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Types of Bathtubs and Choose Best One – Ultimate Guide 2023

Although nothing beats the feeling of relaxation after a nice soak in the tub, shopping for a new tub may be a stressful ordeal to decide the types of bathtubs. There is a mind-boggling variety of tub sizes and forms to choose from. So that you can get the perfect tub for your requirements and keep in mind bathtubs cost. You should be aware of the best materials now on the market, such as acrylic vs. cast-iron tubs.

No one looks forward to having to remove and replace their bathtub. Before deciding whether to buy a new tub or have your current one refinished, ask the following essential questions. With our shopping guide, you can choose the ideal tub for your house and way of life.

While shopping for a new tub, keep in mind the following:

Types of Bathtubs
Components
Dimensions
Installation
Mass

1. Types of Bathtubs

There is a wide variety of bathtub designs to choose from different type of bathtubs, each highlighting either the importance of space or the quality of the material used.

The amount of room you have available will significantly impact the design that is most suitable for you. For example, although you could have your heart set on an oval-shaped freestanding bathtub. Your space might only accommodate a circular bathtub.

While space is essential, the material itself will impact the design since some, like copper and natural stone can only be fabricated in a certain way.

Freestanding Baths

It’s easy to understand why freestanding bathtubs are commonplace in modern homes. As they don’t have to be connected to any walls, freestanding tubs may be placed in almost any bathroom.

In addition, they are competitively priced with other alternatives on the market and give a more visually striking focal point for your washroom than other drop-in tubs.

Regular Bathtub

Clawfoot stools have been around since the early 1800s. Still, their traditional design has been updated with a more contemporary flare in recent years. Eliminating the pinned claws on the base in favor of a smoother, more uniform profile.

However, if you want a different style, you may still get clawfoot designs nowadays. These are often more conventionally rectangular in plan and hence need more room.

The oval bathtub is a departure from the traditional style of the clawfoot. Like a water basin, these baths are spherical and symmetrical. However, these tubs have a more contemporary appearance that works well with the other sharper angles and edges in your bathroom. Making them a popular choice for compact houses and flats.

Angled Tub

The angled style for individuals who seek a departure from the conventional or angled shape is one of the types of bathtubs. The concept behind an angled bathtub is that the higher side will support your back and neck while you soak. Highly adaptable in dimensions, you may get ones about the size of an oval tub and others far bigger than the oval and standard freestanding varieties.

Clawed Tub

The classic bathtub design, known as a clawfoot tub, is a freestanding tub with four “claws” or legs attached to the underside. This style was popular in bathrooms in the early Victorian period and has endured to the present day.

Alcove Bathtubs

Tubs built in an alcove have three adjoining walls, with just one side completed. These tubs are standard in smaller houses and flats because of their compact size, and many can be converted into shower/tub combinations.

Corner Bathtub

A corner tub is like an alcove except bigger. These tubs are substantially larger in width than the standard alcove tub, yet they still fit inside the allotted area. A window is often one of the three connecting walls in an alcove bathroom. These tubs resemble hot tubs more than traditional bathtubs since they are designed for soaking rather than washing.

Drop In Bathtubs

Undermount bathtubs have their rims concealed by the deck or entrance around them, creating a more streamlined appearance in the bathroom. The edge of a drop-in sink is highlighted because the sink is dropped into a cutout section before being sealed in.

Differences between an underside and a drop-in tub are primarily aesthetic. They are both space-efficient; a wide variety of designs and materials are available. Many of them may be outfitted with hydrotherapy jets to enhance the bathing experience or be paired with a shower to serve several purposes.

Immersion Bathing, Japanese Style

A soaking tub, often known as a “Japanese” tub, is an oval or round tub used for soaking and is types of bathtubs. These tubs are designed to be sat in comfortably. Thus they are often a good deal higher than standard bathtubs.

There is a broad range of sizes available for these tubs, from more extended. Ornate models designed for bigger households to naturally smaller, more compact models designed for more tiny bathrooms. The standard apartment tub is on the smaller side.

Walk In Bathtub

A walk-in tub is a bathtub types of accessible bathtub that can be entered and used without having to get into or out of the water. Tubs often include handholds, or grooves cut into the inside to help with balance and stability when walking. Most of these may be found in houses with senior citizens since they make it possible for them to take a shower without help.

2. Types of Bathtubs Materials

Both cost and comfort should be considered while deciding on Materials for Bathtubs. You’ll be spending a lot of time in your tub, so you must choose the one you like the feel of.

There are many various materials from which to choose. The most luxurious fabric, however, might be prohibitively expensive and a little too heavy for your bathroom. So check its weight capacity before making a purchase.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass is the most cost-effective material for bathtubs since it can be made from reinforced plastic sheets and then shaped into a bathtub.

However, it does suffer from being porous and is easily chipped by hard blows. In other words, it is porous, which means it will absorb water regularly, leading to warping and instability over time.

Porcelain

Cast iron or pressed steel forms the base material, and then porcelain enamel—a combination of powdered glass and substrate—is applied and heated to create a hard covering.

These bathtubs are made with a non-porous material that resists warping and deterioration. Avoid dropping anything on the porcelain coating since it is easily damaged by hard impacts and will leave a visible mark.

Acrylic

A sheet of acrylic composed of petrochemicals, stabilizers, resin, and the right color is heated and molded into a bathtub shape before being reinforced with fiberglass. Acrylic is a popular material for drop-in and solo tubs since it is lightweight and comes in various shapes and sizes.

The material has a similar appearance and feels to fiberglass, but its non-porous nature gives it significantly more endurance. However, you still shouldn’t hurl objects at your bathtub, even if they are chip- and impact-resistant.

Ceramic

To make a ceramic tub, several individual tiles are molded together and allowed to solidify in the same mold.

The advantage of using ceramic in this fashion is that it is comparable to clay and hence can be molded into a wide variety of shapes and sizes, more so than any other building material now available. The downside is that ceramic needs regular upkeep, or it will degrade and break down.

Resin Stone

Stone resin is a composite material that mimics the appearance and feel of actual stone without the weight and high price tag. It is made from crushed natural stone that has been held together with glue.

Stone resin is widely used because it is a preferred compromise between price and quality, boasting non-porous construction, low cost, and outstanding durability and heat retention. Stone resin’s sole drawback is that it doesn’t provide as many design options as other popular building materials.

Dimensions of a Standard Tub

The dimensions of your existing tub are also a significant aspect to consider. The bathtub size is crucial since a bigger tub may not be necessary for your house. In most cases, a bigger tub is preferable if it can fit in the bathroom.

A standalone or corner tub will be ideal if your bathroom is large enough. However, an alcove, drop-in, or soaking tub may be more appropriate if you have a smaller bathroom. A bigger bathtub, although more pleasing to the eye, will result in a higher water bill since more water will be used to fill it.

There are also more practical variations on the smaller size. Such as the Japanese soaking method that lets you sit as you soak. However, only some people like a huge bathtub; some may find that a smaller one makes them feel claustrophobic.

3. Weight of a Bathtub

The tub’s weight is an important consideration when making a purchase. The same holds for the weight of your tub, which will dictate where you may set it.

If the tub’s material is overly heavy, the added weight of the water might cause damage to your floor and home. Unfortunately, some of the best materials, including cast iron, natural stone, and copper, are among the heaviest, making this a challenge for many homeowners.

Adding support to your floor is a popular fix for this issue. Stone resin and acrylic, both strong and lightweight, and hence suitable for use in various settings, also provide a good compromise.

4. Setup of a New Bathtub

Depending on the dimensions and design of your tub, installing it may be challenging. Knowing which bathtub type is the simplest to put in place and which is a little more challenging to do is essential.

For example, alcove and drop-in tubs are often simpler to set up than freestanding or corner tubs. However, this might vary by material and total weight. If the weight appears excessive, it’s advisable to have a professional handle the setup.

Standing Installation

In addition to its obvious aesthetic benefits, a freestanding tub has the extra convenience of being placed in any room of the house that has access to both a drain and water supply. Furthermore, freestanding tubs may stand independently, unlike conventional bathtubs. Which need to be installed next to a wall or have an opening cut into them.

While these tubs may be set up almost anywhere, they are also the biggest and, depending on the material, the heaviest. In addition, because of how they’re constructed, they may store a lot of water. So be sure your flooring can support the extra weight.

Simple Setup Procedure

Drop-in tubs are among the simplest to set up compared to other bathtubs. This is because their name describes what they do best: they drop by. Typically, an entrance or cutout is made for these tubs, and the plumbing is connected before they are positioned.

Putting up an Alcove

Alcove tubs are built against three unfinished walls, like drop-in tubs. Once an entryway or alcove has been prepared, a bathtub may be dropped and the necessary piping installed. Furthermore, these tubs are small enough that they may be easily installed by a team of two or three individuals.

Corner Setup

Corner bathtubs feature a few more moving components than other bathtubs on the market, making them the most challenging to install.

Its bigger shape implies it needs more space to be fitted than conventional bathtubs, and you may require assistance. If you need to become acquainted with plumbing, a professional plumber may need to adjust the extra water settings that come standard with corner bathtubs.

How Much do Bathtubs Cost?

Bathtubs may range in price from $200 to $14,000, and their materials can range from acrylic to fiberglass to enameled steel. Prices for copper and marble begin at $2,000, while cast iron begins at $1,300. Premium ceramic tubs may cost upwards of $4,000, while those crafted from granite can cost between $10,000 and $30,000.

FAQs on Bathtub Types

What are the 4 types of baths?

Drop-in tubs, freestanding bathtubs, corner tubs, and alcove tubs are the most typical varieties in private residences. However, if a relaxing bathtub is a must-have in your house, as it is for many people, then you must make sure you choose the correct model.

What is the most common type of bathtub?

You may have a soaking tub in whatever style you choose, from built-in to freestanding to alcove, and the faucets are usually set on the wall. This style of tub is the most often used because of its convenience and adaptability.

What are fancy bathtubs called?

It depends upon where you are using the fancy bathtub—for example, many types of bathtubs, including garden baths.

What are the 2 categories of bath?

The first is the washbasin, used with water and soap, and the second is the disposable bath, which is heated up in a microwave before each use.

What is the most comfortable type of bath?

The advantages of various tub shapes vary. For example, compared to a square or corner tub, the natural lumbar angles of an oval tub are more comfortable for prolonged soaking.

What bathtubs are in style now?

Bathtubs in an oval shape are visually appealing, provide enough comfort, and are usually simple to integrate into existing bathroom design schemes. In addition, their adaptable design allows them to be set up in several distinct ways, making them suitable for use with any aesthetic.

Which bathtub is easiest to maintain?

Most modern bathtubs are made of porcelain enameled steel because they are durable and can be purchased reasonably. This kind of tub is often heavier than its acrylic and fiberglass counterparts. However, they last a long time and are simple to maintain.

What is the most durable type of bathtub?

Molten iron is poured into a mold, smoothed, and enameled to make cast iron tubs. It has a finish resistant to chipping, scratching, denting, and most chemicals, making it one of the most long-lasting tubs on the market.

Types Of Bathtubs: Conclusion

There is a wide selection of bathtubs, from the most basic and functional to the most luxurious and fashionable. So you can discover one that works with your bathroom and your budget in the types of bathtubs. Drop-in tubs, corner tubs, freestanding tubs, clawfoot tubs, air tubs, soaking tubs, and walk-in tubs are just a few of the wide varieties of bathtubs available.