Remodel That Bathroom Tub

If your bathroom tub is cracked, stained, not functional or just plain old and tired-looking, maybe it’s time to remodel. Simply putting in a new tub can give your bathroom a whole new look. You’ll benefit from a bathroom that appears new at much less cost than a complete bathroom remodel. Here are some tips to consider.

Tip #1: What’s Old is New

This doesn’t mean that you should go to a garage sale to buy someone else’s old tub. It does mean that simple and understated design has come back into style again. It also means that bigger does not mean better in today’s environmentally-conscious world. When you’re looking to remodel your bathroom with a new tub, consider the classic designs.

Tip #2: Think About Going Smaller

In keeping with saving materials and not contributing to landfill or dump overcrowding, the new trend is toward the smaller bathroom tub. Gone are the days when the wall-to-wall bathroom tub is all the rage. Think of all that water wasted! Much better to consider the new soaker tubs with all the bells and whistles of the bigger variety, just more practical and sensible today.

Tip #3: Go Green

Water is such a precious resource in America, and especially California, Arizona and Nevada, that behemoth tubs guzzling hundreds of gallons of water are a waste of our natural resource. Desert climates (including portions of the abovementioned states), as well as urban, mountainous, seaside and coastal areas all have water problems. The newer versions of the bathroom tub consume much less water, and operate more efficiently with water restrictors and low-flow faucets and motors that use less energy. These tubs are every bit as stylish as the non-environmental types, and come in a number of price ranges. 

Tip #4: Types of Bathroom Tubs 

There are several types to choose from. Soaking tubs that are deeper than standard bathtubs to permit soaking up to your chin come in Roman tubs or Greek tubs. Freestanding bathtubs are available in claw-footed design or pedestal. Built-in bathtubs include alcove tubs (also called recessed tubs) that are enclosed on three sides and open on one, and drop-in bathtubs where you have to step down to get in. A variety of drop-in tub that’s deck mounted in the corner is the corner bathtub. Special bathtubs include whirlpool or spa tubs, walk-in bathtubs, aqua massage tubs and bathtubs featuring handicap access. 

Tip #4: Budget-Conscious, Luxury or Anywhere in Between

Jacuzzi bathtubs can range in price from nearly $700 to $5,000. On top of the bathroom tub, you’ll also need a water heater capable of filling up to 2/3 of the bathtub with water that’s at least warm, if not hot. Kohler bathtubs come in a variety of styles and price ranges, from the drop-in ($450 to $5500 and up), to freestanding ($5600 to $9000), alcove ($500 to nearly $3000 and up), the corner tub (nearly $900 to about $2700), and undermount (from nearly $1000 to $3700 and up). 

Tip #5: Factor in Weight 

The larger the tub, chances are the more it weighs. This is especially true with the more elaborate (and more hardware) drop-in tubs and freestanding ones. Make sure your bathroom floor can carry the weight of the tub – before you have installers trying to snug the new tub into place.