Bath buying guide
Bath buying guide
Introduction
Bathtubs are an integral part of a bathroom, and choosing the right one is essential. This guide to buying a bath will help you decide which one is best for your needs. It covers the different types of bathtubs, plus bathtub shapes, dimensions and types of bath material. It also looks at bath accessories and extra parts you may need and gives advice on installation and maintenance. Finally, it highlights some things to consider before buying a bath and answers some frequently asked questions.
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How to Choose a Bathtub?
Choosing a bathtub often depends on personal preference in style and design. However, other factors that can determine the choice include the size and shape of the bathroom, where you’re able to position the bath, and the homeowner’s circumstances. For example, large bathrooms can accommodate larger or freestanding baths, while in a small bathroom, the bath may need to fit into a corner space. In addition, if there are children or older or less mobile people in the home, the bath may be chosen for practical purposes as well as looks.
Types of Bathtubs
Bathtubs come in contemporary and traditional styles and can be purchased separately or as part of a bathroom suite. There are many different types of baths to choose from.
In this section, we look at available bath types and provide details about their shape and functionality.
Left-handed and right-handed baths explained
Shower baths and corner baths come in left-handed and right-handed options. This is simply a way to determine whether the bath can be positioned in a left-hand or right-hand corner. To decide which option is needed, imagine the bath in position. If the corner edges of the bath will be on the left as you look at it from the front, you need the left-handed option. If they’re on the right, you need the right-handed option.
Straight baths explained
Straight baths are the most common and popular type of bath in many homes because they are designed to fit into even the most compact of bathrooms. They are rectangular and neatly fit into corners, up against two or three walls. The outside of the bath usually comes in a standard shape and is finished off with a bath panel. But the inside shape can come in various designs to suit traditional or contemporary bathrooms.
Straight baths also have single-ended or double-ended options. A single-ended bath has the taps and waste fitted at one end, while the other end is sloped to allow the bather to lie back. A double-ended bath has taps and wastes fitted along the tub’s length, and both ends are sloped. The double-ended option has a more luxurious look and feel and is ideal for homes where two children need to be bathed together.
Shower baths explained
Shower baths combine a bath and shower in one. They are similar to a straight bath, except one end is wider than the other to create more room for a showering area. They fit within many bathrooms, slotting neatly into corners, up against two or three walls, and the outside is finished with a bath panel. They’re an excellent option for homes without enough space for a separate bath and shower enclosure.
There are two shower bath shapes to choose from L-shaped and P-shaped. As the names suggest, the L-shaped bath looks like the letter ‘L’, with the shower end of the bath having squared-off corners. The P-shaped option has a curved showering end, making the bath look like the letter ‘P’.
Shower baths must be used with a shower screen or curtain to prevent water from splashing over the floor. Due to their unusual shapes, most shower baths are supplied with a matching shower screen.
Freestanding and roll-top baths explained
A freestanding bath is designed to stand alone, away from walls, and doesn’t require bath panels to complete its look. It’s a luxurious bath option suited to large bathrooms because they need a certain amount of space around them.
Freestanding baths are available in a range of materials and styles. From traditional roll-top baths (where the top rim of the bath is curved over) with ornate feet to contemporary styles with a flat base that sits directly on the floor. Bath feet and fixtures are usually sold separately to allow the homeowner to choose their preferred style and finish.
Corner baths explained
Corner baths have two straight sides, designed to fit into a corner of a bathroom, and one curved side. Although they take up more floor space than a straight bath, their shape makes them ideal for small or awkward-shaped bathrooms. The outsides of corner baths are usually a standard shape and are finished with a bath panel. But the inside shape can come in many different designs to suit traditional or contemporary bathrooms. Some even have a small seat inside.
Spa and whirlpool baths explained
Spa and whirlpool baths are types of baths that come with added features such as water and air jets, LED lights and essential oil diffusers. The power of the jets can be adjusted to different levels, or they can be turned off completely when they’re not wanted. They are designed to give bathers a spa or jacuzzi experience at home, offering the benefits of massaging and relaxing their bodies.
These baths are available in straight, corner and shower bath designs, so it’s possible to fit them into small and large bathrooms. They are more expensive than the other bath types, and installation will be more complex due to the need to connect the bath to the electricity supply.
Other types of baths explained
The baths described above are the most common types, but there are a few less common bath types to consider:
Inset baths are designed to be built into a surround rather than being finished off with a panel. For example, they can be built into a recess between walls or can even be recessed into the floor. They have a decorative rim that protrudes over the top of the surround they are built into. These baths are ideal for small bathrooms as they can be fitted up against a wall or into a corner.
Walk-in baths are often square in shape, small and compact, with high sides. They have a door in the front panel that allows the user to walk into the bath without lifting their legs high to step into it. They are designed for the bather to sit upright rather than lay back, stretched out. Walk-in baths are ideal for bathrooms where space is tight, and they are particularly suited to people who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility.
Bathtub Dimensions
When buying a bath, it’s essential to check both the bathtub dimensions and the dimensions of the other items in the bathroom to ensure it will fit in the planned space. You’ll also need to consider the location and size of the door and any windows in the bathroom, so you know what wall space is available.
Bathtub sizes vary, but most fit within standard sizing parameters, so you can always find a bath to suit any bathroom.
The standard shower bath and straight bathtub length is considered to be 1700mm. But they can range from around 1500-1800mm in size. They’re 700mm wide or 800mm at the widest end for a shower bath. Corner baths range from about 1200-1600mm long and 900-1400mm wide. And freestanding bathtubs are approximately 1700mm long and 800mm wide.
Bath Materials
There are a few different types of bathtub materials to choose from, each with pros and cons. In this section, we look at the different types so you can decide what is the best bath material for your needs.
Bath material types:
Acrylic baths
Acrylic baths are the most popular bath material due to its low cost and sturdiness. The baths’ outside surfaces are made from acrylic and they have a wooden frame and Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) on their underside.
Pros: easy to clean and install, scratches can be polished out, retains heat well, warm to the touch, lightweight.
Cons: will crack if a heavy item is dropped into them.
Fibreglass baths
Fibreglass baths are made from reinforced plastic with a coating of resin that protects them from scratches and light impacts.
Pros: low cost, easy to install, minor scratches and cracks can be repaired, lightweight.
Cons: poor durability compared to other bath material types, the colour can fade, the thin and flexible material makes it unsuitable for use as a shower base.
Steel baths/enamelled steel baths
Steel baths are made from a single piece of steel sheet that’s pressed and moulded into shape and sealed with an enamel coating.
Pros: heats up quickly on contact with hot water, hard-wearing and high-sheen enamel, durable, scratch-resistant.
Cons: heavy and more difficult to install than acrylic and fibreglass baths, the sides of the bath that aren’t in contact with hot water will remain cold, prone to chips and discolouration.
Other materials
There are a few other bath material types available which are less common than the ones above:
- Stone: Sculpted from natural stone and finished with a mineral resin, leaving a tough and durable surface. These baths retain heat for long periods and look great in contemporary bathrooms. But they are extremely heavy.
- Wood: Carved from natural hardwood, these baths offer a luxurious look and feel to any bathroom. However, they are one of the most expensive bath material types and can crack and warp over time.
- Carronite™: This is a unique, high-tech type of acrylic material made from glass-reinforced resin patented by a company called Carron. Baths made from Carronite™ are durable and long-lasting, retaining heat for about 30 minutes longer than acrylic baths. They also offer more slip resistance than cast iron or enamelled steel baths.
- Cast iron: Used for some freestanding baths, cast iron is very hard wearing and easy to clean. It takes a while for the metal to heat up, but once it does, it retains the heat for long periods. Baths made from cast iron are extremely heavy, making them difficult to install. And the floor may need to be reinforced beneath them to take the weight.
Bath Accessories and Parts
When you purchase a bath, there are a few other accessories and parts you may need to buy separately, such as:
Bath fittings and bath feet
Most baths come with all the fittings needed to attach them to the ground and wall. But if you buy a freestanding bath that doesn’t sit directly on the floor, you might need to need to purchase the feet separately. This is because they come in a wide variety of styles, finishes and colours, so you can choose feet to suit the décor.
Bath panels
Straight, corner and shower baths all require bath panels to hide their underside, pipework and support structures. Due to their unusual shapes, shower baths usually come with the bath panel included. Straight and corner baths sometimes include the panels, or they may need to be bought separately.
Bath panels are available in the same materials as baths and are often white. Although other colours are available too. And you can buy panels for both the long and short ends of the bath as required.
If you don’t want to use bath panels, bath cladding is an excellent alternative. Bath cladding consists of an extruded polystyrene panel that’s coated with fibreglass. It can be painted or tiled over (a separate removable access panel for access to the waste and tap fittings should be created if it’s tiled).
Bath taps
Bath taps come in a vast range of types, styles and finishes. The kind you buy may narrow down the choice of bath you can have because some baths have one or two pre-drilled tap holes, and some have no tap holes.
Bath tap types include separate pillar taps for hot and cold water, single mixer taps, and bath shower mixer taps with a hot and cold tap and shower hose. There are also taps which can be wall-mounted. Some freestanding baths require freestanding taps, which must be mounted on standpipes from the floor.
Bath wastes and bath traps
Bath wastes include the overflow and plug, they are connected to the drainage hole underneath the bath and are designed to take away and remove the wastewater. Various bath traps (the plumbing underneath the waste) are also available and sold separately to the bath so you can choose the right one to fit between the bath and floorboards.
Bath screens
If the bath will be used with a shower, then a shower screen will be needed to protect the bathroom from water splashing out of the bathtub. The alternative is a shower curtain, but a shower screen is more hygienic and looks sleek.
Bath screens are made from durable safety glass, which is easy to clean and maintain. They come in various styles and designs, including single panels, with or without frames, and two or four-panel bi-fold screens.
Installation and Maintenance of Baths
Replacing or installing a new bath can be difficult, so a professional plumber who’s experienced in this type of work may be needed. Especially if pipework needs to be rerouted to put the bath in a different position. The structural integrity should also be assessed and considered by a professional, as baths should only be installed over load bearing joists.
Also, consider that floorboards may need to be taken up to access pipes, or the wall may need to be knocked through if wall-mounted bath taps are fitted. A plumber will ensure that everything’s installed and plumbed in correctly so there are no leaks or problems in future.
A professional can usually fit a new bath in a day. Or, if it’s part of a complete bathroom install, it could take around five days.
Once the bathtub is fitted, follow these cleaning and maintenance tasks to keep it looking like new:
- Rinse the bath with clean water to remove soap and oils after every use. If left, they can leave a buildup of scum and slime.
- Spray the bath with a gentle cleanser or a mixture of water and white vinegar once a week. If necessary, scrub the tub with a brush before rinsing the cleaner away.
- Scrub the entire bath once a month with a bath scrubbing solution to remove mould, mildew, scum and mineral buildup.
- Avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners on acrylic, fibreglass and enamelled steel baths. Acrylic and fibreglass baths can scratch. And over time, enamelled steel baths will become prone to discolouration from dirt and chemicals in the bath water.
- For whirlpool and spa baths, flush out the jets once a month to remove debris and mould (refer to the manufacturer’s handbook for instructions).
Key Considerations When Buying a Bath
The information above should help you decide which are the best baths to buy. But there are a few more things to consider before making your final choice:
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Number of tap holes needed
For convenience, some baths have pre-drilled tap holes, while others don’t. The baths with tap holes will have either one hole, which means it can take a mixer tap, or two holes to take separate hot and cold pillar taps. Baths with no tap holes allow you the flexibility to choose whichever taps you want and where to put them, as the holes can be drilled. You may even opt for wall-mounted taps, or freestanding taps if it’s a freestanding bath. -
Bath depth
Baths come in various depths, with the most common depth being around 370mm (from the base of the tub to the bottom of the overflow hole). Freestanding baths tend to be deeper at around 410-550mm. But the overall volume of water they can hold will vary depending on the width and length of the bath, different bath shapes, and how sloped the sides are. It’s worth considering that while a deep bath may be lovely to soak in, it will take longer to fill and use more water. -
Thickness of the bathtub
Standard acrylic baths are between 4-8mm thick and are reinforced with a wooden or steel frame and a wooden base. You can also buy double-skinned acrylic baths or a Carronite™ acrylic bath that’s 10mm thick. The thicker the acrylic, the more durable and robust the bath will be, but anything from 8mm thick and above is considered good. -
Size of the bathroom and position of the tub
Before buying a bath, make a scale drawing of the bathroom so you can see where the tub will fit and how much floor space there will be once all the other items are drawn on too. Also, consider the position of the door and any windows (you may not want to place a bath under a window if you plan to install a shower over it). -
Weight of the bathtub
Acrylic and fibreglass baths are lightweight, so they can be fitted into any bathroom. Steel baths are heavier but can also fit into any bathroom as long as they are on a sturdy base. But if you’re considering a cast iron bath, check the sturdiness of the floor (especially if it’s going on the second floor) to ensure it can take the weight. Most homes with standard floors will be able to support the weight, but older homes may need the floor to be reinforced. Stone baths are even heavier and may not be suitable for second-floor bathrooms.