The time has come to renovate or remodel your bathroom, or just boost the look and function of your tub. Do you know which type of bathtub works best for your family, your budget, and the aesthetics of your bathroom?
Here’s a rundown of five types of bathtubs and which needs and wants they fulfill.
Give us a call at 972-395-2597 to schedule an appointment! We can help you get rid of that tub and put in a new one that makes the whole family happy.
1. Freestanding Tub
A freestanding bathtub stands on its own in the room, not connected to any walls. The most well-known example of a freestanding tub is a clawfoot tub, though there are others. They’re usually chosen for their look: luxurious and beautiful. They tend to be the focal point within a bathroom and can be made using a variety of materials, including:
- Marble
- Acrylic
- Concrete
A freestanding tub is a great choice if you love soaking and relaxing in the bath because it’s big enough for you to fully immerse yourself in the water.
Because freestanding bathtubs aren’t connected to any walls and are big enough for you to stretch out in, they tend to be larger than normal bathtubs. Not everyone has room for a freestanding tub in their bathrooms. These bathtubs also tend to be heavier than typical bathtubs, so your floor will likely have to be reinforced to support one.
The price of a freestanding bathtub depends on the type you’re looking for! A vintage, 60-inch, double-ended clawfoot tub will cost you about $1,300. An acrylic freestanding bathtub will cost around $650 to $1100. The price you pay absolutely depends on the look you’re going for and the materials the tub is made of.
2. Whirlpool Tub
A whirlpool tub is another awesome choice for relaxing. Like freestanding tubs, a whirlpool tub is known to add a classy look to your entire bathroom, but can also be tucked away, so the eye is first drawn to other features within the room.
If you want your bathroom to be spa-like—a sanctuary that lets you escape daily life—a whirlpool will make a great choice for your remodeling project. The jets of water can be placed so they give you the sensation of a massage, allowing you to relax after a busy day.
If you have a family or aren’t sure you always want to turn on the whirlpool, this type of bathtub may not be the right choice as the only one in your home. They can be more difficult to clean than other bathtubs. A whirlpool does make a great second tub or an addition to a shower if you sometimes long for that relaxing alone time.
Whirlpool bathtubs also tend to run higher in price. You can expect to pay a few thousand dollars on higher-quality models. Even so, adding a whirlpool tub to your home does tend to add quite a bit of value to your home as well, usually bringing a higher return on investment when you decide to sell.
3. Walk-In Tub
A walk-in bathtub is a perfect choice if you have a bit of trouble getting into your bath or shower. They’re especially useful for senior citizens and those with physical challenges. By cutting down on accidents within the bathroom, they not only make getting baths easier, they add greatly to peace of mind!
Walk-in tubs tend to be showers as well, so if you’re limited on bathroom space, they can give you the ease you need while taking advantage of the entire room. They also tend to fulfill everyone’s desires:
- Those who prefer showers
- Those who prefer baths
- Elderly and/or physically disabled family members who have trouble getting in and out of the tub
These types of bathtubs can also include hydrotherapy for therapeutic or luxury reasons, whichever you need. Molded seats make bathing easier and much more relaxing.
Walk-in bathtubs can cost anywhere from about $1,500 to $10,000, depending on your needs and wants. A wheelchair-accessible, walk-in, whirlpool bathtub, for example, costs about $4,000, while a more basic model costs closer to $2,000.
4. Recessed Tub
A recessed bathtub, also known as an alcove tub or a sunken bathtub, is perfect for when you have to (or want to) save on space or only have room for a tub in the corner or next to walls. A recessed tub is a great choice when you’re redesigning your bathroom to have a more modern look. Thanks to its timeless appearance, a recessed bathtub will continue to fit into a bathroom’s style even as the design changes.
This type of bathtub is easy to clean, can double as a foot bath, can also serve as a walk-in tub, and is easily be renovated with new tub liner if damage ever occurs. With the right finishing touches, it can also be truly elegant.
If you’re worried about children falling into the bathtub, don’t rule a recessed tub out just yet! Some can be slightly elevated, so a majority of the tub is still under the floor, but it’s high enough that children can’t easily get or fall in.
Recessed bathtubs are very affordable and can start as low as $200. Adding a whirlpool adds to the cost but is easily done. Installation costs should also be kept in mind. Adding a recessed tub may require plumbing work and additional framing and tiling, but it’s generally not a complex job.
5. Garden Tub
A garden bathtub is another excellent choice if relaxing is your goal. Its wide edges can hold candles, drinks, and all your shampoos and soaps. You can choose to have it installed above or below the floor, with or without steps, and with a whirlpool, if you like! It’s the right tub if you’re looking for all the amenities plus a timeless, luxurious bathroom.
These tubs used to be featured outside (how they got “garden” in their name), but now they’re more often installed within the bathroom. Deeper than a normal tub, they allow for your entire body to fit comfortably, with support for your neck, arms, and head.
Garden bathtubs used to only be affordable to the very wealthy, but today, these comfortable tubs are more affordable, ranging from $400 to about $850.
A bathtub is an important part of your bathroom, perhaps even the centerpiece! Any of these five choices will make a great addition to your home and life, depending on your needs. Before purchasing a new tub, always make sure to try it first to ensure it’s comfortable for you!
Whether you need a safer space for your children, a more comfortable tub for your elderly parent, or you’re longing for a complete bathroom redo, we can help you select the right type of bathtub for your home and family. Let us help you get rid of that old tub and install one that’s perfectly in line with your needs. Call us at 972-395-2597 for help with installation, selecting a tub, or other bathroom questions
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