A tub can transform bathtime from a regular routine to a pleasurable experience. Whether you are installing a bathtub in a newly built home or you are retrofitting a tub, you want to select one that meets your needs perfectly. However, with so many options, how do you choose the right tub?
Here is a guide to help you make an informed decision when you are in the market for a new bathtub.
1. Types
Tubs come in many different styles. The type you select will depend on your budget, style preferences, and the bathing experience you want.
The most common types include the standard, whirlpool, soaking, and walk-in tubs. Generally, the standard tub is a basic, no-frill bathtub, is the least expensive, and is easier to install.
A whirlpool tub comes with strategically placed water jets that massage your muscles and deliver a therapeutic bathing experience.
On the other hand, soakers are deeper than the standard tub, allowing you to fill the unit with more water for a luxurious soaking experience. Walk-in tubs allow easy access for senior users or those with a disability.
2. Material
Fiberglass and acrylic are the most common materials for making bathtubs. Both are inexpensive and lightweight but are not as durable as other materials such as marble or steel. Additionally, fiberglass does not stand up well to heat.
If you are looking for something more durable and with a better aesthetic appeal, consider bathtubs made out of metals such as copper, steel, cast iron, cast polymer, or marble. These tubs are comparably costlier but they will serve you for longer.
3. Size
Pay special attention to the available space in your house to select the right size bathtub. If you are retrofitting a bathtub to replace an old one, you will save costs if you install a bathtub that can fit into the existing space.
Expect to pay more in installation and remodeling costs if you want to expand the existing bathroom space.
If you are building a new bathroom, you have an opportunity to select a tub larger than the standard size. Be careful not to buy an unnecessarily long bathtub as you may have a hard time reclining comfortably.
Additionally, an extra-large tub may consume more water than is needed.
Before settling for any given tub, do not be afraid to jump into a display unit to get a feel of the shape and size of the tub.
4. Weight
The size and material will affect the weight of the tub. Whether you are looking to install the bathtub on the ground floor or on an upper floor, be sure that the floor can safely withstand the weight of the tub you want to buy.
Consider the weight of an unfilled and a filled bathtub. Most houses can support a standard acrylic or fiberglass bathtub, but you need to be extra careful if you want to install a large metal tub on the upper floors of the house. You may need additional support for the floor to support the weight of such a bathtub.
5. Placement
The available space and location where you want to install the bathtub will determine the kind of bathtub you need to buy. Freestanding tubs are stylish and contemporary but can take up a lot of space.
If you are replacing an old tub with a new one or you are seeking value for money, an alcove installation style might be your best bet. This style entails installing the tub in between three walls and is the most common placement option. Other placement styles include drop-in, under-mount, and corner tubs among others.
A lot goes into selecting the ideal bathtub for you and your family. At Quality Plumbing, we can help you identify and install a tub that you look forward to using every day. Get in touch with us today to discuss your project.