Buying a new tub for your bathroom remodeling project can be a simple decision. However it’s a decision that one doesn’t often make, so you may need a little guidance in finding the right tub for you. Traditional style tubs (and whirlpool tubs) are available in four different styles, which reflect the way in which they are installed:
- Recessed
- Corner
- Drop-in
- and Freestanding
Recessed Bathubs
This style of tubs, also known as an “alcove tube”, is snugly set into a space so that only one side (the front) of the tube needs to be finished. This makes the tub not only space efficient, but also more affordable. That’s why it’s the most popular tub on the market and made widely available.
Recessed tubs are designed to fit the standard 5 by 7 foot bathroom. You’ll be able to find models that extend to 72 inches long and also 16 inches deep, although the most common ones are 60 inches long and 14 inches deep.
Most recessed tubs are molded from steel with an enamel finish. It makes the tubs more affordable, however the tubs are light weight and likely to chip. Your better and consequently more expensive option would be a tub made with cast iron and an enaml finish. You’ll just need to make sure your bathroom floor is able to support the additional weight without more reinforcement.
Corner Bathtubs
This style of tub is exactly what it sounds like; a tub that fits into a corner. It has two unfinished and one to three finished sides. It’s very much like a recessed tub except that it has more than only one finished side. Other similar shapes would be box and triangular.
These tubs take advantage of small spaces and can be an exciting addition to your bathroom.
Drop-in Bathtubs
Drop-in bathtubs are typicaly set into a platform, however they can also be set into the floor. Some models are rimless so that they are flush with the floor, while some have a rim that sits on the floor. They’re usually available in a variety of shapes. They’re lightweight and prone to dulling and scratching. You can also get this style of tub in an enameled cast iron but again you’ll need to make sure your floor can endure the extra weight without more reinforcement.
Freestanding Bathtubs
Any tub with four legs qualifies for this category. Most of them sit directly on the bathroom floor, however a few models are designed to fit into a custom platform. These sorts of tubs tend to be the most expensive of the four styles because all sides are exposed. The most expensive version of these tubs will be made from cast iron, but you can get a reproduction of an antique which could be made from lightweight materials for a lesser expensive option.
After you decide on a style of tub, you’ll need to figure out your options. How big are the gets, and how many are there? Are they water jets or air jets? (Air jets prevent mildew formation but they’re less powerful.) Can the pump be placed in a separate location? How noisy is it? Can I set the temperature from the control, and does it have a timer option?
Browse your options. Ask questions. Put in the time necessary and you’ll end up with the perfect tub for your bathroom renovation. Thanks for reading and good luck!
