American Standard Studio 60x32 Alcove Tub or American Standard Princeton 60x30 Above-Floor? Which American Standard Model to Buy
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This american standard studio 60x32 alcove tub vs princeton 60x30 above comparison helps you pick the right fit. Both tubs are sixty inches long and feature integral aprons for recessed installation. The main difference lies in their construction and placement. The Studio uses acrylic for a lightweight, minimalist soak. The Princeton uses Americast for a heavier, above-floor rough-in design. Your choice depends on your bathroom layout and preferred material feel.
Key differences
| Aspect | American Standard Studio 60x32 Alcove Tub | American Standard Princeton 60x30 Above-Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Alcove Tub | Bathtub (Above floor rough installation) |
| Material | Acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement | Americast |
| Width | 32 inches | 30 inches |
| Drain Location | Right-hand | Left-hand |
| Height | 19 inches | 17.5 inches |
| Weight | 60 pounds | 129 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose American Standard Studio 60x32 Alcove Tub if
- You need a wider soaking area with a thirty-two-inch width.
- You prefer a lighter tub that is easier to handle during installation.
- You are installing a right-hand drain configuration.
Choose American Standard Princeton 60x30 Above-Floor if
- You want an above-floor rough-in installation style.
- You prefer the durability and feel of Americast over acrylic.
- You require a left-hand drain placement.
Verdict: Choose the Studio if you prioritize a lighter weight, wider basin, and standard alcove integration. Select the Princeton if you need an above-floor rough-in setup or prefer the heavier, more rigid feel of Americast. Your decision rests on the specific drain side and installation method required by your bathroom.
Studio vs Princeton Key Specs
Tub type and fit
The American Standard Studio is an alcove tub designed for recessed installation. It features an integral apron and a three-sided tile and water retention flange. This setup allows you to surround the tub with tiles on the open sides. The Princeton is an above-floor rough-in tub. It also has an integral apron and tiling flange but is built for above-floor installation. This means the bottom of the tub sits above the subfloor. You must choose the type that matches your existing plumbing and floor structure. The Studio fits standard alcove layouts, while the Princeton requires a different mounting approach.
Material and build
The Studio is made from high-quality acrylic with fiberglass reinforcement. This material offers a high-gloss surface that is UV stable and stain resistant. The finish is easy to clean and maintains its look over time. The Princeton uses Americast material. This composite is described as half the weight of cast iron, making it easier to install. Americast provides a durable, solid feel similar to traditional cast iron but with less mass. Both materials offer good durability. Acrylic is lighter and more flexible, while Americast offers a heavier, stone-like rigidity. Your choice depends on whether you prefer the lightness of acrylic or the solidity of Americast.
Overall dimensions
Both tubs share the same length of sixty inches. The Studio is thirty-two inches wide, while the Princeton is thirty inches wide. The Studio stands nineteen inches high, whereas the Princeton is seventeen and a half inches high. The Princeton is available in other heights, including fourteen and twenty-three inches, depending on the variation you select. The Studio is a fixed size. The extra two inches of width in the Studio may provide slightly more interior space. The Princeton offers height flexibility if you need a lower or higher rim. Measure your bathroom carefully to ensure the width and height fit your space.
Drain location
Drain placement is critical for your plumbing connection. The Studio model shown has a right-hand drain. This means the drain opening is on the right side when you face the tub from the apron. The Princeton model shown has a left-hand drain. It is available in both left and right drain options. If your existing plumbing pipes are on the left, the Princeton fits without moving pipes. If they are on the right, the Studio fits directly. You must verify the drain location matches your rough-in plumbing. Mismatched drains require expensive plumbing adjustments. Check your pipe location before buying either tub.
Weight and handling
The Studio weighs sixty pounds. This makes it relatively light and easy for one or two people to handle during installation. The Princeton weighs one hundred twenty-nine pounds. It is significantly heavier, which may require more help to lift and position. However, the Princeton material is noted to be half the weight of cast iron, suggesting it is lighter than traditional heavy tubs. The Studio is the lighter option overall. If you are installing this alone or with limited help, the Studio is easier to manage. The Princeton requires more physical effort to move into place. Consider your installation team size when deciding.
Which American Standard Tub Fits Your Space
Small bathroom owners with tight width constraints
The Princeton measures 30 inches wide, making it a better fit for narrower alcoves than the 32-inch Studio. Its above-floor rough installation style allows for flexible positioning. You get a 60-inch length for soaking without sacrificing precious floor width in compact layouts.
Users prioritizing lightweight acrylic for easy handling
The Studio weighs only 60 pounds, which is significantly lighter than the Princeton's 129 pounds. This lightweight acrylic construction makes it easier to maneuver during installation. You benefit from a contoured lumbar support and a high-gloss, stain-resistant surface that is simple to clean.
Those needing a right-hand drain configuration
The Studio features a right-hand drain, which suits standard plumbing layouts on the right side. While the Princeton offers left or right options, the Studio provides this specific configuration directly. Its integral apron and three-sided flange ensure a secure fit for recessed alcove applications.
The products compared
American Standard Studio 60x32 Alcove Tub
Best for: Standard alcove bathrooms with right-hand drainage
- Type
- alcove
- Material
- acrylic
- Length
- 60 inches
- Drain Location
- right-hand
- Color
- White
- Size
- 60"X32"
View on Amazon: American Standard Studio 60x32 Alcove Tub Affiliate link
The American Standard Studio is a 60-inch by 32-inch alcove tub designed for recessed installation. It features a white acrylic shell with fiberglass reinforcement for durability. The right-hand drain placement suits standard plumbing layouts. Its 19-inch height and integral tile flange simplify installation. This model offers a minimalist design with contoured lumbar support for comfortable soaking.
Pros
- 60-inch length provides ample soaking space
- 32-inch width offers generous seating area
- Acrylic material with fiberglass reinforcement ensures strength
- Integral 3-sided tile flange simplifies installation
- Contoured lumbar support adds ergonomic comfort
Cons
- Right-hand drain limits plumbing flexibility
- Alcove design requires surrounding walls for support
- No built-in jets or massage features
Good fit if
- You need a standard 60-inch alcove tub
- You prefer a minimalist white acrylic finish
- You have right-hand plumbing connections
Skip if
- You require a left-hand drain configuration
- You want a freestanding soaking tub
- You need a jetted or whirlpool system
Verdict: American Standard Studio 60x32 Alcove Tub is a practical choice for bathrooms needing a standard alcove installation with right-hand drainage. It suits buyers who prioritize durable acrylic construction and simple, clean lines over complex features.
American Standard Princeton 60x30 Above-Floor
Best for: above-floor rough-in installations with left drain
- Type
- bathtub
- Material
- Americast
- Length
- 60 inches
- Drain Location
- Left hand
- Mount Type
- Above floor rough installation
- Dimensions
- 60 × 30 × 17.5 inches
View on Amazon: American Standard Princeton 60x30 Above-Floor Affiliate link
This American Standard Princeton tub is a 60-inch by 30-inch Americast model designed for above-floor rough installation. It features a left-hand drain and includes a polished chrome bath drain. The tub weighs 129 pounds, which is half the weight of cast iron, making it easier to handle. It has an integral apron and tiling flange for a recessed bath look. This model suits those needing a lighter, above-floor solution.
Pros
- Americast material weighs only 129 pounds
- Above-floor rough installation design
- Includes polished chrome bath drain
- Integral apron with tiling flange
Cons
- Left-hand drain limits placement options
- Above-floor installation requires specific framing
- Standard 17.5-inch height may be low for some
Good fit if
- You need a tub that weighs less than cast iron
- You are installing an above-floor rough-in bathtub
- You prefer a white finish with chrome drain
Skip if
- You require a right-hand drain outlet
- You need an alcove-style recessed installation
- You prefer a deeper soaking height over 17.5 inches
Verdict: American Standard Princeton 60x30 Above-Floor is a lightweight Americast tub for above-floor rough installations with a left drain. It fits buyers who need easier handling than cast iron and have the framing ready for this specific mount type.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | American Standard Studio 60x32 Alcove Tub | American Standard Princeton 60x30 Above-Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Type | alcove | bathtub |
| Material | acrylic | Americast |
| Length | 60 inches | 60 inches |
| Drain Location | right-hand | Left hand |
| Mount Type | not stated | Above floor rough installation |
| Color | White | White/Chrome |
| Size | 60"X32" | 5 Feet |
| Dimensions | 60 × 32 × 19 inches | 60 × 30 × 17.5 inches |
| Weight | 60 pounds | 129 pounds |
| Model | 2946102.020 | 2392202ICH.020 |
Frequently asked questions
Is the American Standard Studio tub suitable for a right-hand drain?
Yes, the Studio 60x32 is designed for right-hand drainage. This configuration places the drain on the right side when you face the tub. It is ideal for standard alcove bathrooms where plumbing is installed on that side. The three-sided tile flange helps secure the unit in place.
Does the Princeton model have a left or right drain?
The Princeton 60x30 features a left-hand drain. This placement is specific to above-floor rough-in installations. You should verify your existing plumbing location before purchasing. This model is best for buyers who need a left-side drain setup for their bathroom renovation.
Which tub is lighter to install?
The Studio 60x32 is lighter, weighing 60 pounds. The Princeton 60x30 weighs 129 pounds due to its Americast construction. The lighter Studio is easier to handle during installation. This weight difference matters if you are managing the move yourself or have limited help.
What is the difference in width between these two tubs?
The Studio is 32 inches wide, while the Princeton is 30 inches wide. The Princeton is narrower, making it a better fit for tighter spaces. If your alcove has strict width constraints, the 30-inch model provides a more compact footprint. Both tubs share the same 60-inch length.
How tall is the American Standard Princeton tub?
The Princeton tub has a height of 17.5 inches. This dimension is relevant for above-floor rough-in installations. You need to ensure your framing and subfloor height accommodate this specific height. It is slightly shorter than the Studio, which stands at 19 inches tall.
Can I use the Princeton tub in a standard alcove?
The Princeton is designed for above-floor rough-in installations, not standard alcove setups. It lacks the integral apron and three-sided flange found on the Studio. You should choose the Studio for recessed alcove installations. The Princeton requires specific framing and mounting conditions for proper installation.
What material is the American Standard Studio made of?
The Studio tub is constructed from durable acrylic. This material offers a smooth surface and simple, clean lines. Acrylic is known for its resilience and ease of cleaning. It provides a practical choice for buyers who prioritize long-lasting performance without complex features.