Bathtub Buyers Guide
Interested in purchasing a new bathtub? If so, then you probably already know that you have a lot of different styles to choose from. The following will review a few of the many options that are out there so you hopefully have an easier time finding the perfect one for you.
Probably the first thing that you should decide upon when searching for a new bathtub is the type of material that it will be made out of. One of the oldest materials for tubs is cast iron, and some baths are actually still made from this material today. It is not without its drawbacks though, the major one being its excessive weight. A more contemporary material that you should also consider is acrylic because it is lightweight and easy to install. As a matter of fact, most baths are made out of this material today and they are often reinforced with fiberglass for added durability.
Another factor that you have to take into consideration when reviewing and buying a new bathtub is whether you would like a built in model or one that is freestanding. Freestanding clawfoot models feature a classic design that can be very elegant and because they are not attached directly to a surround they are easily moved. If this is the style you like, you can purchase either a new model or an antique one if you wish. Because antiques can be expensive, you may want to find one at a junkyard for free and simply reglaze it in order to have it looking new again. Keep in mind that these freestanding tubs usually do not have a built in shower head.
Even though you will have to purchase certain fixtures such as the faucet and drain separately, now is a good time to begin picking them out for your new bathtub. These days there are some very fancy designs out there and they come in a wide range of materials such as stainless steel and brass. Just make sure that you read some bathtub reviews and keep an eye on the price as some of these fixtures can actually be quite expensive and can raise the overall cost of your tub significantly.
Last but not least, spend some time trying to decide on the best shape of your new bathtub. These days you can find tubs in the shape of triangles, ovals, rectangles and much more. One of the most popular new styles is the corner bathtub that, as the name suggests, can fit right in the corner of your bathroom. This helps to free up a lot of space which can really come in handy if you have a smaller sized bathroom. Best of all is that even though they are smaller in size they are built nice and deep so you will not feel cramped inside.