Ultimate Bathtub Buying Guide
Sitting in your bathtub after a long day of work is one of the most relaxing ways to ease your stress, which is why it is important to weigh your choices for the best, most comfortable bathtub. However, buying and installing a bathtub can be challenging, especially if it is your first time. You need to take your time and do all the necessary research about tubs.
Types Of Bathtubs
Standard tub: These are the most common and affordable types of bathtubs that don’t usually come with any whistles or bells. The size can vary, although they usually come standard at 14-16″ high, 30″ wide, and 5 feet long. They have several installation options like drop-in, alcove, and freestanding. Soaking tubs: These are usually deeper, longer, and wider than your standard tub, which makes it more comfortable for you to get a better soaking experience. These are also more expensive, need more space and use more water than a standard bathtub. Whirlpool tubs: Whirlpool tubs come with jets located close to where your major muscles will be as you lie in the tub. Those jets offer a massage-like experience, relaxing and minimizing any pains you may have in your muscles. Air tubs: Instead of having jets at strategic places, these tubs have jets places in different areas that shoot air in a manner that evens out the pressure. While the air shots are more subtle and not as concentrated, people often find it more relaxing. Combination tubs: These are soaking tubs that may have air and/or whirlpool technology combined. Walk-in tubs: These are mostly for need and convenience and are best for people who find it hard to jump into other tubs like those who are elderly or disabled.
Types Of Tub Installation
Alcove tubs Installed between three walls, this is the most common type of bathtub installation. The tubs are mostly only finished on the open side and come with the option of adding a faucet or a showerhead. Corner tubs These are commonly three-sided tubs installed in your room’s corner with 2 of the three sides against the wall. They are the best if you have a small bathroom. Freestanding tubs These are not installed against a wall but are usually standing by themselves either on a base designed to handle their weight or on feet. They consume the most space. Drop-in tubs Also called platform tubs, they only have the basic shell with no finished side. They are to be dropped into a frame designed to match your room around it. Undermount tubs They are similar to drop-in tubs but have a deck around its rim made of materials like a stone or tile to match your bathroom floor.
Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A Bathtub
Size and shape Tubs are not one of those things that are one-size-fits-all. You have to determine how much space you have in your bathroom to determine the size of your tub. You have to ensure it will be big enough for you to fit inside comfortably but also not too big to fit in your current bathroom space. Ensure you also choose a shape that will meet your comfort and space needs perfectly. Budget Bigger and more modern-looking bathtubs are more expensive than the basic ones. Have a budget set aside for the tub, and ensure you go for one that fits that budget. Material Depending on your budget, how long you want your tub to last, and the complexity of cleaning it, there are several materials you can choose from such as plastic, enamel-steel, ceramic, copper, cast iron, acrylic, porcelain, stone resin, fiberglass, or cast-polymer. A good bathroom contractor can set you up with all the information you need.
