Tips For Choosing The Right Bathtub

by Mike Davidson

Many people spend a considerable amount of time in the bathroom.

Some people feel that spending time in the tub rejuvenates their energy and revitalizes their spirit.

Whatever the reason for spending some time in the bathroom, one thing is certain, the bathtub is one of the most important aspects of the bathroom.

If you are building a house, or if you are renovating or redesigning your house or bathroom, you shouldn't just choose any bathtub. Apart from considering the color that will go well with the color of the bathroom, or the latest design, or the manufacturer, there are other things that should be considered.

* Size of the tub

Aside from the obvious point, that this is important in checking how the bathtub will fit the designated space, this also needs to be considered for other reasons. Should you go for a one-person or two-person bathtub? Remember that if you choose a two-person tub, this will consume more water than a one-person tub.

The bathtub size is also interdependent with the capacity of the water heater. A bathtub usually requires 65% hot water. For some bathtubs, the hot water content may require up to 40 gallons. Consider then if after dispensing 40 gallons of hot water, will your water heater still have sufficient hot water for the rest of the household, or will it have enough time to reheat some water for consumption.

In this case, you may have to choose a smaller bathtub or upgrade your water heater so it will be able to supply enough water for a bigger bathtub. Another option is to install an instant water heater to the water source leading to the bathtub.

Also make sure that, with the bathtub's size, you get enough support for your head, neck and back.

* Material

Choosing the material for your bathtub depends on several factors: on how often you will use the tub, durability, ease of maintenance and budget.

Fiberglass is a cost-effective material, however, it doesn't have the durability of acrylic or porcelain bathtubs. Wooden and marble tubs are good-looking but these require much maintenance and may not last long. Cast iron tubs are the most durable, although these cost a little more than other materials.

* Depth

The bathtub's depth is important if you are considering using the bathtub for therapeutics. Many people enjoy soaking in a warm bath to rejuvenate the lost energy and to ease the pain in tired muscles. Soaking in a tub even reduces the stress levels that most people resort to a warm bath before going to bed.

However, few people know that there are special tubs designed for this purpose. Soaking tubs are designed to allow a person to immerse the whole body with comfort unlike that with a standard tub that is only designed to soak the lower part of the body.

* Functionality

Tubs with jets, such as whirlpool tubs, look very enticing, but will you be using the jets often? Consider the importance of the additional features and how will these features impact your power and water consumption.

* Features for the handicap and the elderly

People with handicap and the elderly rarely use the standard bathtub due to risks for additional injury. Check bathtubs that have features that allow easy entry and exit from the tub. These tubs also have grab rails and grab bars to prevent accidents while soaking in the bathtub. Check for ADA compliance if you want these features for your bathtub.

* Design

Most bathtubs come in cream and white, but are also available in other colors such as brown, maroon, pink, green and blue. Shapes are usually rectangle, oval, and round, but heart-shaped designs and corner styles are also offered.

These are important so the bathtub will match the color and the design of the bathroom. It also makes the bathtub inviting and makes soaking a comfortable experience.

With these tips, you can surely choose the bathtub that fits you.

For more great bathtub information and resources check out: http://www.bestbathtubs.info

Article Source: Tips For Choosing The Right Bathtub

For Classic Style, Go For A Clawfoot Tub

by Brad Petros

You can recognize a clawfoot tub at a glance. Among the features are the smoothly curved rim and the four legs with claw feet supporting the bath tub. We will examine these tubs, related styles such as pedestal bathtubs and the major brands making them.

* The style originally became popular in the mid 1800's, and were made of cast iron, with a finish made from porcelain. European style clawfoot tubs typically have wall-mounted hardware and faucets, while the American style mounts the hardware on the tub itself.There are two main hardware mount styles: the American style has the hardware and faucets on the bathtub, while the European mounts them on the wall.
* While the original cast iron style is very solid, more modern materials like acrylic give you the same great look, but they make the tub lighter and easier to maintain.
* Some styles have a slanting back, allowing you to lie back and relax in comfort.
* Slipper tubs, on the other hand, have a high back.
* Pedestal bathtubs differ in the fact they sit on a pedestal versus legs. They truly have an elegant style.
* These are free standing styles of tubs, providing for easy installation, since masonry and carpentry are avoided, and the pipes are exposed, allowing for easy maintenance access.

The premiere brands of these styles are:

* Barclay Products designs Victorian style clawfoot tubs made from both cast iron and acrylic, but with very modern accessories. Barclay combines the best of the old and the new in their products.
* Cheviot bathtubs is another top maker of clawfoot and pedestal bathtubs, with styles like the Traditional Roll Top and Slipper Bath Tubs.
* For a great online selection, take a look at Vintage Tub and Bath - these styles are their specialty.

If you want a classical look for your bathroom, go for a pedestal or clawfoot tub.

Brad Petros writes for Bathtubs For You, a consumer guide to helping you select, buy and maintain bathtubs, covering styles such as clawfoot bathtubs and Victorian bathtubs, and brands such as Barclay Tubs.

Article Source: For Classic Style, Go For A Clawfoot Tub