5 Steps to Choose a Liner Or Acrylic Bathtub With Bathroom Accessories

Choosing the right bathtub liner or acrylic tub can be difficult. You may be asking yourself, "can I, or should I, go over the exiting tub?" Are there choices available to improve the function, safety, and style of the existing unit? Can I get rid of old out of date colors without a major mess and time investment?

Learn 5 practical steps to assist you in making the right bathtub selection:

Step 1 - Identify your existing tub - The type of tub unit you have today will be a major driver in your replacement options. If you have a cast iron or steel bathtub you can use a liner to go over an existing unit that might be stained, chipped, cracked - or just plain ugly. If you're wondering how to determine if the tub is cast iron or steel listening to the sound while tapping on the tub can help you determine what's in your bathroom now.

If you have a fiberglass or plastic tub it's not possible to go over what's there with a liner. In these situations the old tub must be removed and it can be replaced with an new acrylic tub. These installations will take more installation time than a liner project.

Step 2 - Think through your needs for safety and improved function- The remodeling process should be the time to think and reflect on how you want to make the space work better. Would you like the tub area to be safer? Do you need to convert the tub into a shower or would reducing the height you have to step over the tub help? Would a deeper soaking tub add provide a more relaxing bathing experience?

For increased safety and comfort consider some of the following ideas:

• Use a liner or tub with a non-skid surface at the bottom.
• Add a safety grab bar on a side wall and back bathtub wall surround.
• Use a Kohler Archer style deep soaking tub.
• Consider a tub cut out to retrofit the existing tub for ease of entry.

Step 3 - Determine how quickly you'd like your bathtub project completed - The biggest advantage of bathtub liners is they can generally be installed in one day (complete with a new drain and overflow cover) since they are installed over the old unit. If you have only one full bathroom a liner may be the preferable way to go (assuming you have the right type of tub material - see Step 1).

If you need to remove your existing tub the installation will be more involved since you'll not only need to remove the tub but also there will be work needed with the wall surrounds (since the tub is installed behind the surround in most cases) and the floor (tiles or floor material may be underneath the tub and may break when the tub is removed).

A knowledgeable contractor will also want to look at your soap dish to see if it's recessed into the wall or extends out from the wall surround. If the dish extends out it can complicate the tub installation process.

Step 4 -Choose your colors wisely- If you're looking to move in the near future you'll want to choose neutral colors for your tub. Included below are various color selections you can use to replace outdated colors.

Acrylic bathtub liners- Colors include white, almond, biscuit, pearl, gray, white granite, gray granite and beige granite.

Kohler replacement acrylic tubs - Colors include white, cashmere, sandbar, skylight, biscuit, almond, ice gray, thunder gray, Mexican sand and innocent blush.

Step 5 - Add bathroom accessories to improve function, looks and style - When you're in the process or replacing a tub is the best time to get rid of an old stained or rusted overflow cover/drain and update it with a new chrome, brass, oil rubbed bronze, or white units.

Also consider adding safety features like a grab bar or tub seat. If you have a window in the bathroom and you're looking to increase privacy consider a glass block bathroom replacement window. Other nice additions include new soap dishes or bath tub corner caddies.

Know you're equipped with these 5 steps you're ready to select the acrylic tub or bathtub liner for your project.