Different Types of Bathtubs: The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Bathtub

Different Types of Bathtubs: The Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Bathtub

Few things are better than a hot, long and relaxing soak in the bathtub after a long day of work. When your muscles are sore, and your body aches, a hot tub can be the perfect remedy that will bring you back to live, relieve physical pain and discomfort and reduce stress. Bathtubs nowadays have become more than just an asset for good hygiene. With different bathtubs regarding style, installation and materials, it is becoming harder and harder to find the right bathtub for you. Before you consider what type of tub is the one for you, answer the following questions: - How often do you use the bathtub, and for what purpose? - How much space you have in the room for a bathtub? - Where will you place the tub? - What design fits you best? What color or/and material will fit best for your style? 

Basic Generalization of Tubs

As mentioned previously, there are different generalizations of tube. The most basic one is soaking tub, walk-in bathtub and whirpool and air tubs. Soaking tubs are deeper than standard bathtubs, with their sole purpose to allow you to soak your entire body into the hot water. Soaking tubs come in various shapes, styles and sizes, with the biggest difference the amount of water they can hold. Walk-in tubs come with a door that serves to purpose of allowing you to walk in directly into the tub and eliminates the need of climbing over the edge. Walk-in tubs are recommended for elderly people and people with limited mobility. Because of the door, walk-in tubes can sometimes occupy larger space. Last, but not least, whirlpool and air tubs are actually therapeutic baths that can shoot air bubbles and water into the tub. For the owner and the user of the tub, this provides massage sensation.

Different Materials

In most cases, choosing the material depends on the budget of the household. Some are cheaper, some are more expensive, and some are just in between. Choosing the right material depends on lots of factors. So, in order to find the best for you, let’s list some of the features of each material.

• Fiberglass is actually a reinforced plastic covered in gelcoat. Fiberglass is mostly used for air and whirlpool tubs because of it flexibility. Fiber tubs can be shaped easily, and the gelcoat provides the glossy surface. Fiberglass is one of the easiest materials for cleaning.
• Acrylic is the commonly used material for bathtubs, with wide palette of styles and shapes to consider. Acrylic tubs are resistant to fading and abrasion, they are lightweight, and if insulated, they hold heat. Acrylic is more expensive than fiber, and some classify it as expensive plastic. The price can vary between $350 and $800. Acrylic is prone to scratching, but the scratches can easily be repaired.
• Enameled steel are moderately priced tubs with a reputation for resistance to strains and scratches. The choice of colors is limited, and the price can go as high as $1,000. Similar to cast iron, enameled steel tubs have one downside, and that is susceptibility to rusts. They retain heat well, and provide excellent soundproofing. Thanks to their lightweight, enameled tubs can be moved easier than cast iron.
• Cast iron is similar to enameled steel, but with a sole difference of offering more color choices. Aside from colors, cast iron offers same features as enameled steel: great heat insulation and stain resistance. Their weight requires stout deliverymen and support in the bathroom. The price can go as high as $1,200.
• Wood is one of the most unique materials you can have in your bathroom. The downside is you wood comes with a lot of baggage, as in solid surface sealer that will prevent deterioration. Wood does not offer long-term durability, as the material is susceptible to water staining and leaking. In order to get a special leak-proof and durable bathtub, you will probably need to invest more than $10,000 because of the special preparations needed to ensure your safety.
• Solid surfaces are made out of composition of acrylic and polyester resins that are then baked into sheets. The result is a flexible surface that retains heat well, is stain resistant and comes in wide range of colors.
• Cast Polymer is a material that offers a mixture of the advantages of stone and synthetic materials. For starters, you get the look of stone and the flexibility of synthetic materials that result in more color choices and styles. The only problem is gel coating is not as durable as other materials, acrylic for example.
• Cultured marble is the best “stone” option for bathtub producing a solid-surface product. Marble is usually pricier than other materials, but the advantages are: sleek and stylish look, wide palette of colors and patterns, stain resistance and long durability. The downside is that marble can be scratched easily.
• Copper is the ultimate material for fine bathroom couture. If you are ready to pay $5,000+ for a bathtub, you’ll be a proud owner of a bathtub that everyone will love to look at.

Installation

• One of key factors to consider before purchasing a bathtub is the installation process. Where will you position the tub is one of the first question to answer here. In that regard, these are the different types of tubs. Alcove tube is rectangular in shape, and you can install it adjacent to three walls. One side of the tub is left accessible, with the front, back and one side always bordered with a wall or other structure. Alcove tubs are usually considered the standard bathtub, with the installation coming from right or left side.
• Platform installation tubs are also known as “drop in” tubs. The installation requires a built-up structure, where the rim of the structure is as the same level as the top of the deck. In most cases, whirlpool and air tubs use platform installation.

The sole difference between platform installation and undermount installation is that the rim is covered by surrounding deck which can be made out of tiles and/or stones. A floor structure supports the tub, positioned underneath. One of the things you need to consider is whether you will need or want to move/remove the tub. If you opt for stone deck top, you will need to break it in order to remove the tub. The last two types of installation are free standing and corner installation. Both are self-explanatory, with the free standing easy to position anywhere in the bathroom. The only thing to consider is you need to position the tub close to delivery and drain plumbing.

Tub Features

Some of the features that can be installed on any bathtub can enrich your bathroom, or change completely the outlook and function of the tub. Mosaic and ceramic tiles can be used to customize the tub. The price of your tub will go up, but you’ll end up with a unique piece of tub in your bathroom. ADA Compliance is a feature designed for elderly people and people with special needs. The ADA Compliance ensures your tub is on pair with the Americans with Disabilities Act. One of the features here are a grab bars and other accessories that allow for better movement in and out of the tub.  Other unique features include installation of jets and bubbles, chromatherapy with underwater LED lights, music, digital controls, and so on.   dRemodeling - is a Philadelphia design and build company specializing in bathroom makeover projects- for more information about bathrooms or to schedule an appointment with our designers  call us now 215-848-4444

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