Who wants to have a bathtub at home? Of course, almost all of us want it. We can relax and soak in water after our long day of work. On the other hand, we can free ourselves from stress while listening to our favorite music or watch movies while laying down our burdens aside and just have a very nice aromatherapy bath.
Before we delve into the installation process and its cost, let’s discuss the purpose and materials commonly used in a tub.
Purpose of the bathtub
The first thing you need to define is the purpose of your bathtub. There are four most common purposes: general purpose, soaking, walk-in, and whirlpool or airjet. Setting up a general purpose bathtub is way cheaper than the other three.
Common Bathtub Configurations
Now that you got the glimpse of the purpose, you should have the idea of the best tub you need in your house. Now, where will you place your bathtub? Of course, it’s very important to know the most common bathtub configurations:
- Alcove – fits in an enclosure with three walls, ideal in the corner of the house
- Drop-in – this can be installed on a deck or maybe in a platform-like structure. This type can only be installed in big bathrooms since this needs plenty of floor space.
- Undermount – like the drop-in but it doesn’t have any support from the bottom.
- Freestanding – as the name suggests, freestanding style is available in two styles: classic claw foot and flat bottom
- Walk-in – This is fit for kids and older ones. This configuration eliminates the need to climb over the tub; instead, a walk-in door is built.
Materials and Tub Surrounds
Now, let’s get down to the materials. Depending on your budget, you can choose the best material for your tub. If you want a sturdier build of your tub, you can choose cultured marble. For more solid and durable tub, you can have cast iron. Or, you can also try acrylic tub, which is available in various shapes and styles. Lastly, if you want a cheaper tub, you can choose either fiberglass or steel, which is economical and lighter than cast iron, respectively.
As for the tub surrounds, there are four common materials you can choose from. The surround gives your tub a smooth and even surface that will help you relax with ease. This is available in acrylic, fiberglass, composite and quartz. The first three materials are easier to clean compared to standard tile because there are no cracks for the dirt to get it. Furthermore, acrylic is the most economical, followed by fiberglass, which is very easy to install. However, if you want a strong and durable finish, you can have composite or the quartz with no mold.
Installation Process
Since you are now sure on the type of bathtub you need, the next thing you should know is the cost of having it installed in your house. The installation is not just putting the tub and then it’s done. There are still other things the contractor has to get familiarize with – drain and overflow assembly are just a few. Hence, it’s very important to have the installer visit your house or at least hire only the experts to set up the best tub and a very affordable price.
Finally, if you badly want a tub but, on a budget, the first thing you should do is to visit manufacturer and installer near you. It’s very important to consult first rather than buy things without the full knowledge of how to set them all up together.
We, at Fidelity & Designs, pride ourselves on being professional, reliable, and affordable. We can help remodel your bathroom or any part of your home. We are fully licensed and fully insured. Contact us for a free, no obligation consultation at 1-877-405-0409