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While a shower offers convenience, a bathtub provides relaxation and comfort after a long and tiresome day. Therefore, it is nice to have a soaking bathtub in your bathroom when you need to pamper yourself.
Therefore, if you need to remodel your bathroom to install a bathtub or replace the existing one with a newer and more comfortable version, consider the five types of bathtubs discussed below. However, before settling on a select bathtub, you need to evaluate several factors such as the size, cost, style, people using it, and the material as each bathtub differs.
Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Bathtub for Your Bathroom
1. Material
When choosing a bathtub for your remodel, you must factor in the material used to make it. Different materials are used, and each differs in cost and comfort. So it is imperative to choose a suitable material as you’ll be spending quite a lot of time in the tub.
Different bathtub materials include fiberglass, porcelain, ceramic, acrylic, stone resin, cultured marble, wood, and copper, with fiberglass being the cheapest and copper the most expensive.
2. Size
The available space in your bathroom determines the size of your bathtub. The more space you have, the larger the bathtub. You can consider going for freestanding tub options such as clawfoot tubs or flat-bottom tubs. For smaller spaces, it would be best to stick to those bathtubs that don’t consume a lot of floor space, such as an alcove or drop-in.
Therefore, choose your bathtub accordingly to avoid having your bathroom look crowded. If a small bathtub serves the purpose, then, by all means, go for it as it saves you money.
3. Cost
What is your remodeling budget? The amount you are willing to spend on determines the quality of the bathtub you will get. If you want luxurious-style bathtubs such as the freestanding and platform, you will need to cough up a pretty sum.
Keep in mind that smaller bathtubs, such as an alcove or drop-in, are cost-effective and relatively easy to install. Bathtubs made of cheaper bathtub materials, such as fiberglass are always cheaper, but you will have to replace them faster as they tend to get porous and chip. On the other hand, the ones made of cast iron, copper, or steel are costly but more durable.
5 Types of Bathtubs to Use for Your Remodel
1. Alcove
They are the most common bathtub installation in the United States. Alcove bathtubs are fitted in a three-walled nook, and the faucet supplying water is autofitted into the wall.
An alcove or recessed bathtub is the least expensive and does not take an expert to install. With this tub, you don’t need much space as it has the least footprint of all bathtubs. And the best part is it fits snuggly in its allotted space.
An alcove tub is 60 inches long, but in some instances, it can range between 53 and 72 inches. This makes it perfect for small bathrooms. The downside of this bathtub is that it’s usually fitted in a tiled space or fitted with a wall surround. And since the front part has an apron, you can only install it facing one direction.
2. Platform
It is also known as a drop-in bathtub as it’s designed to sit on a deck frame. This tub is usually custom-made as the sides of the tubs are unfinished. Therefore, you will need a carpenter to create a deck to place the shell.
The outside of the deck is usually tiled, giving it an appealing outlook. The best part about platform bathtub installation is that it can be done in an alcove, but it is often done in a more open space. Therefore you’ll require more floor space. And you can be sure it’s not cheap to install.
The deck provides more space to place your soap, candles, and even a glass of wine as you soak and relax.
3. Combination Tub and Shower
A tub and shower combo is an excellent design for your bathroom as it maximizes your bathroom space, and it’s pretty easy to install. It makes it convenient when you need to take a quick shower.
This combo usually utilizes an alcove-style bathtub, and the walls are made from resin and fiberglass molding. Sometimes some shelves are fitted on the walls to hold the showering items, such as towels and soap. A shower curtain or clear glass doors will also be installed.
The showerhead faucet is installed high above the bathtub. This is an excellent option if you are looking to remodel your bathroom.
4. Corner
As the name suggests, a corner bathtub is fitted in one corner of your bathroom, and it is triangular. And like an alcove bathtub, a corner bathtub has a single frontal side exposed as the other two sides are attached to the wall.
Corner bathtubs take up more bathroom space and are expensive to install. They also take more time to fill up as they have more water capacity than other bathtubs.
They are less about bathing and more about kicking back and relaxing. Therefore, you will find that most corner bathtubs have bubble and whirlpool effects.
5. Freestanding
It is also referred to as a stand-alone bathtub. This bathtub is installed away from the bathroom walls, thus the name freestanding. Research shows that many homeowners doing a remodel prefer using a stand-alone bathtub.
There are different freestanding tub options, including clawfoot tubs and flat-bottom tubs. Clawfoot tubs are best for people who like a vintage look as they have metal claw stands, while flat-bottom tubs are best for a modern and luxurious bathroom design.
Stand-alone bathtubs are best with spacious bathrooms. They are not ideal for children as they will have difficulty getting out.
Final Words
If you are remodeling your bathroom, you have a chance to customize it to suit your needs and personality. And depending on your bathroom floor capacity and budget, this has been a list of five types of bathtubs to consider for your remodel.
If you want your bathtub installation to come out flawless, you must invest in quality materials. Above all, you must hire experts because you don’t want to destroy your expensive bathtub by attempting a DIY installation.
