Choosing a Bathtub for your Bathroom Remodel

 

Logo

 

McManus Kitchen and Bath provides a single place where you can work with interior design and construction professionals who can help you create a happy, healthy home. We start each project with a Design and Budget Consult. It will help you clarify your design ideas, understand the remodeling process and create a Good Better Best Budget for your project. Click Here to Schedule a Consult

Choosing a Bathtub Tallahassee

Some bathtubs are more art than fixture

Choosing a Bathtub is fairly simple. You either want a free standing tub, a drop in tub or a whirlpool tub. And they can be made of just a few materials (if you leave out exotic materials like tubs carved from granite). Once you know the type of bathtub and the material you want it made from it becomes all about choosing a bathtub that has the style you like.

Choosing a Bathtub when Remodeling

Installation Considerations:
Measure carefully to make sure there is sufficient room and pay attention to the location of the drain and water supply unless you want to pay to have those things moved. Tubs can be installed against a wall, in a corner or even in the middle of the bathroom.

How will you use it?

Before shopping for a tub, first ask yourself how you will use it. Do you prefer a long lingering soak, or an invigorating whirlpool massage? Is it just for washing pets or just to be used by children? A lot of realtor don’t see tubs as a necessity in the home anymore but for some people they are still essential.

 Other tips: 
• Lie down in a tub before purchasing to make sure it feels comfortable
• Not all tubs allow for the installation of a shower
• Heavy tubs, like cast iron, may require the floor to be reinforced.
• Determine whether the drain and spout need to be on the left or right


Custom Tile Bathtub

Custom bathtub made from large format porcelain tile

Choosing a Bathtub – Bath Tub Materials

Here’s a quick overview of the most common bathtub materials and their pro’s and cons.

Acrylic 

Pros: Low cost, lightweight

Cons: “Cheap” feel, can scratch easily. Do not retain heat well, bathwater can cool quickly.

Cost: Low

Acrylic is a plastic with a high gloss finish. It’s lightweight so there are not many restrictions as to where it can be installed. The material is rather thin and flexes under your feet making it feel flimsy and cheap to some. It’s one of the less expensive tub materials as well. A cousin to the Acrylic tub is the Fiberglass Gelcoat or Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP). It’s an even glossier surface which is cheaper than acrylic but can damage easily.


Cast iron

Pros: Durable, very pretty. Retain heat well.

Cons: Expensive, heavy

Cost: High

Dome would call cast iron the ultimate bathtub material. It looks great and lasts a lifetime. They can also be refinished. They are very heavy (especially when full of water) so second floor installations may require some reinforcement. The porcelain can chip and then the iron underneath can rust.


Porcelain on steel

Pros: Lightweight, good heat retention, durable

Cons: None really, except that is does not quite match the quality of Cast Iron.

Cost: Medium

Similar in looks and heat retention of cast iron but again, much lighter in weight. A good option in our opinion.


Composite Bathtubs

Pros: Good heat retention, similar look as cast iron. lightweight

Cons: Expensive, hard to find in some areas

Cost: High

An engineered material which is then coated in enamel. Gives you the look and same heat retention of a cast iron bath, but is much lighter in weight.


Bathtub surround

A tile surround can make a boring bathtub really stand out

Choosing a Bathtub – Basic Bathtub Types

Freestanding Tubs

Everyone loves a claw foot tub. Today’s freestanding tubs come in lots of shapes and styles.

Common Mistakes:

Some people choose to replace a built in tub with a freestanding tub. But freestanding tubs need to be cleaned around and if they are installed too close to a wall or walls that can make cleaning around them a challenge.

Another common mistake with freestanding tubs is to install a chandelier over them. Lots of decor magazines show photos of beautiful chandeliers hanging over tubs but in reality this is a violation of the building code.

Built-in Bath Tubs

Most likely the most common type of tub installed in the US. They save a lot of space when compared to a freestanding tub and are more economical. Panels can be added to the side to add a decorative flair.

Common Mistakes:

Not choosing the correct size. Make sure your tubs “rough in” measurement matches the space you have to install it.

Whirlpool Tubs

These are kind of dated. Many people are removing them and installing one of the other two types instead. One main reason for this is space. Whirlpool tubs are large and take up a lot of space. They also take a long time to fill with water. However if taking a luxury bath at the end of a long week is a common practice, a whirlpool tub is the way to go.


I hope you found our guide useful. If you have any question please email or call.

Thanks for reading! We’d love to be a part of your next remodel. Check out our design services page.

Paul McManus

Certified Residential Contractor

www.mcmanuskithchenandbath.com

Estimate from a Remodeling Contractor

Get a realistic, no pressure assessment of your options and costs. 

Schedule A Design and Budget Consult

  • Clarify Your Design Ideas with 3D Renderings
  • Detailed Estimate of Materials and Labor
  • Explore material and fixture options in our showroom

Design Build Remodeling Contractor, Tallahassee

McManus Kitchen and Bath is a design build remodeling contractor with a full service showroom right here in Tallahassee. We help homeowners update their home with a turn key process so you can enjoy the remodeling experience as much as you’ll enjoy the result.

We start with a detailed and realistic budget. From there your designer will help you explore options, choose the perfect materials and create a final design specific to your needs.

Once design is complete we order everything for you and store it until needed. Your dedicated project manager supervises all on site construction and makes sure your home stays clean and safe throughout the project.