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Tips on Choosing a new Bath Tub
What to Look for When Buying a Bathtub
By Mark J. Donovan
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Choosing a new bathtub doesn’t have to be limited to the standard 5 foot
long acrylic tub. Yes, acrylic tubs are less expensive, lighter,
durable, and easy to clean. However, there are many other bathtub types
available to you that offer various advantages over the acrylic tub. For
example, there are cast iron, enamel pressed steel, and porcelain
bathtubs available, that come in many different shapes and styles.
Admittedly they are all more expensive than the acrylic bathtub, however
they offer their own unique charm and look.
Cast iron bathtubs, for example, are the most classic of tubs and can
come in beautiful antique shapes and looks with unique features such as
claw feet.
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On the opposite side of the bathtub technology spectrum are Jacuzzi
tubs. Jacuzzi tubs are typically larger than standard bathtubs however
they’re available in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as offer
various features such as water jets.
If you do have an old and rough looking cast iron tub that you want to
keep, or incorporate into your new bathroom, keep in mind that there are
companies out there that can re-enamel them to restore them to their
original beauty. In many cases the companies will come to you to
re-enamel the tub.
If you ultimately prefer an acrylic bathtub be aware that you can have
custom shaped and colored acrylic (or plastic) tubs manufactured for
your specific requirements, albeit you’ll pay the price for it.
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Besides your standard rectangular bathtub you may also want to consider
a corner bathtub or circular bathtub. Though in general a corner bathtub
takes more square area than a standard rectangular tub, they normally
take less wall space. Conserving wall space may be helpful if you plan
to include windows, towel racks and/or bathroom wall cabinets in your
bathroom design plans. If on the other hand you have a large bathroom
area, you may want to be extravagant and include a larger circular
bathtub in the center of your new bathroom. |
When choosing a new bathtub for either a bathroom remodel or in
new home construction it’s imperative to do so during the planning
phase. Due to the overall large size of bathtubs it’s important to
incorporate the exact size and shape of the tub into the plans. In
addition, particularly if you are doing a bathroom remodel, you may need
to choose a new bathtub that can actually fit through the doors and
hallways of the home and bathroom. Moreover, if you’re installing a new
large soaking or Jacuzzi tub into a bathroom remodel you’ll also need to
consider reinforcing the floor framing. You may also need to include
some additional framing to support the new tub. In addition, you may
need to modify the plumbing to support the larger tub. Similarly, an
electrical contractor may need to be brought in to run the electrical
wiring for a Jacuzzi tub.
Maintenance should be another concern when choosing a bathtub. Acrylic,
or plastic, bathtubs can scratch easily and thus you should never use
bleach or an abrasive cleaning solution on them. These types of cleaning
products can damage the bathtub surface by scratching and/or removing
the natural finished shine.
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