Bathtubs are an essential part of your home and can provide some health benefits. They’re where you can relax and unwind, and they often become a focal point in your home’s decor. When you’re renovating your bathroom and want to upgrade from a standard tub to a freestanding soaking tub, now is the time to consider making the switch.
Your tub has seen better days and isn’t meeting your needs anymore (or if it’s simply outdated), consider replacing it with a new model that will fit into the aesthetic of what you’ve created. This can be as simple as switching fixtures like faucets and handles for ones that match the theme of the rest of your remodel.
This article will cover the top considerations for changing your bathtub, including size, type of finish, and material.
Changing Your Bathtub: Thing to Think About
- How Big Should a Bathtub Be?
Before looking for a new tub, it’s important to consider how big a bathtub should be. Bathtubs are measured in square feet and gallons of water.
The size of your bathtub will depend on how much space you want to devote to your bathtub. If the area is small, consider freestanding tubs for small bathrooms. However, consider an average-sized tub if your space is minimal and there isn’t enough room. If there’s bigger space, you can consider an extra wide freestanding tub.
A deep enough bathtub will allow you to sit upright while taking showers or baths without worrying about tipping over into the water or falling through.
- Which Type of Bathtub Is The Most Durable?
There are several different types of bathtubs, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a look at some of the most popular options:
Steel is the cheapest, but it corrodes over time. Porcelain is more expensive than either of these options and has a much longer lifespan; however, it’s also prone to chipping or cracking with age (although this can be repaired). Acrylic bathtubs are less expensive than porcelain ones but don’t last as long (about 10 years on average).
Cast iron is a traditional material that lasts for decades when cared for properly. However, it’s heavy and difficult to move around, especially if you have arthritis or other mobility issues in your hands or wrists.
On the other hand, stainless steel has been around for decades but doesn’t corrode as easily as cast iron over time. Because stainless steel doesn’t rust like metal does when left exposed to water, and it’s non-porous.
Non-porous means there’s no chance of bacteria growing inside your tub since nothing gets trapped inside. A non-porous material makes them ideal if you want something durable but don’t want any maintenance required after installation.
- What Are The Best Finishes For a Bathtub?
You should consider what kind of finish your bathtub will have. The best finishes are durable and waterproof, easy to clean and maintain, resistant to mold and mildew, and resistant to stains and scratches.
The very important thing is that it’s easy for you, as the owner or renter of this bathroom space, to maintain it in good condition. You don’t have to worry about any problems arising from poor maintenance habits on your part or those around you using the same facilities as yours (e.g., children).
- Which Types of Faucets and Fixtures Work Best With a Bathtub?
When you’re choosing a faucet and fixture for your bathtub, it’s important to consider the following:
The style of the tub. Will it be installed in a room with other baths? Or will it be a freestanding tub? If so, what kind of fixtures are compatible with each other? A single-handle spout can look out of place if placed on an oval-shaped vessel, while an elongated spout would work well with a round piece.
The ease of cleaning. If your new bathroom has tile or stone walls, you’ll want to consider how easily they’ll be cleaned. Especially if those areas have been used frequently (like in showers), where dirt and grime build up quickly due to steam from hot water entering through pipes every time someone showers.
- Considering the Water Quality in Your Location
A bathtub will also lose its shine after years of use and can become stained from hard water and soap scum. The surface of your tub will also be covered in minerals from the water, which can leave marks that are difficult to remove.
If you want to keep your bath in good condition for as long as possible, then it’s best not to replace your old tub with a new one until you’re ready.
- Which Type Of Bathtub Offers The Most Safety And Accessibility Features?
If you want to ensure that your bathtub is safe and accessible for everyone, look for one with one or more of these features.
- Slip-resistant surfaces
- Grab bars and handrails
- Anti-slip flooring in the tub area
A non-slip surround will keep water from pooling in areas where it shouldn’t be, like around the drain, and can also help prevent falls while getting in and out of the tub (or changing positions). If you have a walker or other mobility device that requires access to your bathroom, look for a seat attached directly to your existing tub rather than being integrated into another piece, such as an oversized whirlpool.
- Are the Bathtub Surroundings Affected?
You might consider replacing your bathtub because it’s an old metal one that is too heavy for the supporting structure. If this happens, the weight of your new tub will cause further damage to the surrounding walls and flooring. You must consider replacing your bathtub if it has a large crack or has been damaged in some other way by water.
Since the bathroom is your new bathtub’s permanent home, you must consider the surroundings. Having a heavy or easy-rusting bathtub on your bathroom floor affects the look and feel of your bathroom.
Conclusion
No matter what type or size of bathtub you have, if it’s in good working condition and has never been damaged by water or caustic chemicals, there’s no reason not to keep using it. And if you want to make your bathroom look more stylish or modern, there are plenty of options that will suit just about any design style.
