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Maybe you’re a MUCH bigger fan of showering…but on occasion, when it’s cold out or you just want to soak…nothing beats the luxury of the perfect tub in your bathroom.
You start and end every day in your bathroom…it’s your space of self-care. For some of us,that means a long, soul-resting bath as part of our routine.
If your house doesn’t have a bathtub, or the one you have lacks luster or is a seriously outdated tub, start here to determine which is the best bathtub for you…
First, you need to know the types of tubs for bathroom design, and what the advantages and drawbacks are of each…
Read more about this Signature Home Services bathroom remodel.
9 Types of Tubs to Know
- Freestanding Tub
- Alcove Tub
- Corner Tub
- Clawfoot Tub
- Hot Tub
- Whirlpool Tub
- Drop-In Tub
- Soaking Tub
- Walk-In Tub
Read more about this Signature Home Services award-winning remodel.
The Freestanding Tub
The freestanding tub is any tub that isn’t built directly into the wall. This means you have a variety of options of where to install it in your bathroom, as long as you have a plan for the plumbing!! This option works best for houses with spacious bathrooms.
The two photos above of our award-winning bathroom remodels BOTH feature freestanding tubs.
The Alcove Tub
The alcove tub is a simple bathtub fixed between three of the walls in your bathroom. Alcove tubs are closed off at one end, leaving entry into and out of the tub on one end only.
Alcove tubs can be a good option if your bathroom isn’t as spacious, or if you’re trying to use your bathroom space as optimally as possible.
The Corner Tub
Corner bathtubs are another popular choice if your bathroom is larger. They are also good for children’s bathrooms since they often come in smaller sizes…
On the other end of the spectrum, some corner tubs are extra-large…specifically, what you’ll see called “corner soaking tubs” are designed for deep soaking in corner space, often accommodating two people for a luxurious experience.
The Clawfoot Tub
A clawfoot tub should be on the top of your list if you love to soak and want to make the bathtub the eye candy of your bathroom design!
These are also a good selection if you find an antique design or order a custom clawfoot tub that you love and wouldn’t mind taking with you when you move…
Assuming the plumbing isn’t a problem, clawfoot tubs are easy to install and move. Just think about how close it is to any wall so you don’t create impossible-to-clean skinny spaces…
The Hot Tub
Think of ThermoSpas, Jacuzzi, Master Spas…what comes to mind when you picture those great, big, jetted tubs?…
Luxury? Relaxation? Bliss?!
Hot tubs are for homeowners who know what features they like (heated backs, jets and bubbles, etc.) and want to invest in a real experience. These heated tubs help you maintain extra healthy skin, too…
Whirlpool Tub
Whirlpool tubs are jetted tubs that help you relax and de-stress in a BIG way. They’re similar to hot tubs in that they’re luxurious and comfort-focused.
Given their average size, whirlpool tubs are suited for spacious bathrooms. It’s also a good idea to install them during the home’s construction process…however, that’s not to say a perfect installation can’t happen post-construction!! Just be sure you talk to a vetted renovation firm who can handle the plumbing…
The Drop-In and Undermount Tubs
Drop-in tubs are designed to be “dropped in” to a pre-built deck or enclosure, which gives them a customized look. The surrounding deck can be built to match the bathroom’s overall design. These tubs are versatile and can be placed in the center of a bathroom, or against a wall.
If you do go for an undermount design, this creates a seamless look. The deck hides the edges of the tub so it can blend into the bathroom design…
The Soaking Tub
Soaking tubs are deeper than standard tubs, which allows for full immersion and a profoundly relaxing experience. These tubs are ideal for those who want simple luxurious, and whose bathing experiences are the best when they’re quiet with a book or with candles nearby.
The Walk-In Tub
Walk-in tubs are designed with a little door that opens to allow easy (and safe) entry and exit. These tubs are particularly useful for anyone with mobility limitations. They often come with built-in seating and safety features like grab bars, too.
Bathtubs can also fall into more than one category. For example, a freestanding tub can also be a soaking tub. These are deeper than standard tubs, allowing for full immersion, which enhances the relaxation experience.
Another great example is the corner whirlpool tub. This type of tub is designed to fit snugly into the corner of your bathroom, making efficient use of space, while also featuring jets for a therapeutic experience.
What to Consider Before Picking a Tub
Now that you now know nine of the most popular types of tubs, you’ve probably also started to picture the right tub for your bathroom.
Maybe bath bombs will be on your wish list for your birthday this year?!
If you are torn between the different types of bathtubs, don’t worry! Here’s a quick look at what to consider so you can select the tub that will leave you loving your home…
Bathroom Size
One of the most important things to consider when picking a tub is the size of your bathroom. A hot tub wouldn’t fit in a tight bathroom, for instance.
And there’s no reason to pick an alcove tub if your bathroom is spacious!!
Here are the types of tubs better for smaller bathrooms:
- Alcove tub
- Corner tub
- Drop-in tub
- Soaking tub
- Walk-in tub
And here are the tub types that are best in larger, luxurious bathrooms:
- Large drop-in tub
- Freestanding tub
- Clawfoot tub
- Corner soaking tub
- Whirlpool tub
- Hot tub
Bath-Taker Size
Read that again…yes, the size of the person (or people) who like to take baths is one of the most important factors when choosing different kinds of bathtubs.
If it’s a particularly tall or short person who’s the bath-taker in your home, the tub size will make all the difference…and the best way to know if the size is right for you? Get in! Go to the showroom with your interior designer and sit in all the tubs you like. Do your feet rest where you like them? Will your head be at the water height you find most comfortable? Will you sink too deep?
Read more about this Signature Home Services vacation home remodel.
Cost
Different types of bathtubs don’t cost the same, obviously. For one, hot tubs and whirlpool tubs have elaborate jet systems that require more parts and engineering.
In picking your tub, you need to consider the cost…but before you draw any lines in the sand, consider your “return on enjoyment.” Could you make a higher budget work if you find that tub you KNOW you’ll get hours of pleasure from every week? Does a cheap or plain tub fit into the ambience of your home? What look are you really going for?
Materials
You need to consider the materials used for different reasons:
- For one, the material speaks volumes to the durability of your tub.
- The material also speaks to the aesthetics of the tub.
It boils down to what ambience you want your bathroom to exude…popular materials, which each vary in maintenance and cost, include: acrylic, fiberglass, porcelain-enameled steel, cast iron, stone resin, copper, ceramic tile, and—yes—wood.
Preference and Use
Take into SERIOUS consideration preferences and what you plan to use the tub for. Will it be for therapeutic purposes? Or general relaxation? How often will you use it?
Preference and use are inseparable. Maybe you prefer the idea of a hot tub, but your schedule rarely allows for long baths. In that case, your money might be better invested on a different type of tub so you can select other, superior materials and finishes in other parts of your bathroom renovation.
Installation
Electing a different kind of tub (or moving where it sits) could mean renovating the plumbing. Bear this in mind when you factor in the cost of different kinds of bathtubs.
Now, put this knowledge to use, and see how your own preferences can guide you through the many different kinds of bathtubs…
Electing a different kind of tub (or moving where it sits) could mean renovating the plumbing. Bear this in mind when you factor in the cost of different kinds of bathtubs. This is one of the key factors in just how easy or challenging each tub type’s installation can be.
Looking at all factors of bathtub installation, here’s the list of types of tubs from least to most difficult to install…
- Freestanding tub: Easiest! This tub doesn’t require enclosures or wall attachments…just an open space and plumbing access. Great for simple, standalone installations. HOWEVER, keeping the plumbing out of sight (so it doesn’t become a cluttery eyesore) is a design feat that you’ll want to talk to your renovation team about.
- Clawfoot tub: Easy to moderate. Like freestanding tubs, clawfoot tubs don’t need enclosures but sometimes require reinforced flooring due to their weight.
- Alcove tub: Moderate. This tub type fits between three walls, making it straightforward to replace an existing alcove tub. If adding one to a new space, carpentry may be needed to create the enclosure.
- Soaking tub: Moderate. Soaking tubs vary by design. Freestanding versions are easier to install, but built-in soaking tubs need more support and a custom enclosure, adding some complexity.
- Corner tub: Moderate to challenging. Corner tubs require custom enclosures and specific plumbing configurations, especially if converting from a traditional tub shape. Their unique placement can increase setup time, too.
- Drop-in tub: Challenging. This type of tub needs a pre-built deck or enclosure, requiring both carpentry and plumbing work. They offer more design flexibility but add complexity in the installation process.
- Walk-in tub: Difficult. Walk-in tubs are larger and heavier, meaning they require layout adjustments and reinforced flooring. They also need specialized plumbing for the door-sealing mechanism.
- Whirlpool tub: Very difficult. These tubs need complex plumbing for jets, not to mention extra electrical work. They are best installed during major renovations.
- Hot tub: Most difficult. Indoor hot tubs need reinforced flooring, extensive plumbing, and new electrical connections. The weight of water at that volume is a factor in the surrounding construction, too!
Do not let the difficulty intimidate you if you have a design-build renovation firm like ours in your camp. Look at some of the tubs in our award-winning bathroom remodel projects or inquire with us about the types of tubs you’re must attracted to.
Quiz
For more fun quizzes, try this new quiz that uncovers the “perfect home update” for you right now.
Tubs bring opulence to your bathroom. Choosing the right kind of bathtub also helps you maximize your bathroom space.
If you have ANY lingering questions about which tub is right for you, contact us. Let us know what your priorities are, and we can help you along the path to the perfect bath…
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