Tue Feb 14 2023
How to Choose a Bathtub? - Important Factors to Consider in 2023
Choosing the best bathtub can be quite confusing whether you are a first-time bathtub buyer or want to replace the old one. Before buying a good and reliable bathtub for your home, there are many factors to be aware of and many options available for you to choose from. The bathtub is an investment, and you must be absolutely sure about everything before buying one. If you are that person who is more confused about selecting the best bathtub for your family, you are in the right place. This article will discuss in detail how to choose a bathtub for your home and the important factors you should consider before purchasing one in 2023.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
Factors You Need to Know Before Buying a Bathtub:
There are 6 main factors and one general factor you need to know before deciding on purchasing a bathtub for your home. The following are the factors:
- Bathtub material,
- Bathtub style,
- Bathtub size,
- Bathtub weight,
- Bathtub installation, and
- Bathtub price
And the general factor is a lifestyle.
Bathtub Material:
Bathtub material is the first factor you should consider while purchasing a bathtub for your house. The main reason is that this material directly influences other main factors, such as pricing, style, weight, and installation. Each material feels different and provides a noticeable change in your bathing experience. The best way to choose the best material is by testing the material. Some manufacturers provide sample materials to test which material suits your requirements. The famous bathtub materials are the following:
Acrylic:
Acrylic is a composite material made of clear plastic sheets that are vacuum-formed to ensure that there is no air between the layers. Next, the fiberglass is added in between the acrylic layers for extra reinforcement. This makes the material light enough and, at the same time, has a good amount of resistance to unexpected damages (minor scratches and cracks). The other main reason why acrylic is popular bathtub material is that it is cheaper. The manufacturing cost is considerably cheaper compared to other bathtub materials. It is flexible, meaning you can “manipulate” the material into the desired shapes and sizes. Many drop-in and freestanding bathtubs come in acrylic, and when it comes to maintenance, acrylic is one of the easiest materials to preserve. The material itself is non-porous, meaning you won’t have to worry about moisture entering into the material at a microscopic level. This helps the bathtub to last longer than expected.
Fiberglass:
Fiberglass is similar to acrylic in almost every way. The cheapest bathtub material on the list has a surprisingly good amount of durability. But, when it comes to chipping (one of the most common issues in a bathtub), fiberglass is much more prone than any other material on the list. Also, unlike acrylic, it is porous. Meaning in the long run, moisture gets absorbed into the surface of the material, and causes the material to wrap and ultimately become structurally unstable.
Stone Resin:
Like acrylic, stone resin is also a result of composite materials. Stone resin is made of crushed stone, which is then bounded together by industrial-grade adhesive and other natural minerals. The resulting material has the appearance of a natural stone without any extra weight added to it. Stone resin is the perfect middle ground for bathtub material. At an acceptable cost, it has great benefits, such as good durability (considerably higher than acrylic or fiberglass), great heat retention (which helps save electricity bills), and non-porous, which helps for great longevity. The main drawback is that the availability of different shapes and styles is limited for stone resin material.
Copper:
The heaviest material on the list and the most durable material for a bathtub. When it comes to heat retention, copper is second to none. Most of the bathtubs are custom-made, since pure copper is used. The manufacturing process is more complicated than other bathtub materials, and you can surely see it in the price tag. Next to natural wood, copper is the most expensive material. Depending on the requirement, it can be the most expensive bathtub material. The other thing to note is that copper requires extra maintenance steps.
Bathtub Style:
Bathtub style is the factor that decides whether the bathtub fits inside your bathroom or not. Before purchasing a bathtub, ensure you have your bathroom's exact measurements. This helps to save a lot of unnecessary issues down the line. For example, you might want a large rectangular bathtub, but the size of your bathroom does not exactly match the size of your chosen bathtub. So, to avoid all the issues, it is better to know what all the popular bathtub styles are available in the market.
Freestanding Bathtub:
Probably one of the most popular bathtub styles in the market, the freestanding bathtub is a great choice for any bathroom. Thanks to the floating feeling that it gives, people can install this bathtub style in any bathroom. No need to worry about supporting walls since it can support itself independently without any external help. The freestanding bathtub is also considerably cheaper than other types of bathtub styles (considering what type of bathtub material you choose). A freestanding bathtub is a perfect choice if you want something more modern.
Clawfoot Bathtub:
The opposite of a freestanding tub, this traditional bathtub is a perfect choice if you want a vintage touch to your bathroom. The main difference between the freestanding and clawfoot bathtub is that it has four legs attached to the base of the tub for support. The style is leaner towards the victorian style since bathtubs were actually introduced in the late 18th century.
Drop-in Bathtub:
If you want a bathtub that is camouflaged with the bathroom environment, then the best choice is the drop-in bathtub (undermount bathtub). The drop-in bathtub is installed underneath a deck inside your bathroom. If there is no deck, the surrounding area is carved based on the bathtub size, and the bathtub is installed inside that carved area and sealed in. This camouflages the bathtub with the surrounding bathroom. Apart from the visual aspect, there is not much difference between the freestanding or clawfoot bathtub and the drop-in bathtub.
Soaking Tub:
The Japanese-style bathtub is best suited for soaking rather than taking a bath. What is the main difference between soaking and bathing? The time is the main difference. The average time taken for a shower is between 5 - 10 minutes. But, the average soaking time is between 25- 30 minutes. Soaking is mainly for relaxing your muscles and regaining energy, while a bath is mostly for feeling refreshed. That is why a bath is much more suitable in the morning, and soaking is best suitable at night.
Soaking tubs usually come in round or even oval shapes and have more depth than a regular bathtub. The main reason the depth is higher is so the bather can sit comfortably and enjoy the session. You can choose a soaking tub if you have a smaller bathroom. This can save you a lot of space in your bathroom. But, as said before, it is much more suitable for soaking rather than taking a bath.
Bathroom Size:
It is better to use a larger bathtub if you have a larger bathroom. But, as said before, you should measure the bathroom before you get a bathtub. These small tips can help you measure the bathroom more accurately if you don't know where to start. Take a measuring tape and measure from one end of the wall to the other (horizontally), and repeat the process vertically. This gives the area of your bathroom. This helps you to choose the best bathtub that fits perfectly in your bathroom.
Bathtub Weight:
Weight is one of the most crucial factors. Without consideration, it can cause some serious problems down the line. Copper is one of the most popular bathtub materials and is also one of the heaviest bathtubs on the market. By chance, if you get a copper bathtub, it is absolutely necessary to check whether the bathroom floor can support the weight for a long time. If not, make sure you reinforce your floor before installing the bathtub. Also, ensure the plumbing lines are functioning properly. If not, while working on the bathroom floor, ensure you solve any issues with the plumbing.
Bathtub Installation:
Different bathtubs may require a few extra steps in the installation process. For example, clawfoot or a freestanding bathtub requires no extra steps. First, you have to make sure that floor can hold the bathtub's weight. Second, all the plumbing lines can be easily connected to the bathtub. Third, place the bathtub in the desired position by aligning the drain in the bathtub to the drain on the bathroom floor. Every bathtub comes with an installation guide with clear instructions. If you want to do a DIY installation, the guide can help you through it,ut if you don’t possess the required knowledge about plumbing, it is best to rely on professional help for installation.
Bathtub Price:
Last but not least, the bathtub price depends on the other factors on the list, starting from the type of bathtub material to the size and style of the bathtub. The natural wood bathtub is considerably more expensive than a normal acrylic bathtub. The average price of a copper bathtub (freestanding tub) can start anywhere from $8000-$10000, while the average price of an acrylic bathtub can cost you $1000-$2000. According to the price point of view, the list of bathtub materials are
Acrylic, Fiberglass, Stone resin, Copper, and Natural wood
While this may not be an actual factor, you must consider the people who will use the bathtub. If your family has an elderly person, you can go for a Japanese-style soaking bathtub where they can rejuvenate themselves and eliminate sore muscles and joints. But it can be difficult for children to enter the bathtub. They need some assistance while entering the bathtub. Taking this factor into consideration can also help people in your family enjoy good soaking sessions without any issues.
FAQs:
The main factors that you need to consider when choosing a bathtub are
- Bathtub material
- Bathtub style
- Bathtub size
- Bathtub weight
- Bathtub installation
- Bathtub price
Copper is the most durable bathtub material on the market. It can withstand greater external impact and may come out with small scratches. Next to copper, cast iron is one of the most durable materials for a bathtub.
Probably the most popular bathtub style in the market is the freestanding bathtub. It is a great choice for any bathroom. Thanks to the floating feeling that it gives, people can install this style of the bathtub in any bathroom.
Final Thoughts:
The bathtub is a piece that can elevate your bathroom to a higher level and bring great ambiance. As said, it can be quite confusing to choose the best bathtub for your home. This article hopes to give enough information on factors to consider when choosing a bathtub for your home. Magnus Home Products offer a great bathtub collection, along with accessories and hardware. You can visit the collection here, and other accessories and hardware here.