Tips for Choosing the Right Bathtub

While selecting and installing the right bathtub for your home may seem like a pretty standard procedure, there are actually a lot more things to think about when making your decision than you may have realized. Bathtubs are tricky to install and generally aren’t replaced for many, many years, so making a smart decision the first time is pretty important.

As with any remodeling project, it’s essential that you consider your needs in the present as well as what you think your needs will be five years from now. If you have children or are planning to in the near future, installing a bathtub that is kid friendly is obviously important. If you don’t have children and aren’t planning to anytime soon, it may be tempting to choose a fancier two person whirlpool or jet bathtub that isn’t very family friendly. But unless you’re planning on staying in your home permanently and have no intention of moving, having a bathtub that is not family friendly could turn out to be a very unwise decision when it comes time to put your house on the market.  Generally it’s just a good idea to keep the fancier whirlpool bathtubs in the master bathroom (if you have one) and make the main bathroom more multi-functional.

Another aspect to consider is the type of bathtub material. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages; it mostly comes down to how much wear and tear you expect, how willing you are to manage the upkeep, and your personal aesthetic preference. Cast iron looks great and is very durable if properly maintained, but is also very cold to the touch and extremely heavy. Enameled steel is also pretty durable and easier to take care of, but it has the tendency to chip and can often make bath-time rather noisy. In general, acrylic is a pretty standard choice. It’s warmer to the touch than the others and is very kid friendly. What material works best for you and your needs, however, is entirely up to you and the professionals you hire to help you install it will most likely have some more tips for you as well.

A good, comfortable bathroom can greatly improve the overall appeal of a house, and having the right bathtub is a big part of it. If you’re still unsure of which type of bathtub is right for you, take a trip to your local showroom store (we suggest Ferguson Showrooms) and explore all of your options. Ultimately the bathtub that you feel most comfortable with and that fully suits your needs is the bathtub that’s going to make your house a warm, cozy home.