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Bathtub Styles
Due to its size, a bathtub will take up most of the space in your bathroom. As such, the perfect bathtub style is the one that accommodates both your bathroom space and needs.
Recessed/Corner
Recessed, or alcove tubs as they are otherwise known, are attached inside an alcove of your bathroom walls via three walls while corner tubs are attached to only one or two walls. They are ideal when there are space constrictions in the bathroom.
Freestanding
Freestanding bathtubs have complete finishes on all sides and can be placed anywhere in the bathroom. As such, ample space is a prerequisite in selecting this variety. You can select the classic claw-foot bathtub or contemporary pedestal tub based on your style preference.
Platform/Drop-in
Platform or drop-in tubs are available in a variety of styles and configurations. They are fitted onto a structure built under or over the bathroom floor, and can be either be mounted on the platform to show the lip of the bathtub or below the edge of the platform for a more streamlined look.
Bathtub Materials
The materials for your bathtub either make or break your bathroom (sometimes literally!). So choose wisely based on these factors – safety, durability, cost, along with your needs and preferences.
Steel (Porcelain on Steel)
Pros: Affordable and resistant colour fading
Cons: Can chip easily and can be noisy when water hits
Cast Iron (Enamel-coated)
Pros: Most durable and an excellent heat retainer
Cons: Most expensive and very heavy (requires additional floor reinforcements)
Acrylic
Pros: Lightweight and has a wide variety of sizes and colours
Cons: Can scratch, stain and will discolour over time
Fibreglass
Pros: Least expensive and lightweight
Cons: Less durable than acrylic and can scratch and fade
Cast Polymer (Cultured Marble, Granite or Onyx)
Pros: Durable with an attractive transparent finish in a variety of colours
Cons: Less durable than acrylic
Choosing The Perfect Bathtub
One size does not necessarily fit all, as your perfect bathtub is different from the next person’s in terms of style, materials and design. Hence, follow this guideline to ensure you select the one that best suits you:
* When shopping for tubs, test it out first! Do this by sitting in the tub to make sure it’s comfortable.
* Make sure the tub can accommodate different individuals in the household. A tub with a contoured back and built-in armrests are perfect for those who are petite, while taller and heavier set individuals can opt for wider and shallower tubs to prevent contorting the body when lying in the tub.
* Ensure that the bathtub colour and style matches the overall design of your bathroom and house. For colour selection, it’s best to opt for whites and pastels as they are both classic and elegant, as opposed to dark-coloured bathtubs where chalky material deposits can be seen on the tub’s surface.
Image courtesy of Roca, Johnson Suisse
From The Complete Kitchen + Bathroom Magazine - Apr-Jun 2009
