Bathing in a Bathtub is one of the earliest forms of personal hygiene known to man, dating back to the Ancient Greek times. It is also one of the most sought-after forms of bathing due to its relaxing properties. But what should you take in consideration when picking a new bathtub? Here are a few tips to help pick the perfect bathtub for your home.

Material and Finish

Bathtubs can come in all sorts of materials that have different physical properties and prices. For example, fiberglass and acrylic are some of the cheapest materials, but can be a bit fragile and prone to chipping.

Porcelain and ceramic are some of the classic looking bathtub materials, they are sturdy enough to withstand light impacts, but need regular maintenance in order to keep them from deteriorating. For those with deeper pockets there are also more interesting options such as pure copper, waxed wood and stone resin. But bathtubs made from materials like these can cost up to over $2,000 and can have just as expensive maintenance!

Built-in or Freestanding?

The first thing you should consider when picking a bathtub Style is space. The freestanding bathtub is currently the most popular and stylish layout, but it does need more space than built-in tubs to retain its sophistication and elegance in a bathroom. Freestanding baths can also have different styles of their own, such as the traditional clawfoot style, the modern oval style or the small Japanese soaking style (Ofuro), to name a few. Externally, freestanding bathtubs can have a natural, glossy, wood or steel finish, which can match & compliment with a host of different bathroom design styles.

Built-in bathtubs, also known as recessed tubs, are a great option for space optimization, as they are mounted in between three walls and have only a front finished side. This version is usually found with a shower combo layout. A luxurious variant is the corner bathtub, that has extra space and usually features extra whirlpools and other relaxing features.

Taps and Mixers options

A high-quality bathtub should always be paired with a high-quality tap or mixer. There are single-hole taps, three-hole taps and three-piece taps that can provide different temperature controls based on your plumbing.

Taps can be mounted on the bathtub, on the floor and on the wall. Picking a mixer with a good finish will certainly help for it to stand out in your bathroom. Before picking a style, you should always check the space and affordability first, as most times this is a purely aesthetic choice. There are numerous design choices and variations for all tastes, so be sure to take your time and research your options.

Drainage Considerations

One of the most unpleasant aspects in a bathtub can be slow drainage. This can be caused by gunk and grime accumulation over the years, and in extreme cases can lead to clogs and flooding! Before installing your new bathtub, make sure to hire a reliable plumber who will install an effective drainage system with vent pipes and enough clearance. You can also get a bathtub strainer for cheap that will keep hair, razors or small caps from falling inside the drain and blocking the system.

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