In upgrading a bathroom, picking the most appropriate bathtub is a major necessity. There are many various types of bathtubs to pick from, and we’ve put up this buying guide to assist you in narrowing down your options. Tubs in an alcove, cast iron tubs, platform tubs, freestanding tubs, and clawfoot tubs are just a few available styles.
Styles
Bathtubs are available in a wide range of styles to fit any bathroom, with the two most significant factors being available space and material. While an oval freestanding tub may be your preference, your space may only allow for around one. This is where your tastes play a role. Copper and natural stone, for example, can only be made in a limited number of styles, so it’s critical to match the material to the environment.
Freestanding Bathtubs
It’s simple to see why stand-alone bathtubs are growing more popular. Freestanding bathtubs can be utilised in any room because they do not require wall attachment. They also make a more vibrant focal point for your bathroom’s decor and are reasonably priced compared to other drop-in tubs.
Alcove Bathtub
On one finished side of three connecting walls, an alcove bathtub (also known as a recessed tub) or another type of recessed tub can be found. These bathtubs are widespread in apartments and smaller homes because they don’t take up a lot of space and can often be combined with a shower.
Oval Bathtub
The oval bathtub is a departure from the more traditional clawfoot shape. These bathtubs resemble water basins in that they are spherical and symmetrical. While these tubs are common in smaller homes, they have a more contemporary aesthetic that works well with the sharper corners and edges of the rest of the bathroom.
Corner Tub
The corner tub is similar to an alcove but much larger. These bathtubs are significantly larger than the standard alcove bathtub, but they take up the same amount of room. Tubs in alcoves are typically placed next to three adjoining walls, one of which is generally a window. These bathtubs, more like hot tubs than standard bathtubs, are designed for relaxation and therapeutic purposes.
Materials
Two of the most significant factors to consider are the cost and comfort of the material you choose for your bathtub. As a result, it’s critical to research what your bathroom can handle before deciding on the comfiest material. To get the most out of your bathtub, try out several materials to find which one is the most pleasant for you.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is the cheapest bathtub material. It is made up of reinforced plastic sheets that are moulded into the shape of a bathtub. The material is fairly robust, although porous and prone to chipping from hard impacts. It is porous, which means it will collect water regularly, eventually warping and becoming increasingly unstable.
Porcelain
Porcelain is made by overlaying cast iron bathtub or stamped steel with a porcelain enamel layer, which is a mixture of powdered glass and substrate heated into a durable coating. As a result, these bathtubs are extremely robust and non-porous, preventing them from warping or deteriorating over time. On the other hand, the porcelain coating is highly sensitive to strong hits, so be careful not to drop anything on it, or you’ll leave some very visible imperfections.
Acrylic
Bathtubs made with Acrylic material is for freestanding and built-in bathtubs because of its low weight and variety of design options. Using a mixture of petrochemicals, stabilisers, resin, and the necessary dye to create a solid sheet, acrylic is heated before being moulded into a bathtub shape and reinforced with fibreglass. The non-porous composition makes it more durable than fibreglass, despite its resemblance. In terms of chipping and hard impacts, it’s also resistant. However, you should still avoid throwing objects at your bathtub.
Ceramic
Compared to any other building material, ceramics can be created in a wide range of shapes and sizes, making this type of construction far more versatile. Ceramic bathtubs are manufactured by pressing together many ceramic tiles until they have cooled and solidified. On the other hand, Ceramic deteriorates and crumbles with time if not properly maintained.
Price
A bathtub’s price is influenced by the quality of its materials and the design you select. In general, smaller bathtubs are less expensive than larger ones. However, this does not imply that a larger vs a smaller bathtub is of higher quality. Here, the most important consideration is the content.
Weight
The weight of the tub you want to buy is an important consideration. Like its size, the weight of your bathtub will impact where you can put it. Because of the weight of the tub’s materials, your floor and home may not be able to hold the weight of the tub when it is full. These materials, such as Cast Iron Bathtub, Natural Stone and Copper, are beautiful, but they can be too heavy for some homes. This can be a challenge. If your floor isn’t strong enough, you may consider having it reinforced. Stone resin and acrylic, for example, are a good compromise between strength and weight, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Installation
You need to know which form of bathtub is the simplest to put in and which is more difficult to put in, depending on the size and shape of your bathtub. Alcove and drop-in tubs are often easier to install than freestanding and corner tubs. However, this may change depending on the material used and the overall weight of the bathtub you are trying to install. Installing it yourself may be difficult if it appears to be excessively hefty.
LifeStyle
When looking for a new bathtub, keep in mind the people using it. You might think this is an unusual statement, but it’s critical to consider how you’ll utilise your bathtub. A taller bathtub, for example, maybe difficult for smaller toddlers to enter and depart, allowing for longer soak times. This restriction does not apply to the elderly.
A Japanese or spherical bathtub may be an excellent choice for an older person, or if you’re willing to spend a little extra, you may obtain a bathtub with a walk-in door and grip bars to keep you from slipping while in the tub. Consider the individual’s height and physical restrictions when choosing a bathtub for a disabled or disabled person.
Conclusion
It’s a good idea to do some research before purchasing a bathtub because there are many factors to consider, such as size, cost, and comfort. Measure your bathroom and think about the demands of the people who live there while choosing the right bathtub for your home.