbing. The drain position in the tub should line up with that plumbing. If you cannot confirm the side, ask a plumber to check before ordering.
Do the WOODBRIDGE tub sets include a drain and overflow kit?
The supplied descriptions say that drain and overflow kits are sold separately for the listed tub configurations. Check the package details to see which additional parts you need.
Are wall panels easier to maintain than tile?
The panel sets in this comparison are described as having smooth or non-porous surfaces without grout lines. That can reduce grout upkeep, though you should follow the product’s cleaning instructions and keep the installation properly sealed.
Can I buy the American Standard wall set without a tub?
Yes. The product information describes a three-piece wall set, with the compatible American Standard Studio bathtub sold separately. It is specified for tub models 2946.102 or 2946.202.
Is the Empava whirlpool tub a good substitute for an alcove tub?
Not necessarily. It measures 71 by 51 inches and is presented as a two-person whirlpool tub, rather than a standard 60-by-32-inch alcove tub with a matching surround. Measure your space and confirm installation requirements before considering it.
Final Recommendation
For a standard alcove remodel, the WOODBRIDGE left-drain tub-and-panel combination is the clearest all-in-one choice in this group, provided its drain layout and niche installation suit your bathroom. The right-drain WOODBRIDGE set is another coordinated option, but check the selected configuration and remember that drain and overflow parts are separate. If you already own a compatible Studio tub, the American Standard wall set offers a practical panel-only alternative. Always verify dimensions, package contents, and plumbing needs before you buy.
