3 Types of Bathtubs and How To Choose The Best One

 

While a shower would likely overrule a bathtub, depending on the space, style and simply whether or not you love bathing, tubs are certainly part of the planning process when designing a bathroom.

From principal bathrooms, to basement suites, bathtubs, not only serve a purpose, but look great too. Whatever your reason to include a tub in a bathroom, here are three types of bathtubs, along with some top tips to consider during the planning process.

FREESTANDING

Common in principal bathrooms and ensuites. Whether you’re a tub user or not, freestanding tubs are a beautiful addition to a bathroom, if you have the space. Here are the details to consider:

  • a freestanding tub is a statement piece in an ensuite bathroom.

  • great feature for resale, increasing the value of the home.

  • range in price from $$ to $$$$$, so selecting a tub based on personal preference is important.

  • acrylic retains heat, is easy to clean, and should a crack or chip happen, is easy to repair.

  • cast iron is heavy, and will require additional support, retains heat well, is easy to clean, however chips or cracks are harder to repair.

  • requires a floor or deck mounted tub filler depending on the specifics of the tub.

Read more about How To Choose A Freestanding Tub

DROP-IN | SKIRTED

Depending on the space and design of the bathroom, a skirted, drop in style tub may be ideal. Here are some things to consider:

  • installation is either a single unit wall to wall, or the tub would be dropped into a slab frame or surround.

  • the focus is less on the tub, and more on the surrounding materials; for example: face of tub, wall tile, deck of tub.

  • tile is not required to the ceiling, providing possible budget to splurge on the surrounding materials.

  • tub filler is deck mounted within the surround, or within the wall.

  • overall cost can be dependant on what the surround material is, ie: tile vs. stone slab.

  • a great option in a master suite where there is a separate shower as this can also be a great focal point in the room.

TUB | SHOWER COMBINATION

Arguably the most common in homes today, albeit dependant on space, and whether a bathtub is even desired. While we’re seeing a shift in preference for showers over tubs, a combination approach is still a great idea. Here are the details to consider:

  • a tub | shower combination is common in smaller bathrooms as well as secondary/ guest bathrooms.

  • can be a more cost effective option.

  • a shower curtain or partial glass partition (shown above) is required.

  • tub filler and shower head are typically wall mounted.

  • a steam shower is not compatible with this scenario.

  • it is necessary to tile all walls to the ceiling (and possibly the ceiling as well), resulting in more square footage required, therefore considering a more cost effective selection of tile would ease the wallet.

Whether you’re doing a small home update, or building a new home from the ground up, thoughtful consideration in bathroom planning will offer benefits for years to come.