One of the quickest ways to clean your body is to take a shower. However, when you have a bit more time on your hands, soaking in the bathtub can be a relaxing alternative.
A bathtub isn’t just a place to wash your body. It’s a place where you can meditate or unwind after a long and exhausting day at work.
When choosing a bathtub, the possibilities are nearly endless. You can, for instance, install a tub that includes soakers, whirlpools, and other awesome features. All this variety comes at a cost, so you need to make sure that you choose a bathtub that’s right for your budget, space, and lifestyle.
If you’re shopping for a new bathtub for your next bathroom remodeling project, take note of these tips from the experts at Box Construction:
Define Your Bathtub Budget
How much are you willing to spend on a bathtub? Write down your budget for this home improvement project. You can note down a range instead of a single number if you prefer.
When you are working on a budget estimate for your new tub, go beyond including the cost of the tub itself. Factor in the installation expenses, manpower costs (if you will hire someone to help you), and additional fixtures and features, such as faucet handles, tub spout, and overflow drain.
Pro-tip: if you choose to write down a range for your bathtub budget, make sure you do some research before starting your remodeling project. Check online and determine the realistic prices for the bath type and faucet you have in mind. Doing this won’t end up with a range that’s way off your budget.
Come up with a Blueprint for Your Bathroom
If you plan to spruce up your dull bathroom by adding a tub, you’ll need to create a rough blueprint, says Fresco News. You could draw a simple rendering of your space on graph paper or go digital using a computer program, such as AutoCAD.
Your blueprint should include the measurements of your bathroom. Find out the dimensions of your bathroom.
Start by measuring the walls and fixtures, such as the toilet and other vanities. When noting down the exact figures, use centimeters or inches (whichever you’re comfortable with). Avoid rounding the figures up or down. If a wall, for instance, measures 66.6 inches, use that number instead of rounding it up to 67 inches.
Important: don’t forget to check the width of your hallways and doors, and include this information on your blueprint. The last thing you want to happen is to order a bathtub that can’t fit inside your house. Although this is rare, this unfortunate scenario does occasionally occur.
You can prevent this situation by ensuring that your doors and hallways are at least four inches wider than your tub. This will enable movers to maneuver the bathtub to your bathroom.
Familiarize Yourself with the Different Types of Tubs
Bathtubs come in different forms. Some of your options for a new tub include the following:
Japanese Soaking Tub
This bathtub, also known as an ofuro, is square or circular and made using cedarwood. However, you can come across modern versions of this soaking tub made of other materials, such as stainless steel and fiberglass. Given that bathing in Japan is a communal experience, explains Live Japan, you’ll find that the tub is big enough to accommodate the entire family.
Classic Clawfoot Tub
Clawfoot tubs have raised feet that look like claws. These bathtubs were all the rage in Europe back in the 1800s. They can typically hold 40 to 60 gallons of water. You have three options for acquiring a classic clawfoot tub:
- Purchase a new model made of a material made to resemble a vintage clawfoot bathtub
- Buy a refurbished tub
- Purchase a vintage clawfoot bathtub, then restore it
Freestanding Soaking Tub
This trendy and gorgeous bathtub is flexible. You can position them anywhere in your bathroom. Just make sure that you allocate enough space for fixtures, such as a freestanding tub filler. You’ll also want to allocate enough room to comfortably enter and exit the bathtub.
A freestanding soaking tub can hold more water than a standard-sized bathtub and frequently fill up to the neck of a bather. The shape of this tub is usually oval-shaped.
Walk-in Tub
This type of tub is ideal for elderly individuals, people who are experiencing chronic pain, and individuals with disabilities. It has an open-close door instead of a rim that you need to step over. Its design makes getting into and out of the bathtub possible for anyone with physical limitations.
Think carefully when choosing a tub, as this will serve as your bathroom’s “relaxation center.” Follow these three tips, so you can navigate the bubbly waters and find the ideal bathtub for your household.