What should I consider before buying or installing a bathtub?

Asha Bogenfuerst Asha Bogenfuerst
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Many Indian households tend to leave out the bathtub in the bathroom, but it can actually be a really nice addition. A bathtub allows you the luxury of pampering yourself a little more than a shower does. Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to have a large bathroom in order to have a bathtub, there are various sizes and shapes which can installed in small bathrooms as well. Never allow a small bathroom to keep you from enjoying the luxury of a bathtub. With some guided planning and expert tips, a bathtub can be installed into most bathrooms. Read on to inform yourself on the different types of bathtubs available and also some tips on how best to install a bathtub. Please follow the links and tags included for more ideas and inspiration. 

What type of bathtub installation is ideal for your bathroom?

One of the most important things to remember when buying a bathtub is the type of installation as this will determine how exactly it will fit into your bathroom. It is only after choosing the installation type that you should choose the style of bathtub and the fixtures that suit it. The following are the most popular type of bathtub installations. 

Inset

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A surrounding support is required for this type of bathtub installation. Depending on your taste, the enclosure can be a deck or platform and can be built with with various types of materials. If you have a spacious bathroom, you can extend the width of the platform or deck to create extra space around the bathtub. A large platform can also be used as storage space and serve as seating which can make getting in and coming out of the bathtub easier. Bathtubs with a finished top rim or edge fit best with this type of installation. Usually the rim of the bathtub will be at the same level with the enclosure and the plumbing will get hidden behind the wall or within the support framework. For small and medium-sized bathrooms, this type of installation works best. 

Freestanding

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There is no need for a support system with a freestanding bathtub installation. Freestanding bathtubs are more suitable for larger bathrooms because they take up more space as they are not connected to the walls. Since they are freestanding, they can be placed anywhere in the bathroom, but of course it should be placed near the drain plumbing. If the location chosen is central, the faucets can be mounted on the floor with plumbing fixtures exposed. You also can choose to have faucets mounted on the wall with hidden pipes if you place the freestanding bathtub next to a wall. Although these types of bathtubs tends to be more costly, the cost of constructing a platform can be avoided. 

Freestanding inset

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The freestanding inset bathtub installation is essentially a combination of the freestanding bathtub and the inset bathtub.The difference is that the bathtub and enclosure is not completely attached to any of the surrounding walls. Similar to a freestanding bathtub, the freestanding inset bathtub installation is more ideal for bathrooms which are larger and more spacious. For more ideas, please refer to our article titled 6 bathtub inspirations for a modern Indian home.

Sunken

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This type of bathtub installation is only an option for ground floor bathrooms, so it's out of the question if you live in an apartment building. What's great about this type of bathtub installation is that it tends to feel more like a spa. In terms of cost, they are the most pricey and you need quite a big bathroom to fit it properly. Most importantly, you need to make sure you have enough extra space below your flooring before you consider this type of installation as an option. One disadvantage of a sunken bathtub is that it can be quite difficult to get in and out of it. For more options, please also have a look at 8 luxurious bathtub designs.

Skirted

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This type of bathtub comes finished at the front side, while the other sides are simply attached to the walls unfinished. Usually skirted bathtubs come with plumbing within the hardware or faucets which are mounted on the wall with hidden fixtures. They are often more affordable as they don't need any platform for support. Skirted bathtubs are also the best for small bathrooms. 

Which style of bathtub is best for you?

When choosing the style of bathtub, make sure you consider the size of the bathroom. In terms of comfort, the slipper bathtub is best as it's higher on one end and offers support to your neck and back. The bateau bathtub is similar to the slipper bathtub, but it's even better as it provides neck and head support on both sides so two people can enjoy the luxury of a long soak.  Both the slipper bathtub and the bateau bathtub require freestanding installation and a medium to large bathroom. For small bathrooms, drop-in bathtubs and alcove bathtubs are more ideal. Drop-in bathtubs require either an inset or freestanding inset installation while alcove bathtubs require a skirted installation. Other styles you may want to consider for a big or medium-sized bathroom are clawfoot bathtubs and corner bathtubs. For more inspiration, have a look at 5 gorgeous bathtub designs.

What type of features can be added to the bathtub?

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For added luxury, there are several features that can be installed to bathtubs such as bubble bath jets, heat controls, whirlpool and chromotherapy light fixtures. For more ideas, please also read interesting bathtub designs for Indian homes.

What are some tips for small bathrooms?

To save space in small bathrooms, it's best to combine the bath and shower in the same place and make sure all the fixtures are mounted on the wall. The smallest recommended size for a bathtub is 32 inches., but make sure you sit in it and try it out to see if it's comfortable before purchasing it. 

We hope this idea book has been informative and helpful. For more ideas like these, please refer to our article titled 5 small but stunning bathrooms.

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