Tag Archives: Choices

Finding the Right Bathtub for Your Unique Bathroom

Posted on by Scott
Jane Worthington

There are so many types of bathtubs out there, the choices can be overwhelming. If you are looking for a new tub for your bathroom, then here are few ideas about how to find the right one for you. There are bathtubs for every function and interior design, so you can narrow down what you’re looking for and not find yourself with too many choices and no idea about what will work for you. It’s so much easier to shop if you know exactly what you’re looking for! Here are the bathtub basics for you:

1. Freestanding bathtubs – This style of bathtub is one that stands independently in your bathroom, and is not built into any of the walls. These bathtubs tend to take up the most floor space, so you usually need to have a fairly large bathroom to accommodate the size of these bathtubs. Because of their size, they often tend to be the focal point of a bathroom, and if you pick a beautiful freestanding bathtub, you can design the whole bathroom around it. Contrary to popular belief, there are free standing tubs in modern styles as well as old fashioned ones. You may only think of clawfoot tubs and antique styles with the free standing style, but there are contemporary designs for this style of bathtub as well for you to choose from.

2. Built in bathtubs – These tubs are usually built into the side of a wall or into a corner to maximize space in a bathroom. If you have a smaller bathroom, then this type of bathtub would be a good choice for you, and depending on your floor plan, you can pick the built-in model that will work in your bathroom. You can find built in tubs in many different styles and in almost every color you can imagine. Built in bathtubs are very popular in modern homes, but remember that they will require more of an installation process than freestanding bathtubs.

3. Whirlpool bathtubs –You can find whirlpool tubs in built in or freestanding designs because manufacturers know that these tubs are in demand. Adding massage jets is a very popular and luxurious trend in the bath world, and many homeowners who upgrade their old bathrooms want to add this feature to their new bath tub. If you are going to the trouble of remodeling your bathroom, don’t be shy about asking for this upgrade, because a whirlpool tub will make bathing a luxurious experience for you everyday.

Jason

A Guide to Choosing the Right Bathtub

Posted on by Scott
Rob Barnes

There are hundreds of different kinds of bathtubs available in the markets today, all of varying styles, which is why selecting the right one for your home is not a very simple task. Not only do you have to pick the right color to match your bathroom and ensure that the design is right, but many more decisions have to be taken. To help you in this regard, we have put together this article that will show you exactly how to go about choosing a bathtub.

1) Functionality: Before you go to choose a bathtub, you should be clear about your requirements from the bathtub. Do not buy a whirlpool tub just because it looks so comfortable and inviting. Will you actually be using the jets often and can you justify the added energy costs as well as extra water consumption? While comfort is very important while choosing a bathtub, you also want to ensure that you will make use of all the features of the tub.

2) Size of the bathtub: The size of the bathtub is a major purchase criterion. People often assume that if the tub is big enough to fit them comfortably then it is the right size. However, there is such a thing as a too big bathtub. While the tub should definitely not be small for you, there shouldnt be too much extra space either, which results in water wastage. Another thing to consider is whether you want a one person or two person tub. If you are likely to want to share your bathtub with your partner, go in for the 2 person one. However, if bath time is when you want to be with your thoughts, then choose the regular sized single person bathtubs.

3) Design, shape, and color: While functionality of a bathtub is very important, its looks matter a lot too. If your bathtub matches in style and color with the other fixtures in the bathroom and fits in with your bathroom theme, your entire bath area will become that much more appealing. Thus, do try to find a matching color and style of bathtub. Your choices in colors are cream, white, pink, blue, black, brown, green, maroon, etc.

4) Material of the bathtub: Many different materials are used to make bathtubs, which in turn give the bathtubs different degrees of durability, strength, and difficulty of maintenance. According to their materials, tubs are classified as Acrylic tubs, Porcelain tubs, Cast iron tubs, Fiberglass, Marble, and Wood. While a fiberglass tub can be very cost effective, it may not be as durable as porcelain or an acrylic tub. A cast iron tub can last you for years but is quite expensive. Marble and Wooden tubs can look very attractive but are very high maintenance and will not last you for very long. Thus, your choice of tub material will depend on your budget, your frequency of use, ease of maintenance of the tub, and its durability.

5) Soaking or standard: The difference between a standard bathtub and a soaking tub is that the soaking variety is much deeper and enables you to immerse your entire body into the warm water instead of just your lower half. And since tubs are now being used for their therapeutic value as they help lower stress, relieve pain, and lower hypertension, you need to decide whether you want such a tub or not. If you do, then you will be better off buying a soaking tub instead of a regular bathtub.

6) Special Needs: Bathtubs have traditionally not been very user friendly if you are old or handicapped. Getting in and out of bathtubs can be dangerous for people with such special needs, and there is also a danger of slipping and hurting yourself. However, with ADA compliant bathtubs, you need not worry about all this anymore. ADA tubs are manufactured such that entry and exit is extremely easy and they also offer protection from slip and fall accidents due to the presence of grab bars and grab rails. Thus, if you or any family members have special requirements, do consider buying an ADA tub.

Thus, you should choose a bathtub only after taking all the above factors into consideration. Your budget will also determine your choice of tub, but there are bathtubs available in all different price ranges so finding one within your budget should not be a problem.

By considering all the above factors before buying a bathtub, choosing the perfect one will be a breeze!

Jason