So, you're tired of your old bathtub and you've decided you need a change. Well before you go out and buy a new tub there are a few things you need to consider.
How much will you be prepared to spend? Bathtubs start out about $300 for a standard model or as much as $2000 for a top-of-the-line whirlpool bathtub.
1. Cost:
How much will you be prepared to spend? Bathtubs start out about $300 for a standard model or as much as $2000 for a top-of-the-line whirlpool bathtub.
2. Type of material the tub is made out of:
Acrylic Bathtubs
Acrylic bathtubs provide you with a multitude of styles and shapes which will help in meeting the needs of the bathroom remodel. Acrylic bathtubs are also quite light and so can be made into larger designs without placing too much strain on the floor. Acrylic essentially is a form of plastic and is another substance used to produce bathtubs. It's advantages include it's high gloss, like the enameled appearance on cast iron bathtubs, in addition to it's considerably lighter weight compared to cast iron.
Acrylic bathtubs are also found in an array of colors as well. Acrylic bathtubs are typically easy to incorporate into the majority of design styles but are a bit on the costly side because of the materials. Acrylic bathtubs are usually mass-produced and are conservative in design.
Acrylic bathtubs are also reinforced using fiberglass to boost sturdiness while also making it more resistant to cracking. These bathtubs are usually made from large colored pieces of plastic that is heated and then stretched over the required pattern.
Acrylic bathtubs can be simpler to put in compared to their heavy cast iron counterparts or versions with whirlpool jets.
Cast Iron
Cast iron bathtubs are usually the most long-lasting, however they cost a tad bit more compared to other materials. Cast iron is strong stuff itself, and it resists dents and chips. The stuff is heavy, unfortunately (cast iron bathtubs could possibly weigh 300 to 400 pounds), plus your bathroom floor should be strengthened. Cast iron clawfoot bathtubs are renowned with regard to both their appeal and long life. They're extremely resistant to scratching, and their remarkable strength means that you could frequently discover antique cast iron bathtubs in superb condition.
Cast iron bathtubs are created to hold on to the water heat due to the heavy duty cast iron utilized during production. This makes these types of bathtubs a true money saver in terms of water costs, and electric or gas bills. The best aspect with regards to cast iron bathtubs is they are able to be freestanding making a more vibrant and intriguing bathroom.
Porcelain
Porcelain is a superb substance to use as well as being higher quality then acrylic – yet having a similar look. The sole downside to this can be that it's considerably more costly and can demand additional maintenance to keep it looking great.
3. Size:
Size is critical to take into account, however this does not simply refer to the measurements of the bathtub alone. If your bathtub has been bought for a upgrade or a replacement bathtub, it's essential that exact measurements be obtained of the area where the bathtub is going to be set up.
4. It's also advisable to know, beforehand, how the new bathtub is going to be installed. If you're planning on having a professional set up the new bathtub for you, you need to keep the additional fees in mind. Even if you prefer to not pay a professional contractor, you might need to. There are a variety of bathroom contractors that specialize in replacing bathtubs. In reality, a few, literally, simply place a new bathtub right over the previous one. It could be feasible to do it by yourself, however, in many instances, you'll find that a qualified contactor may have the new bathtub put in within a few hours.
