How to choose a bathtub in the smart way
As with toilets, the range of styles and materials you'll come across when shopping for a bathtub is mind-boggling. Today, tubs run the range from boxy traditional designs to freestanding or soaking tubs, some of which rank as sculptures in their own right. Bathtubs, like preformed shower stalls, come in an assortment of modern materials such as acrylic, reinforced Fiberglas, and synthetic marble.
For my money, I prefer a traditional material for its durability: cast-iron enamel. It will hold up the longest, and can be refurbished if the surface ever wears out. True, they're heavy, you need three men and a boy to haul and lift them in place, but they'll last. This comes at a cost, anywhere from $350 to an astounding $5,500, which is the most expensive tub I've ever seen in a catalogue, but ifs worth the money. One thing I would caution everyone against is a lightweight alternative called porcelain enamel steel. True, this may seem to have its appeal because it's far cheaper and far lighter than cast-iron enamel; it probably only takes a boy minus the three men to haul it in place. Yet even though it looks just like a cast-iron enamel tub when installed, it has an Achilles' heel: Ifs tinny sounding.When you step in it, it sounds just like you're stepping into a giant soda can. Worse, these tubs do not hold up for more than a few years. Because the tubs flex, the enamel begins to flake off and they begin to rust.
In most bathrooms, the tub acts simply as a focal point, while the day-to-day cleaning tends to be done in a separate shower. In addition, a well-designed shower is safer to use than many tub shower combinations, mostly because these lack firm footing and adequate grab bars. Still, for appeal, and for the occasional long soak, nothing can be quite as satisfying. When fitted with a whirlpool kit, for instance, the effect of the bath can be sublime. Just don't expect to use it as much as you think. One of the most common complaints I hear from people is that they spent thousands of dollars to install a whirlpool tub, yet only use it once or twice a year. If you're going to use it, and can be sure of that, great; if not, spend your money elsewhere.
Since the bathtub is no longer used much for bathing, some designers have focused on a tub's soaking qualities. This tradition hearkens back both to Rome, where citizens gathered in public baths to exchange ideas, as well as to Japan, where it is believed that a quiet soak purges the body of impurities. Strictly speaking, a soaking tub is distinguished by its size. They are generally deeper than conventional tubs, up to 25 inches deep, compared to 15 inches, and are both larger and wider, as well. One downside is that this translates into a great deal of extra weight, since soaking tubs can weigh between 500 and 2,000 pounds when filled with water. You'll have cause for concern if your house is framed in wood with standard 2-by-8 joists; they will need to be larger. You would have to consult a structural engineer about ways to support and disperse a tub's weight, which may include bolstering existing joints with extra timbers, or installing a steel beam beneath the tub.