Standalone Soaking Tub, Shower/Tub Combo, or Jetted? What's The Right Tub for Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom remodeling can completely transform your home in ways that improve its functionality and add depth to your design! One way to really spruce up your bathroom is to replace your old and outdated bathtub.

Taking a bath is a great way to relax and unwind, but buying a bathtub can be stressful and challenging. Today, you have a range of bathtub sizes, shapes, and materials available, and choosing the right bathtub is something you only want to do once! Ripping out and replacing a tub isn't high on the list of fun activities, so take the time to educate yourself and answer a few questions before choosing the bathtub for your bathroom remodeling. 

In this post, we will start by defining your needs and look at the elements to consider when buying a new tub for your bathroom remodeling project.

Questions To Ask to Help Define Your Bathroom Remodeling Needs

Today, you have more choices than ever before when it comes to choosing the right bathtub. In fact, it can be somewhat overwhelming. That's why it's a good idea to define your bathtub needs and wants when doing a bathroom remodeling. By defining your needs, you can significantly narrow your choices and save a lot of time.

Here are some questions to answer when for a new bathtub.

How do you plan to use your tub?

The answer to this question will determine whether an inexpensive, bare-bones design is ok, or if you need some bells and whistles! For example, a soaking tub just gets filled with water, while a whirlpool or air bath has jets that provide massaging air or water.

You have a limited selection of extras in a soaking tub like arm or headrests, grab bars and slip-resistant flooring. Whirlpool, ait-bath, or combination tubs have many more options. These include adjustable jets, ambient underwater lighting, heated blowers, aromatherapy, and automated cleaning features. The more elaborate your choices, the more expensive it will be.

How much space do you have for a bathtub?

Before you fall in love with a particular tub, you need to know what can fit in your space. A standard tub is 60-inches long, 30–inches wide, and 14-inches deep, but many other shapes and sizes are available. 

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To determine how large your tub can be, make sure to take careful measurements of the bathroom, and make sure you also measure the doorways. Note where the drain is located on the floor to ensure it works with the tub you choose. Some tubs don't allow for the installation of a shower. Check before buying if this is a must-have feature.

Are there special installation considerations?

If you're thinking about a jetted tub, you'll need to plan for the pump, electric time, and air pump. Many pumps fit within the tub, but some manufacturers use remote pumps hidden in a closet or vanity up to 5-feet from the tub. The air switch is non-electric and may be located on the unit. You'll also need to plan on installing the electric time a minimum of 5-feet from the tub to meet code.

Is your water heater up to the task?

A typical bath uses one-third cold and two-thirds hot water. If you have a hot water tank, can it supply enough hot water? Tubs can vary in size holding anywhere from 25 to 150 gallons of water. Make sure your water heater is up to the task of filling about two-thirds of your tub with hot water.

Is weight an issue?

A plastic bathtub can weigh as little as 50 pounds when empty, while a cast iron tub can weigh hundreds of pounds. If you're considering a heavier material, can your floor handle the weight? When you add up the bathtub weight, plus the weight of the water and people, it may be necessary to reinforce the floor under the tub. If your house is quite old, that could certainly be a reason for concern. Also, a heavy tub may be prohibitively expensive to get up to a second-floor bathroom.

Is the tub you want comfortable?

Before spending money on a tub, try in on – literally! Climb in, settle back, and imagine yourself soaking in the bath. Does it fit and feel comfortable to you? Don't be embarrassed. Sitting in the tub is the best way to make sure you'll love it when it comes home!

By answering these questions, you can narrow down the bathtub that is best for your bathroom remodeling project. 

The Materials Used To Make Bathtubs

When choosing the perfect tub, you literally have hundreds of shapes and sizes to choose from. It can be a little bit overwhelming. The material you choose will determine the price, durability, and cleanability of your bathtub. 

The Pros and Cons of Various Bathtub Materials

Plastic: Typically made of either fiberglass or acrylic, plastic bathtubs offer plenty of design flexibility because they can be molded into literally any shape. Plastic is warm to the touch and insulates well. Water doesn't cool as fast as it does in enameled steel or cast-iron tubs. Plastic is also the lightest material. The typical plastic tub comes in at 60-75 pounds. While plastic doesn't easily chip, abrasive cleaners can damage the surface.

Enameled Steel: Formed steel tubs with porcelain enamel are the least expensive tubs. However, the material does have some drawbacks; steel conducts heat, meaning tub water will cool quickly. Plus, the surface is prone to chipping, and it weighs about twice as much as plastic.

Cast-Iron: Cast-iron tubs are also coated with enamel. However, they don't chip as easily as steel because the enamel is thicker. Cast-iron tubs are more durable and resistant to impacts. A cast-iron tub will pull heat from the water. But once it's at temperature, it will keep the water warmer longer. The biggest drawback to cast-iron is the eight. At 300-500 pounds, it can complicate second-floor installations.

Cast Polymer: Cast-polymer tubs traditionally replicate the look of natural stone like granite, onyx, or marble. They also come in a range of solid colors. Cast-polymer is slightly more expensive than acrylic, but it doesn't stand up as well. Over time, the gel-coat can become brittle, exposing the material underneath, leading to cracking.

Proprietary Composites: These are newcomers to the marketplace. Proprietary composites include heavy-gauge steel, porcelain enamel, and resins. These materials are combined to create a tub with all of the benefits of cast iron, at half the weight.

Defining your needs and clearly understanding the technical aspects like the size of your space and any special considerations can help narrow the field when it comes time to choose the perfect bathtub. Understanding your options for materials can help you make a bathtub choice that will meet your needs both functionally and aesthetically. Work with your designer or your design-build contractor. They can help you to choose the perfect bathtub for your bathroom remodeling project.

If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are planning a bathroom remodeling project, give the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. Their award-winning design team is ready to help you realize your creative vision and help you create the futuristic bathroom of your dreams. Call today and arrange a free consultation to discuss your upcoming project.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/26/2022.