| Types Of Bathtubs Planning on replacing your old bathtub but cannot decide on what to get? With so many different choices out there, it can be rather difficult to choose the right one. There are soaking tubs, built-in tubs, free-standing tubs and special tubs as well as the different kinds in each category to choose from. Soaking bathtubs are built for soaking and are built deeper than the standard tub so a person can have the opportunity to soak up to their chin. Because of their main purpose is to be used soaking, these tubs usually do not have jet combinations or shower attachments. There are two types to consider when choosing a soaking tub for your bathroom; one is a Greek and the other is Roman. Greek style tubs are an excellent choice for bathrooms with limited space because they are shorter in length than the regular soaking tubs. Roman styles are named after the original baths used by the Romans. These tubs are sunken and mounted on the floor; however, they are difficult to find because very few manufactures still make them. Built in bathtubs are the most common choice. They are built into the bathroom and among these types include the Alcove, Drop in , Tub/Shower combinations and Corner tubs. Alcove Tubs: Alcove tubs refer to more of the instillation that results in an alcove rather than the tub itself. Becoming popular after the First World War, these tubs are now the most popular in the US. The Alcove tub is enclosed on three sides mostly by wall and is only open on the front side. Shower curtains or doors are used to enclose the open side of the tub. The drain on the tub can either be on the right side or the left side of the tub, depending on preference and plumbing requirements. Alcove tubs are also cheaper than other types of free standing bathtubs because they have fewer finished surfaces. They are also great for installing rails and grab bars for those people who need a little extra help getting in and out of the tub. Alcove tubs are also easy to install wall surrounds, which are easy to maintain as well as act as a water tight barrier for the tub. Drop In Tubs: In contrast to free standing tubs, a Drop In tub is dropped into place in either the floor, the walls or a platform. These tubs can either be pedestal mounted, deck mounted or floor mounted sunken tubs. The Drop in tubs also come in a variety of shapes to suit preferences such as square, rectangle and oval. Other advantages include that they are easy to clean, they are excellent for soaking and the plumbing is covered, giving the bathroom a cleaner look. Tub and Shower Combinations: Tub and Shower Combination tubs are very popular because they satisfy the needs of a bath and a shower in the same floor space. These units can come in either one piece, which tend to be heavier and more polished, or they can come in sections. When considering a Tub and Shower Combination, make sure to measure the doorways that it will have to pass through before you do your shopping. You don't want to get it home, and find out that it won't fit through the doorway. Corner Tubs: Corner tubs are built to set off a room and can either be fitted in or be made to stand alone. They are not installed with integrated showers but they have a handy ledge for decorative items, plants and soaps. Corner tubs can also be specially designed, or a standard drop-in tub built into an angled deck in the corner. The drains on these tuba can be on either side or in the middle. Unlike the built in tubs, the Free Standing tubs do not have enclosures nor are they built into the floor. The faucets on these tubs can either be floor mounted, wall mounted or mounted on the side of the bathtub itself. The two popular styles of freestanding bathtubs are the pedestal and the claw foot Pedestal: Pedestal tubs sit on a wooden oval base while the tub itself is oval shaped with a straight front and a sloped back. The tub itself can be made from either steel with a porcelain coating, the classic cast iron, or with more modern materials such as acrylic. With no carpentry or masonry required, these tubs are also easier to install as well as easier to repair and maintain due to it's exposed pipes. Faucets on the pedestal tubs are installed in either the floor or the wall; allowing the water to be filled to a deeper level. Claw foot: Claw foot tubs give off a hint on nostalgia with their very presence as well as offering the most in comfort and pure relaxation. The two styles of claw foot tubs that are found are the European, which features wall-mounted faucets and hardware, and the American, which has tub mounted faucets. Drain holes and overflow features are also featured in both styles of tubs. Claw foot tubs can be manufactured in different colors and come in different lengths, from 4 feet to 5 1/2 feet, to accommodate different preferences. Other tubs offer a variety of special features to accommodate specific needs. these tubs include ADA,which are designed for the elderly and handicapped, the Whirlpool, with it's added jets for extra comfort and pleasure, and Aqua massage tubs, with holes in the bottom, and sometimes the sides, so air bubbles can be released into the hot water of the tub. It is well known that the bathtub is one of the most indispensable parts of the bathroom. Besides it's many uses such as bathing people and pets, it is also known to be used for various other things such as washing some musical instruments, clothes and cleaning large objects. It is also used as a quick escape from a hectic day with soothing, hot bath. |
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