BATHTUB: INTRODUCTION
The positioning of the bathtub in a bathroom determines its shape: rectangular, corner, leaning, center of the room, or compact. The predominant materials, cast iron or acrylic, give the bathroom a retro or modern style. The whirlpool bathtub offers many options and greater comfort.
PRACTICAL AND AESTHETIC BATHTUB
The bathtub has now become an important aesthetic component of the bathroom, managing to combine modernity, design and comfort. Follow these five essential criteria to choose your bathtub well.
Consider its size to be sure that it fits seamlessly into your bathroom and at the same time guarantees you the best possible comfort.
The style of your bathtub gives the character and harmony you want to give to your bathroom furnishings.
- Square, rectangular, corner or center room, the shape of the tub must be chosen according to your tastes and the configuration of your bathroom. Consider that the freestanding or freestanding bathtub will require more demanding interventions in the event of a new installation;
- The bathtub is available in different materials such as cast iron or enamelled steel or in synthetic materials such as acrylic and resin;
- The coating of the tub is related to the type of bathtub adopted. From the panel supplied with the bathtub to the tiled cladding, the choice is up to you according to your tastes and the type of intervention envisaged.
CHOICE OF THE SHAPE
The shape of the bathtub is inevitably linked to the configuration of your bathroom and your comfort needs. Before opening the taps, choose the right one!
RECTANGULAR OR OVAL
The rectangular or oval bathtub is the most classic. Furthermore, the rectangular bathtub integrates perfectly into almost any bathroom. In fact, it is available in a wide range of sizes, and this allows you to choose the most suitable one without major space problems.
ANGLED
The corner bathtub takes up a corner of your bathroom. Thanks to its rounded shape, the corner bathtub requires limited space and is perfect for difficult to furnish or attic rooms. Despite its shape, it is spacious and comfortable.
COMPACT
This type of tub, which does not exceed 150 cm in length, allows you to enjoy a relaxing bath even in the case of small rooms.
CENTER ROOM OR FREESTANDING
The freestanding bathtub is particularly impressive if you have a bathroom with a large surface. Placed in the center of the room, this type of tub gives a particular character to your bathroom, or even to your room. The freestanding bathtub is available in different models: with feet, countertop, with integrated taps, modern or retro. The freestanding bathtub is a real jewel that will offer you pleasant moments of relaxation!
WITH INTEGRATED SHOWER
The bathtub with integrated shower has a flat bottom and reinforced at the taps to allow you to comfortably shower. By adding a shower wall, you avoid flooding and you can even have a mini sauna!
Don’t forget to think about the ergonomics of the bathtub and any accessories! Armrests, rounded shapes for the nape or that follow the natural curves of the body, are not minor details, far from it!
And if you want to accessorize your bathtub, installing a seat or a support bar is possible and even recommended for older people.
DIMENSIONS AND MATERIALS
DIMENSIONS
The dimensions of a bathtub are determined by taking into account its size and the space available in the bathroom. The larger the tub, the more comfortable it will be. As for the dimensions, there is a wide choice, with lengths ranging from 150 to over 190 cm and widths between 70 and more than 100 cm. You will therefore have no difficulty in finding the tub that best suits your needs.
MATERIALS
The choice of the type of material for the bathtub is not to be underestimated, both for its weight and for its intrinsic properties.
METAL
The metal bathtub is made of cast iron or enamelled steel. The enamel makes them very resistant to shocks and scratches. However, metal tubs are very heavy and attention must be paid to the permissible loads of the floor and ceiling, especially when it comes to wooden floors.
They are more slippery than acrylic tubs and retain less water heat. Additionally, tubs made of this material are available in fewer sizes and shapes.
Cast iron is heavy, holds heat well enough but needs a strong floor and is not suitable for wooden floors. Maintenance is very simple and has a long life. It is available in a limited number of shapes and sizes.
Enamelled steel is lighter but does not retain heat, and it also has the drawback of being quite noisy, both for you and for your neighbors.
IN SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
The bathtub in synthetic materials represents the majority of today’s bathtubs and they are mostly built in acrylic or resin. These modern materials give the bathtubs great lightness and resistance. Bathtubs made of synthetic materials are simple to install and easy to drill if necessary.
Their coating is more sensitive to shocks and a little attention must be paid to avoid scratching them. Tubs in synthetic materials have the advantage of being available in numerous shapes and sizes and thus offer a wide range of choices.
Acrylic fears scratches and aggressive cleaning products. It retains heat well, is quiet for users and neighbors, and is economical.
Toplax is an ABS reinforced acrylic; it is a thermoplastic polymer which guarantees good impact resistance and good adhesion and is therefore non-slip. Toplax retains heat well and is recyclable.
Glass fiber is known for its resistance, lightness and low cost.
The resin groups the two subfamilies represented by the rotomoulded polymer and the polyester resin. The first is very pleasant to the touch while the second is famous for its resistance, thanks to the reinforced glass fiber coating with gelcoat.
Bathtubs are subject to strict regulations and must meet safety criteria and requirements.
LEAVE A COMMENT
If you found the article interesting, leave a comment with your considerations.
Finally, if you need advice on choosing your bathtub, send an email to valeriadesign@casaomnia.it!