The newest trend in bathroom design is freestanding bathtubs. These tubs used to be a luxury only available to the rich and famous, but today they are more widely available and reasonably priced than ever.
Freestanding tub designs are opulent and contemporary, lending a focal point to any bathroom’s decor. They also provide great relaxation thanks to their comfortable construction that you can enjoy whenever you want.
There’s no doubt the ultimate form of relaxation is having a bath in a standalone tub. But choosing the right one may be overwhelming. You need to inform yourself about the best materials, sizes, and freestanding models available to make the best choice for your needs.
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How to Pick the Right Freestanding Tub – Buying Guide
1: Size
How well you fit in the bathtub is one of the factors that determine whether or not you’ll find it comfortable. Although people vary in size, freestanding bath tubs are available in a range of dimensions to fit most of them.
Standard Width
Although 76cm wide tubs provide plenty of space for the majority, some people prefer tubs that are 81cm or broader to feel comfortable.
While bigger tubs are lovely and may accommodate more individuals, bathroom space is generally restricted, and going too broad may result in the loss of a lot of usable space in most bathrooms. As a result, it’s no wonder that 76 appears to be the standard width for most models.
Typical Tub Length
The typical lengths for these baths are 152cm and 167cm. However, 152cm tubs are a common choice as more and more people are looking to maximize the space in their bathroom, and they’re better in that regard. But, if you’re tall or have lots of space in your bathroom, a 167cm bathtub may be a better option.
Consider that widths and lengths are calculated starting from the bathtub’s exterior. As a result, the bathtub’s overall style and construction could significantly affect its comfort. For instance, bathtubs constructed of thinner material may have a larger interior than those made of thicker material.
2: Material
The material the bathtub is made from impacts overall comfort in two ways. The first is that having thinner walls can significantly improve the interior size of the tub. The thinner materials such as engineered stone will provide a larger bathing area with the same total footprint.
The whole bathing experience is the second consideration. After all, the materials that keep the water heated the longest will provide a more enjoyable bathing experience.
Having said that, acrylic and cast iron are the most common materials.
Acrylic
An interior layer and an outside shell made of plastic make up an acrylic tub’s construction. Because of this, these units have stronger walls and a smaller soaking space. The same holds true for walls made of one piece of acrylic. Even though they may be thinner than two-piece tubs, they are nevertheless thicker than solid surface tubs.
Acrylic tubs have a lot going for them if you’re willing to ignore this. They are affordable, heat-resistant, and flexible in terms of customization.
If you’re looking for the ultimate spa experience, an acrylic model is likely to have all the features. Lumbar support, air jets, whirlpool jets, an inline heater to keep the water warm, and a surface heater to keep the tub warm are all possible features of acrylic bathtubs.
Cast Iron
Cast iron models are less common than they formerly were. But they have fallen out of favour because of their heavy weight and challenging installation. These days, traditional clawfoot tubs are the most common use for this kind of material.
Despite having a reputation for being the most resilient materials for bathtubs, they offer little in the way of bathing advantages.
The main advantage, though, is heat retention. Cast iron conducts energy very well. The bathtub will absorb heat more quickly than its plastic counterparts if it is cold. The surface will, however, retain heat longer than any other product on the market once heated.
3: Shape
Every bath design has its own advantages. However, the oval shape is the best choice when it comes to the most comfortable freestanding tub shape. An oval-shaped tub has inherent lumbar angles that enable your body to relax comfortably while you bathe as opposed to a straight bath or corner tub.
This provides any required back comfort and support without obstructing the bath taps. Finding the ideal length and depth for an oval bathtub is much simpler than other shapes and varieties due to its widespread use.
Slope
A relaxing bath involves more than the perfect water temperature and relaxing essential oils. If you can’t sit comfortably in your bathtub, you won’t be able to relax. And the slope of the tub’s back can affect how comfortable you feel when sitting in it.
The bathtub will have more room if the slope is high and can fit a tall individual who otherwise wouldn’t be able to fit in. Whoever uses the tub will have to sit up a little bit straighter than they would otherwise as a trade-off.
For tub makers, this poses a big dilemma: should they prioritise making 80% of their potential customers as comfortable as possible, or should they focus on ensuring 99% of customers can fit in their tubs?
When choosing this kind of tub, consumers should consider whether the tallest family member prefers to bathe while sitting or prefers a more comfortable reclining position.
Lumbar Support
Like office chairs, bathtubs have developed to offer lower back support. Lumbar support is a critical aspect to take into account when looking for freestanding bathtubs.
This characteristic is crucial for baths with a steeper slope. They must provide lumbar support because they are designed to be sat on by the bather, which is essential to establishing their general comfort.
Conclusion
It’s important to note that only acrylic baths offer lumbar support. Stone and metal tubs simply don’t have enough room to accommodate such a feature. Even so, it’s uncommon to find that option with budget brands. This feature is primarily found in luxury brands.