Selecting The Best Bathtub For Your New Bathroom
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 The 5-piece bathroom is the standard in most larger homes. The most common design includes a drop-in tub with an adjacent shower. This can be with or without a whirlpool on the tub. Air tubs are different from whirlpool tubs because they force only air into the water and do not force water out the jets. Usually the layout and budget will dictate the styles of tub The tubs here are listed in order of increasing cost but features like a whirlpool can be adds to any style tub. Whirlpool tubs can include wrist, elbow, knee, foot, Shiatsu back and neck jets with variable speed water and air pumps. The greater the horsepower, the more you will feel the pressure from the water. Some units have features like fiber optic lighting, heaters, waterfalls, electronic control systems and neck pillows. The luxury features can add up to $10,000 to the cost of the tub. Recessed Tubs Recessed tubs are also called three-wall tubs or alcove tube. Recessed tubs are the most common tub because they are compact and work well as both a tub and a shower. The standard size is 5 feet (60 inches) long with a 14 inch height. These tubs also come in a 6 feet (72 inch) version for taller bathers. They are the lowest cost option starting at about $250 for a fiberglass tub with surround. Fiberglass tubs are flimsy but the lack of grout lines make them easy to keep clean. The next step up is an enamel coated steel tub. These usually will have 3 walls of tile installed to finish the project. The next step up is enamel coated cast iron. This tubs are so rigid that the enamel coating will last longer. Basic cast iron tubs start at around $350. If you add a whirlpool option of to a recessed tub, expect to pay over $850 for a fiberglass tub. Recessed tubs are usually installed before the drywall is installed. This assures that the water will flow down the wall (during shower usage) and into the tub. Installing an alcove bathtub is not rocket science but it does require special framing for the recess. Corner Tub A corner tub is frequently a triangular tub that is installed against two walls, not three as with the alcove tub. It can also be a rectangular tub with a finished front and side. Corner tubs are usually fiberglass or Lucite Cast acrylic and come in some very complex shapes. Drop-In Tub Drop-In tubs come is a wide range of styles and options. These tubs are typically fiberglass or acrylic units with a lip that will set on top of a framed base that is built to help support the tub. The tub is usually installed after the tile and should have a water tight seal around the lip. Drop-In tubs also come in underside mounting but these are rare. These tubs can have complex molded shapes that include handles, backrests and aesthetic contours. They also come in a variety of colors to match the surrounding tile. Most larger whirlpool tubs are drop-in tubs. Although it is difficult, the tub can be lifted out if maintenance is required on the whirlpool Free standing Tubs Free standing tubs have a more traditional style. The most common free standing tub is the claw foot tub. Cast iron claw foot tubs are incredibly heaver and put a huge force on the small area of floor under the feet. Newer version of the free standing tub have a exterior contour that matches the interior and is design to be installed away from the wall. New claw foot tubs start around $600 but you can find old tubs at a salvage yard for much less. Salvage tubs usually are missing the claw feet so you must find a matching set of four feet and have them welded to the tub without damaging the porcelain lining. Centerpiece Tubs These tubs are more art than function and the price reflects this. These totally luxury tubs like the one pictured here, make bathing an spectators event. Typically in the center of a very large bathroom, these tubs can include, whirlpools, air jets, dramatic lighting and waterfalls. These tubs are custom made so expect to pay $10,000 and up. The information on this site is provided for reference only and is provided "AS IS", "AS AVAILABLE" with no guarantee of accuracy. Information comes with no warranties, express or implied. Use the information from this site at your own risk. See our disclaimer for more details. |