Guide to Choose a Bathtub for your bathroom - Homeslibro

Guide to Choose a Bathtub for your bathroom - homeslibro

 

When it comes to choosing a bathtub, you need to consider how much space you have, and how you will use it—do you like to spend hours soaking, or prefer to shower? You also need to think of practicalities:  a deep bathtub may look luxurious, but it will take longer to fill and weigh more than a conventional bathtub.

 

CHOOSE THE SHAPE

The shape of the bathtub you choose depends on the size and proportions of your bathroom. For example, your awkwardly shaped bathroom may be most suited to a corner bathtub, or you may only have room for a standard rectangular tub.

ALCOVE

This bathtub shape comes in a variety of lengths.  Choose from single-ended, where the faucets are installed at one end, or centred, where the faucet holes are either in the middle of the faucets are wall-mounted,  allowing you to sit at either end of the bathtub.

 

FREESTANDING

If you have the space and want to make a stylish statement, a freestanding bathtub is the best choice. Some designs can be very heavy, especially when filled with water, so make sure your floor can take the weight; a contractor or structural engineer will be able to tell you if the joists are strong enough to support it.

 

ROLL-TOP

Despite its traditional style, the design of a roll-top bathtub works in both modern and period bathrooms.  Typically, it comes with a cast-iron ball and claw's feet, but there are more styles available in a choice of finishes, including brass, gold, and chrome. You will need to check with a contractor or structural engineer if your bathroom floor can take the weight.

 

SHOWER BATHTUB

If you are going to have a shower attachment over the bathtub, consider a shape that provides extra showering space. These bathtubs are either  L-shaped or bowed to make one end of the bathtub roomier.

 

CORNER BATHTUB

Corner tubs range in size from small and space-efficient to large and dramatic. They don’t require the long wall that other tubs do, however, they do require more floor space and use more water than standard tubs, and you may not be able to lie down in them comfortably.

 

CHOOSE THE MATERIAL

If you want to make a style statement, look for a bathtub in a “stand-out” unusual material and be prepared to pay for it. If practicality and a low budget are higher up on your list, shop for an eye-catching bathtub shape in a cheaper material.

ACRYLIC

A popular choice, acrylic is warm to the touch, lightweight, and durable, so can be made into a variety of shapes and sizes.  It’s a relatively inexpensive option.

STEEL

Heavy, hard-wearing, medium-cost steel is usually only available in a rectangular shape. Its vitreous enamel surface is impact-, scratch-, and acid-resistant.

CAST-IRON

Medium-priced and heavy, a cast-iron bathtub is extremely strong, but it cools hot water quickly. It has a durable surface that is impact- and scratch-resistant.

COPPER

Although an expensive option, a copper bathtub is a style statement. It also heats up instantly when in contact with warm water and retains the warmth for longer.

WOOD

Available in good-looking woods like ash,  walnut, teak, and iroko, this expensive option has a finishing coat that strengthens the structure and provides a durable finish.

SOLID-SURFACE MIX

Usually a mix of stone and resin, this high-cost bathtub is very tough and hard-wearing and can be moulded into any shape. Choose from a variety of colours.

 

WHIRLPOOL AND SPA BATHTUBS

If you are replacing your bathtub,  look for models with whirlpool or spa systems (or both, known as hydro systems) built in.

 

Spa bathtubs

Spa bathtubs have low-profile nozzles set into the base of the bathtub; these pump air bubbles into the water, creating a gentle,  fizzing massage effect.

 

Whirlpool bathtubs

Whirlpool bathtubs have jets set around the sides of the tub. A powerful pump, usually situated beneath the tub, pushes a mix of air and water through the jets,  creating an invigorating massage  effect that can be controlled with turbo or electronic controls.

Whirlpool bathtubs are easier to keep clean since a cleaning solution can be passed through the pipework (many spa systems can only be cleaned after being soaked in a cleaning solution).

Putting in one of these tubs is as easy as installing a regular tub:  the piping is already in place. However, the junction box for the power supply must be installed by a certified electrician.