One of the simplest ways to unwind after a long day at work is to soak in a bathtub. Being submerged in warm water can soothe your nerves, relaxes your muscles, and encourages mindfulness. Enjoying little things like these keeps our stress levels down, so installing the right bathtub for your home is worth an effort. In this post, we explore different bathtub styles you can consider for your perfect personal retreat.
1. Alcove Bathtubs
Alcove bathtubs have three unfinished sides and often come as a tub-shower combo. They occupy less space and are easy to install, making them popular for apartments and smaller homes. Their practical qualities make them perfect for sustainable house designs.
2. Corner Bathtubs
Corner bathtubs are designed for comfort and luxurious experiences. They are wide and deep, allowing you to be fully submerged and comfortably enjoy your soak. They often have built-in cabinetry for your cosmetics and bath accessories.
3. Drop-in Bathtubs
Drop-in bathtubs are mounted in an existing surround. They offer a lot of space for customization and plenty of storage options for your bathing accessories. These tubs are more complicated regarding installation than other bathtubs but are highly versatile in terms of aesthetics, depth, and finishes.
4. Freestanding Bathtubs
Soaking bathtubs can be placed away from a wall and serve as a statement piece for your bathroom design. The most popular styles are claw-foot tubs, freestanding bowl-shaped ones, and pedestal/skirted tubs. This bathtub offers a fabulous experience, as it’s spacious and often slanted to allow lounging. These tubs are very suitable for heritage homes and also ultra-modern estates.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Bathtub
Before getting into the different types of bathtubs available, let’s establish the specifics of your space and define your needs and preferences. Here are some questions you can ask yourself before choosing a bathtub.
What kind of space do you have available?
Certain bathtub styles require more space in your bathroom, such as a corner bathtub or a freestanding one. If space is an issue, go with a design like an alcove or drop-in, which comes in smaller sizes and uses space more efficiently.
How much weight can your floor hold?
Knowing your floor’s weight capacity is crucial, especially when choosing heavy materials and large bathtubs that hold significantly more water.
Can your water heater handle the heat?
If your bathtub is wide and deep, holding over 100 gallons of water, it can strain your water heater. Choose a design that works with the heating system you have and your energy budget.
Tankless Water Heaters: A Smarter Option
Deciding on what kind of water heater to install in your home will mostly depend on the budget you have on hand. However, it’s a long-term investment, and you should think ahead before choosing the cheapest alternative. Tankless water heaters cost more upfront, but they have a significantly longer life span, are up to 35% more efficient than storage heaters, and contribute to energy savings by heating the water on demand.
Regardless of which variety of bathtub or water heater you opt for, Australian Heritage Homes is here to help. We are one of the leading custom builders in the Melbourne area, and we can help you with all your bathtub and other building needs. Contact us today for a free consultation!