BUYING A BATHTUB? HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Posted: Wednesday February 10, 2021

If taking a bath is how you unwind, this buying guide is for you. There are a lot of decisions to make when purchasing a new tub. From its use and location in your home to the type of material it’s made of and its size and shape, you’ll want to make the right choice. Below, we take you through some of the considerations you’ll face when buying a new bathtub. 

ANSWER THESE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

1. How will you use your new bathtub?

Are you just looking for a standard soaking tub or something with all the bells and whistles? Obviously, you’ll need to consider your budget here because the more features the bathtub has, the more expensive it will be. 

2. How much space do you have?

Before heading out to the store to begin searching for your new tub, take careful measurements of your bathroom. The last thing you want to do is fall in love with a tub only to find it won’t fit in your bathroom. 

Some other important considerations for choosing a bathtub include:

• Is your water heater up to the challenge?
• Is the new tub’s weight going to be an issue?
• Is the tub comfortable?

BATHTUB MATERIALS

You have many options in terms of size and shape when it comes to buying a new bathtub. If that isn’t overwhelming enough, you also have a few different options when it comes to the type of material your tub is made of. Which one you choose will determine the cost, durability, and cleanability of the tub, so choose wisely. Bathtub materials include:

• Plastic
• Enameled steel
• Cast-iron
• Cast polymer
• Proprietary composites

BATHTUB STYLES

Your bathroom will determine which type of tub fits best, which is why it’s extremely important to measure closely before heading to the home improvement store. Bathtubs come in several styles.

Alcove tubs are installed adjacent to three walls. They are also called recessed tubs. 

Freestanding tubs stand by themselves near plumbing lines. The clawfoot tub is a freestanding tub. 

Soaking tubs are deep so that the bather can completely submerge for relaxation. 

Whirlpool tubs have jets that push water around the tub for a spa-like experience. 

TO REPAIR OR REPLACE?

The task of tearing out an old bathtub can seem daunting, so if your tub has a leak or unsightly chips, it might be possible to repair the damage rather than replace it. If you just don’t want to deal with the expense and hassle of replacing it, professional bathtub outfitters can refinish your tub with a polyurethane coating or install an acrylic liner to seal it and give it a fresh, new look. Sometimes, all an old tub needs is a good scrubbing to breathe new life into it.

This blog sponsored by Property Spark.