Bathtubs – An Overview of Different Styles
Are you tired of looking at your old standard bathtub? Do you want a tub that will be the focal point of your bathroom? Do you want to create a home spa experience? You are not restricted to traditional alcove bathtubs; there are many styles you can choose from on the market today. If you are planning a bathroom remodeling project, you should first consider your overall bathroom design to ensure that your new bathtub will blend in with the other design elements.
Freestanding bathtubs come in a wide variety of materials: cast iron, copper, stainless steel, resin, acrylic, bronze and stone. They also come in different sizes and shapes such as slipper, double slipper, round and hexagonal. You will find traditional clawfoot tubs as well as more contemporary styles.
Deep soaking tubs are designed for people who like to immerse virtually their entire body in water. One popular style, the Japanese soaking tub or ofuro, is also quite expensive, but you can also find less expensive models.
If you don’t have much space in your bathroom, you may want to consider small bathtubs such as a corner bathtub or corner hot tub. These tubs typically seat two or three people, come with a variety of features and are available in both soaking tub and whirlpool models.
Handicapped bathtubs feature a walk-in door, eliminating the need to step over the tub for entry and exit, as well as a slip-resistant bottom and other safety features. You can find walk-in bathtubs with whirlpool features at an additional cost.
This video illustrates the differences between six tub installation types and will help you visualize each style and decide what type will be best for your bathroom:
Jacuzzi bathtubs include freestanding bathtubs, walk-in bathtubs, corner hot tubs and soaking tubs. Jacuzzi tubs are available in four bath systems: Salon Spa, Whirlpool, Pure Air, and Soaking Bath. In general, the larger the tub and the more features it has, the more expensive it is.
You can shop for bathtubs locally or online at stores such as Lowes, Home Depot, and Menards or from manufacturers such as Kohler and American Standard. What you will pay will depend on the size and style you prefer and the features you want. It’s important to spend some time doing research online as you can often find 30-50% discounts on luxury tubs.
