How Do I Choose a Bathtub for My Bathroom Remodel in Manchester, WA; Alcove, Drop-In, Corner & More

Are you in the process of remodeling your bathroom? One of the first decisions you will need to make is what type of bathtub you would like to have in your bathroom. This may not seem like a tough decision until you start looking at all of the options available for consumers to purchase. First you will need to decide what type of tub you would like to purchase. Straight Up Remodeling presents some of the different options for you to choose from.

What Shape & Material Bathtub is Best?

• Alcove: Alcove bathtubs are the most common style of bathtubs. They are typically a tub-shower combination. Alcove tubs fit into a three-sided alcove. Most of them are five feet wide and 30-36 inches from front to back.
• Drop-in: This type of tub is supported on all sides by a rim. It can inserted into a raised platform or installed below floor level.
• Freestanding: If you have a larger bathroom area you may be considering a freestanding bathtub. Freestanding tubs can really make a statement in your bathroom. You can choose from clawfoot tubs or tubs with bases.
• Corner: Corner tubs fit into the corner of the bathroom. They are not typically very spacious because of their triangular shape. Corner tubs are a great option for small bathrooms. They are $800 for basic models.

Once you know what type of bathtub you want you will need to consider all of the types of materials that there are to choose from. Each material has its own list of pros and cons.

• Fiberglass: Fiberglass tubs are the least expensive bathtub material that you can select. Fiberglass bathtubs are made by forming layers of fiberglass into the desired share, then coating it with Gelcoat resin. Fiberglass is inexpensive, light weight, easy to install, and can be repaired if necessary. The cons of fiberglass are that they are not very durable; they prone to fading, scratching, and cracking.
• Porcelain: Another inexpensive and common bathtub material is porcelain on steel. This is also called enameled steel. The tub is made of steel and then finished with a layer of porcelain enamel. They are durable and easy to clean. They are quite heavy and are not available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
• Acrylic: Acrylic tubs are made of fiberglass sheets topped with vacuum-formed sheets of colored acrylic. They are similar in advantages to fiberglass bathtubs but they are more expensive. Acrylic tubs can scratch and discolor over time. They are available in lots of different shapes, sizes, and colors.
• Cast Iron: Cast iron tubs are the most durable. They are made by pouring molten iron into a mold of the desired shape. Then it is smoothed out and coated with a thick layer of enamel. It is resistant to chipping, scratching, and denting. They come in a variety of different colors. They are extremely heavy and require a strong floor and extra labor before they can be installed.

There are also some less common options that are available for you. Solid-surface materials, cultured marble, ceramic tile, stone, and wood are all available for you to purchase as well.

Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling in Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Bethel, Port Orchard, Key Peninsula, Gig Harbor & Belfair, WA | Kitsap County, Mason County & Gig Harbor, Washington

Here at Straight Up Remodeling we would be happy to talk through all of the different options with you for your bathroom remodeling project. Give us a call today and we can come out and help you design the perfect bathroom!