Bathtubs

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Bathtub?

A bathtub is primarily a place to get clean, but it is also a great place to relax, melt the stress away, or give ease to sore muscles. When selecting a bathtub for your bathroom remodeling project, you'll want to take into consideration a number of factors. Who will be using the tub? Does ease of access need to be a consideration as well? Are you looking for something with jetted features or simply a soaking tub?

Length and Height

While the width and the depth of a tub can vary, the standard tub length is 60 inches. This works well for most people. For those who enjoy spending time soaking in the tub and are over five feet tall, a free standing tub may make the best choice. Whether the household includes children or older people, or even pets that will sometimes be needing a bath, there are tubs available to suit everyone's needs.

Location of Plumbing

If it is an inset tub you have decided on, the most vital thing to keep in mind is which side the drain is on. Freestanding tubs offer the homeowner a bit more flexibility in which way the tub will face. Still though, measure the available space leading away from your drain to determine the maximum space you could use for your new tub There is more versatility when using a free standing tub. Be sure to get a right or left drain according to where the drain is in the bathroom.

Free Standing or Inset

An inset tub is standard in most homes. This tub abuts the wall on both ends and in the back. The front part, or the apron, is the only part that is exposed after installation. There are any different types of free-standing tubs now available. Some feature sides that lead all the way to the floor. Still others features legs as seen in the old fashioned claw foot tubs. On most, however, the back of the tub is sloped which makes it very nice for a long and relaxing soak. Installation of the free standing tub is easier to make changes to to best fit the room and the existing plumbing set up.

Faucet and Drain

There are many styles of bathtub faucets available. Many of the newer types are made to reduce the amount of water used. This is good for the environment as well as for reducing the water bill. Additionally, there are many finish choices available when selecting the tub faucet. Most homeowners opt for a faucet that will correlate with the finishes of the rest of their other unique bathroom accessories. The tub drain is available in two basic models, one with no plug and one with a built in plug. The one with no plug will need an additional plug to stop the flow of water down the drain. The built in types usually have a pull and twist design that is very easy to use and there is no need to keep track of another part.

Style and Finish

Since the bathtub is the largest thing in the bathroom, it is very important to pick the right style. There are many types to choose from in both the inset and the free standing designs. There are also many kinds of materials used to make bathtubs. These days most tubs are acrylic or fiberglass. These materials are usually the most affordable for home owners. They are light weight which makes installation easier. A steel or cast iron base covered with enamel is also used quite frequently. They are durable and solid and also available in a variety of color choices. Within each category of material there are many different styles and shapes to choose from. Most people do not replace the bathtub in their homes very often, so it is important to shop around to get a good idea of the many different designs available to choose from. The more people see what is out there, the more they will know what is the right kind for them for the best use in their homes. Additionally, should you have any questions regarding which is the right bathtub for your remodeling project, call one of our experts at 866-526-1843! We love to help homeowners create their dream!