The Basics Of Bath Design
If you need to remodel a bathroom, then start by taking a look at the tub. Bath design has come a long way and there are wonderful products available that will make your bath a luxurious experience. In this article, we’ll tell you what you should keep in mind when choosing a new bathtub.
Your first consideration, when deciding on how to remodel a bathroom, should be about the purpose of the room. A guest bathroom, a child’s bathroom or a master bath will all have different needs and therefore a different style. When considering your bath design, you should also consider your budget. A bathroom for your master suite may be worth a major investment, but a tub for the guest room, or other small bathrooms, should be more modest since they won’t be used as much. Bathtubs with luxury features like jet spas can be extremely expensive, so shop around.
You must also consider the available space and what it will take to install the tub. Check to see if additional carpentry will be required for installation and find out how much the tub will weigh when it’s full. A tub full of water must be adequately supported, so check your framing. Cast-iron tubs, whirlpools, soaking and sunken tubs often require additional support. A tub sized for more than one person will put additional demands on the home’s hot water heater too, so you may also require an upgrade or a separate water heater.
Besides the common rectangular shape, tubs also come in corner, oval, circular and freestanding styles. Built-in tubs can be alcove, drop-in or corner style. An alcove tub is standard in most homes and are often tub-shower combinations with waterproof surrounding walls. Drop-in tubs can be sunken into the floor or a tub deck. Drop-in models that are mounted into their own frame or deck will require additional carpentry or framework, which can add to the overall cost. Corner model built-ins are installed in the corner, with surrounds on two sides. A free-standing tub has legs or ball-and-claw feet. These tubs frequently have rolled edges and slipper backs for soaking.
You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it, so hop into a bathtub at the store and check it for comfort. A tub fit for soaking should have a bath design depth of at least 15 to 20 inches. The material the tub is made of should also be considered. Porcelain on steel is the most common bathtub material and is resistant to corrosion, acid and abrasion. Fiberglass is one the least expensive tub materials but it’s not as durable. Other material options include cast iron, solid surfacing and natural stone. No matter which tub you choose, soak up the benefits of a luxurious bath experience.