The Ultimate Tub for Your Bathroom Remodel

Although some bathrooms offer just a shower, you might have plans to remodel your bathroom so that it includes a bathtub. Taking a bath is more than just a way to get clean. It can also be a way to unwind and relax after a long day, a way to reduce blood pressure and even a way to repair muscles after a challenging workout. Even if you have your heart set on a bathtub for the bathroom you're about to remodel, you might not realize just how many choices there are to pick from Discover some of the main things to consider when choosing a tub, the wide variety of bathtubs available on the market and what extras can make the space a true oasis in the home.

Considerations Before Committing to a Bathtub

Perhaps the biggest consideration in the quest to remodel a bathroom and install a tub is space. A bathtub will typically occupy a much larger footprint than a shower, which means that in small bathrooms a tub simply won't work.

Even if you do technically have the space, however, it doesn't mean that the bathroom will look best with a large tub. Having too much in the bathroom can make it feel cramped, offering the opposite of the relaxing, luxurious experience you're hoping for.

Another factor may be the practicality of a bathtub. If you have small children, then having at least one bathtub is more a necessity rather than a luxury.

A bathtub may also require a higher amount of water usage, which can be problematic if you live in an area prone to drought or with high water bills. Finally, make sure that you will actually use a tub before you make the investment.

Types of Bathtubs Available

One of the most exciting things about remodeling a bathroom is having the opportunity to browse through the many different types of bathtubs available.

• The standard tub will be an alcove installation, and it is the traditional rectangle design with rounded interior edges and a shower surround.
• If you want the most basic variety and you're on a limited budget, this tub/shower combination is likely the best choice. Plus, it uses less space since you only enter and exit from one side of the tub, with the remaining three sides attached to the wall.
• Another fantastic tub option is the walk-in tub, which looks like a hybrid between a tub and a shower and offers the chance for mobility-impaired individuals to enjoy the relaxation of a bath.
• Perhaps the most luxurious and spacious of bathtub types is the soaking tub. This freestanding tub is typically very large, and it is exposed on all sides rather than placed against a wall or in a corner. Modern soaking tubs have flat bottoms resting on the floor, but older or antique-styled varieties have clawed feet for an elegant Victorian look.
• Another upscale option is a jacuzzi or whirlpool tub. This is a tub with jets that push out either heated water or air in order to relieve sore muscles and increase the enjoyment of any bath.
• Finally, there is the option of a corner bathtub. As the name suggests, this tub is shaped like a triangle, is installed in the corner and can be a great way to utilize typically ignored space in the bathroom.

Bathtub Installation Variations

Many homeowners aren't aware that the way they install their choice of bathtub can play a big role in how the tub looks and even how practical it can be in your newly remodeled space.

• Installing a recessed tub in an alcove is the most common method, which means that only one side of the rectangular tub is exposed.
• A platform tub, on the other hand, is dropped into a custom-built deck structure. A platform tub is hanging down from a basic framework, which allows all of the plumbing to be hidden from view.
• Very similar to a platform tub is an undermount tub, where the top of the bathtub is surrounded by waterproof material for a luxury spa look.

As mentioned previously, some tubs are completely freestanding, requiring minimal installation but lots of plumbing work.

Bathtub Materials to Choose From

Most old fashioned bathtubs were made from cast iron, and many tubs in older homes are still made from this durable, long-lasting and incredibly heavy material.

• Cast iron tubs are so heavy that removing them during a remodel can sometimes be more expensive than the cost of the brand new replacement tub!
• For the look of cast iron at a lighter weight, porcelain on steel may be a great choice to explore.
• If you want a durable but modern choice, consider an acrylic tub, which is durable and has a glossy appearance.
• Bathtubs made with a fiberglass gelcoat, also known as fiberglass-reinforced plastic, can be more affordable than acrylic but could potentially break with heavy wear and tear.
• The most luxurious material choice for a bathtub is cultured marble. While it looks elegant, major damage to this material can't easily be repaired.

Bathtub Accessibility Requirements

Make sure to think carefully about the accessibility requirements of any potential bathtub you install in the bathroom. If you or someone else in the home needs physical assistance, you may want to install hand rails next to or even in the tub.

Textured tub floors can prevent slipping, and a raised seat might make it more comfortable for some individuals to relax and soak away the stress of the day.

Top Bathtub Accessories for Extra Luxury

As you create plans to add in the perfect bathtub for your bathroom, don't forget to consider any extra accessories that could make the tub even better.

If you choose, you can have underwater LED lights that change colors.

You can install waterproof speakers for a solo tub sing-along.

Built-in digital touchpads can even adjust the temperature of the water or the power of the jets right from your seat in the tub.

As you plan out the various elements of your bathroom remodel, make sure to spend plenty of time choosing the perfect tub. From material to style to installation to accessibility, there are a variety of decisions that can add up to your perfect bathtub.