A Simple Guide to Choose the Right Bathtub for You

Are you considering remodeling your bathroom, or buying a new tub for your home? Whatever the case may be, there are limitless possibilities and a wide array of classic bathtubs, vintage tubs and bathroom accessories to choose from. And, while looking and shopping for a bathtub can be an exciting experience, it can also be quite a puzzling and confusing task. Luckily, the Tub Connection has put together a quick guide in selecting the best clawfoot tub for you. So what must a buyer consider in choosing a tub?

 

SPACE

The first consideration in choosing a tub is the space or area it will occupy in your bathroom. Where will the tub be placed and how big is the area? What are its measurements and dimensions? It is important to measure the space before even shopping for a tub. The measurements will determine the size and shape of the bathtub and these will also save the buyer time and avoid unnecessary stress.

MATERIAL

The next thing to consider when choosing a tub is its material. A buyer must research about the different materials available in the market and the advantages and disadvantages of each material. This will also narrow down the search and help the buyer consider product strength, durability, maintenance and price. The materials available for clawfoot tubs are the following:

• ACRYLIC – This is a popular choice among buyers since it is long-term, durable and light-weight. There is a wide variety of styles for this material and acrylic can be fashioned according to the customer’s preference or liking. An acrylic clawfoot tub also has a smooth and high-gloss surface that is easy to clean and maintain. Compared to other materials, it is moderately priced and affordable.

• ENAMELED CAST IRON / PORCELAIN – This is fast becoming old-fashioned but there are still quite a number of products and tubs that are produced in cast iron. While it is solid and durable, it is also very heavy and may require structural support. A porcelain tub has a high-gloss finish, but strong cleaners may destroy its surface. It is scratch- and crack-resistant, but once it is damaged, it would be expensive to repair. This is more expensive than acrylic and may have limited shapes and sizes.

• CULTURED MARBLE – Cultured marble is composed of crushed limestone, resins and fillers and has a gel-coat surface. Its design is sleek and stylish. The material is tough and durable, but once the dirt seeps through its gel-coat, cultured marble may be hard to clean and maintain.Cultured Marble Bathtubs – This Design by Russian Hill

• OTHER NATURAL MATERIALS – These are tubs made of onyx, brass, copper, glass, etc. Tubs can be made from other natural materials that cater to the needs and preferences of different customers and buyers. It is good to note that these materials have differences in cleaning, care, maintenance and price.

STLYE

The third consideration in selecting a clawfoot bathtub is style. When selecting bathtub style, it is good to consider who will use the bathtub. Will a woman be using the tub or a man? What is his or her height? Will children and pets be also using the tub? The clawfoot tub has different styles that are discussed briefly below:

• THE CLASSIC TUB – This is the traditional clawfoot tub. Its squared front end has the faucet and a drain, while its back end is rounded and good for reclining one’s back or neck.

• THE DOUBLE ENDED TUB – As its name suggests, both ends are rounded and its faucet is placed in the middle. This style is quite flexible and allows resting or reclining on either side.\

• THE SLIPPER TUB – A slipper tub has a squared front end and a raised or sloping back. This style is also great for reclining and lounging.

• THE DOUBLE SLIPPER TUB – A double slipper tub has two raised ends. Its double high back style is very charming and flexible. It gives the opportunity to recline and relax on either side of the tub.

• THE PEDESTAL TUB – In this style, the tub rests on a pedestal or on a sculpted base. While it is different from the other styles, the pedestal tub still has the configuration and body of a clawfoot.

Other things to consider when selecting a tub are the faucet and feet designs. What type of installation will be good for the bathtub? To know more about clawfoot, classic and vintage tubs, visit the Tub Connection – www.tubconnection.com.

*Featured Image by Seattle Architects & Building Designers Bosworth Hoedemaker