An expected feature in any house is the bathtub, the right bathtub can bring a certain flair to any bathroom. In this article, we discuss the different types of bathtubs that people install in their homes.
Alcove Bathtubs
The alcove bathtub is a bathtub that sits surrounded by three tiled walls. These bathtubs require you to step in and out of. The alcove bathtub is the most common bathtub found in houses in the United States and is the cheapest bathtubs on the market and relatively easy to install. Alcove bathtubs may also be fitted with a shower thereby having the dual-use for taking both a shower and/or bath. The opening side of the bathtub can be left open or can be secured with a shower door frame or a shower curtain.
Free-Standing Bathtubs
Freestanding tubs are not connected to any walls or surfaces other than the floors. Although freestanding bathtubs come in different styles, the most common type is the clawfoot bathtub. Since freestanding tubs are not connected to any walls, they require significant space for the bathtub itself and a buffer zone to enter and exit the bathtub and for any water that might spill out. In the case of free-standing bathtubs on feet, people often find it difficult to clean underneath it. Another concern with free-standing bathtubs is that of exposed plumbing. To prevent any problem that might occur as a result, special plumbing parts might need to be installed.
Corner Bathtubs
As the name suggests, corner bathtubs are bathtubs built into the corner of a bathroom, usually the master bathroom. Corner bathtubs are the biggest and most expensive of all the bathtub types and require a lot of floor space. Due to the size of corner bathtubs, they tend to be rather impractical for bathing and are used primarily for pampering which is why many corner bathtubs have a jacuzzi or whirlpool feature.
Drop-in Bathtubs
A drop-in bathtub is almost a hybrid of the alcove and corner bathtubs. Drop-in bathtubs are not as enclosed as the alcove bathtubs but they are not as spacious as the corner bathtubs either. Drop-in bathtubs require a special deck to be built which houses the actual bathtub. The deck is usually tiles or designed to match the rest o the bathroom interior. The deck also had the added benefit of providing more shelving space to hold bottles, soaps, sponges, and bath toys.
Conclusion
As you can see, you can have options when installing or upgrading a bathtub. Depending on the size of your bathroom, you might be limited to what kind of bathtub you can install. If you looking to install a new bathtub and unsure which type will work for you, feel free to give us a call and the experts at Conyers Plumbing will come to your home and give you a free consultation on what would be best for you and your family’s needs.
