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6 Steps to Choosing the Right Bath Tub for Your Bathroom

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Balancing available space with the ability to stretch out and relax.

Before you start tearing out an existing shower or bathtub in your bathroom renovation project, it’s a good idea to consider what you’ll be replacing it with. A bathtub takes up a significant amount of space, and there are more styles and model types than you might imagine. It’s worth taking some time to make sure that the tub you want will work the way you need it to before going through the effort of replacing a tub. Here are five things to consider when choosing a new tub for your bathroom renovation project:

1. Consider your preferences.

Your height, body type, age and mobility needs (both now and in the future) will all affect the type of tub you choose. You may need a creative solution for installing a larger tub than what you had previously, but if you’ve never been able to truly relax before due to size issues, having the right size tub will be worth the trouble.

2. Measure the exact dimensions of the space.

Due to size limits and the presence of fixtures, most bathrooms have only one location that would work for a tub. Measure the space exactly so that you know what you’re working with. A matter of an inch or two could make a tremendous difference.

3. Once you know the dimensions, consider what type of tub would fit.

Alcove-style tubs, which fill the space between walls, are a common choice. However, alternatives like a corner tub or drop-in style are also available and may be a better use of your space.

4. Choose a surface material.

You might be surprised to know that there are many options for tub surfaces, and all of them have their own perks and drawbacks. You might consider acrylics, enameled cast iron, gel-coated fiberglass, cultured marble, European steel enamel or another material. Cost will be a major factor here, but you should also consider durability, comfort and warmth retention.

5. Consider a massage system.

For some people, a bath is utilitarian. For many others, however, it’s an opportunity to soak and relax. If you’re the latter type, you might like to add a jetted bath or air bath to provide a massage option, if space permits.

6. For Greater Space, Consider a Tub-to-Shower Conversion

Many homeowners are choosing to take advantage of the space in their bathrooms by minimizing the footprint of their bathing space. A bathtub-to-shower conversion is a great way to increase the floor space in your bathroom without sacrificing any of the luxury. A walk-in shower or no-barrier shower will provide an attractive bathing space that can accommodate your needs safely, even as you get older.

Choosing the right bathtub is a personal process, and you may get the best results by testing out a few models in person. Once you’ve “tried on” a bathtub or shower and determined that it’s comfortable and will fit in the space you have available, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a luxuriously remodeled bathroom.

Need More Help?

Once you’ve considered your options and done your research, you can move forward feeling confident that your new tub will meet all of your needs. If you have any questions or need help with your remodeling project, don’t hesitate to contact USA Bath for more information!