LOOKING FOR A NEW BATHTUB?
We describe the latest styles and materials available in today's bathtubs
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First, Know What's Out There
Just a few short years ago your bathtub choices were limited, and when you did a bathroom remodel, usually the new tub was basically like the old one so it would easily fit in the same place. There are so many new (and old) styles now, complete with size choices. No longer are you locked into your mother's old bathtub style. And if you have the room, there's no reason why you can't add a large, jacuzzi-style bathtub to your bathroom. Well, maybe one reason. When homes were built, usually the bathtub was installed before the house was completely walled-in. Take into consideration that your new tub will have to navigate through doorways and hallways on the way to its new home.
Sources for more information
- If you're looking for a clawfoot bathtub, check out Clawfoot Supply's website for the various styles they carry.
- Faucet.com offers a large variety of tubs and whirlpools. Whatever your style, from relaxing in a soaking tub, whirlpool bath ir clawfoot tub, they will have it for you.
- Bathingbarn.com has 5 foot, 5.5 foot & 6 foot tubs, 2 person tubs, corner tubs, rectangular, oval, round and clawfoot tubs, freestanding tubs, and more. They also carry whirlpool and freestanding tubs.
- Keidel's web site offers a very good, comprehensive guide to choosing your new tub.
- And don't forget your friendly, neighborhood Lowe's or Home Depot
So Many Bathtub Styles......
The most popular style today is still the basic 5 ft. built-in model that comes in white or biscuit colors, with very little differences in appearance. This is the most popular (and most cost-effective) choice. The differences for this style are mainly in materials, quality and price. If you like the antique look, clawfoot tubs are still being manufactured. With its curved back, this is a good alternative to a soaking tub. You can recline more comfortably with your bath pillow, good book and bath oils and relax after a stressful day, usually for less money than a true soaking tub or whirlpool. Built-in tubs: includes the traditional alcove model, can be a bathtub or a shower-tub combination. The tubs are usually shallow, so soaking isn't as pleasant in one of these. Included in the built-in style are "drop-in" models, which are usually easy to get into, but often difficult to get out of. Take this into consideration if you are considering this style. Corner tubs are also considered in this style. They are usually larger, two person capacity, and are great for soaking and relaxing.
Free-standing tubs: styles include the clawfoot and pedestel designs. The clawfoot is reminiscent of tubs from the past, come in 5 ft. or 6 ft. lengths, and with its curved back, is very nice to relax and soak in. It sits on curved feet often in the shape of claws. The pedestel style is oval in shape and is mounted on a base. This style also includes a curved back for ease in reclining, and can be painted to match your bathroom's decor. Soaking tubs: Just what the name implies, are good for soaking after a stressful day. Clawfoot and pedestel tubs are considered soaking tubs, as well as a garden tub, Roman tub, Greek and Japanese tubs. Soaking tubs are therapeutic as well.
Specialty tubs: Designed for those with special bathing needs. Included are models and accessories for elderly and handicapped individuals. Also included in this category are whirlpool and hot air tubs. These types of tubs are usually very expensive, but if you can afford it and have a need, look into the details of these types of tubs thoroughly. There are also accessories available to make bathing easier for the handicapped bather.
.....So Many Materials
Bathtubs not only come in a variety of styles and sizes, you now have many more materials to choose from. Your more popular materials include porcelain on steel (the most popular), acrylic, and fiberglass. Fiberglass bathtubs are the least expensive to buy, but don't last as long (10-15 years) as other materials. Enamel-coated cast iron is the most durable bathtub material, and the most expensive. Tubs from this finish should last a lifetime. Bathtubs are also available in marble and cultured marble, but they are much more expensive and often do not wear as well as the previously mentioned materials.
We can't include everything you need to know in one little article, but we can give you the basics and point you to some places for further research. Good luck on your hunt for a new bathtub!
Difference between the old bathrooms and the modern day luxurious bathroom is only the multiplicity of stuff. Large variety of assorted kinds of bathroom vanities is available for enhancing the elegance of a bathroom. Especially the good made bathroom pictures contribute a lot to increase the inner beauty of bathroom. Walk in showers have become the new sign of elegance for new homes and even for upgraded bathrooms. Proper placement of bathtubs also matters a lot in the beautification of a bathroom. |