One of the most important staples of your home’s bathroom is, of course, the bathtub. The perfect bathtub, for some, sparks childhood memories of bubble baths with rubber ducks. Or, perhaps, this is the designated place for relaxing and unwinding with a candle-lit soak.
But not all bathtubs are created equal. When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, it’s important to find one that both suits the needs of your household and looks great. Here we'll cover the steps you should take to choose the perfect bathtub, from selecting the type to picking the material and finding the style that is best for your new bathroom.
Select the Type
First things first, you need to make sure that you pick a bathtub that suits your household's needs and any aesthetic you're aiming to achieve in the bathroom. Here's a look at some of the more popular bathtub types to choose from:
- Alcove/Recessed: The most popular type of tub in the United States, these bathtubs are installed into a wall and surrounded on three sides. It usually functions as a bathtub and shower combo.
- Corner: These are bathtubs that typically exist separate from the shower and fit snugly into a corner of the bathroom.
- Drop-In: If your bathroom remodel is heavy on customization, then a drop-in bathtub could be right for you. Drop-in tubs are normally surrounded by either walls or flooring. The one downside to drop-in bathtubs is they often require more intensive installation.
- Freestanding: Fitting to the name, these tubs are typically unfinished on all sides and can more flexibly fit into the bathroom. They're a good fit in high-level bathrooms, as they tend to be more luxurious than many of the other types on this list.
- Walk-In Tubs: Ideal for senior citizens or adults with mobility problems, walk-in tubs are a perfect option for anyone that might be challenged when using a conventional bathtub. With this tub, there are no steps. To enter and exit, simply open and close a door.
- Garden Tubs: These are similar to freestanding tubs, except they tend to be a much more luxurious option.
Once you have settled on the type of bathtub that would best suit your bathroom and personal needs, then it's time to move on to the next step; choosing the material.
Choose the Material
After you’ve selected a type of bathtub, you can now move on to browsing the available materials. The type of material you choose will also affect the price, so be sure you have a budget in mind. Here are the four main materials used to construct bathtubs:
- Fiberglass: The nice thing about fiberglass tubs is that they tend to be affordable and they're also very easy to maintain. However, their durability is a bit lacking compared to other materials.
- Acrylic: Unlike fiberglass, acrylic tends to be very durable and scratch-resistant. However, the one big downside to acrylic is that it can warp over time, which can cause some structural issues. Acrylic is also a more expensive option compared to many of the others.
- Cast Iron/Steel: Metal tubs tend to be durable and long-lasting. However, they do have some notable drawbacks. For instance, they're typically limited when it comes to design options. They're also very heavy, which can make them more difficult to transport and install.
- Cast Polymer: Durability, flexibility and the range of design options are a few of the key benefits associated with a cast polymer tub. However, while cast polymer tubs don't easily scratch, they can crack. Though cracks can be repaired, they may have an impact on the overall look and feel of the tub itself.
Once you’ve selected a material, you can now move on to the final step of the process: creating your bathroom aesthetic with a style!
Decide on the Style
The style of bathtub you select for your remodeled bathroom should be a combination of what type will work best (in terms of function and design) and what your personal preferences or tastes are. And while all the types of bathtubs that we've mentioned above come in different sizes to fit within the four walls of your bathroom, some bathtubs may be better suited for your project than others.
For instance, if your bathroom is smaller in size, you'll likely want to select an alcove or drop-in tub. If it's larger in size, then a freestanding tub, corner tub, or garden tub might make more sense.
You should also consider your bathroom’s decor. As a bathtub is often the statement piece, you’ll want to imagine how it will work with the overall design and aesthetic of this space. For example, if you are going for a farmhouse vibe, you may want to consider a copper, free-standing tub. However, if you are going for a beachy theme, consider the clean look of an acrylic, drop-in tub.
Whatever way you choose to design your new bathroom, the bathtub of your choosing should add an element of functionality and style. For the finest bathtubs – in a variety of styles and finishes – at affordable prices, browse the collections from Luxury Bath for Less. For more information about our bath products, send us a message through our contact form.