Remodeling any space in your home can be a challenge, given all the options on the market today. Whether its bathrooms or kitchens, homeowners have to choose colors, styles, and designs for almost every surface from floor to ceiling. One of the biggest challenges faced by homeowners when doing a bathroom remodel is choosing a bathtub, shower, or combination for your space.
Here are some of the choices available to you.
Bathtubs: Features, Styles, Costs, & Materials
A variety of styles and features can be incorporated into your bathtub selection. Some of the special features you can consider when installing your new bathtub include:
- Whirlpool style jets and bubbles
- Underwater LED lights
- Underwater speakers
- Digital controls
- ADA Compliant
5 Bathtub Styles
The 3-Alcove style is one of the most common options in bathtub design. It offers the shower-tub combination that is designed to maximize your interior space while providing function over form.
The Drop-In bathtub is the tub shell only. It is designed to be fitted into an enclosure that typically matches the bathroom aesthetics. Drop-Ins need budgeting, as the materials to build the enclosure and the shell are sold separately. Undermounts are a form of Drop-In tub that is installed at floor level, with tile covering the lip of the tub.
The corner bathtub design is just a variation on the Alcove and Drop-In styles. They are usually large and square in shape.
Freestanding tubs can be on a solid base or cradle. They are sculpted bathing bowls that can bring an element of modernity to your bathroom remodel.
Clawfoot bathtubs are proof that styles repeat themselves over time. Clawfoot tubs have become more popular in recent years and invoke images of past eras. They are known for their signature legs, deep bowls, and high back for supporting both the neck and head.
Costs & Materials to Consider
Bathtubs come in a variety of materials that all coincide with the cost of the bathtub. Consider your overall budget for the remodel. Costs for a bathtub can range from $700 for a standard acrylic alcove tub to upwards of $25,000 or more for a copper or stone-carved tub. Materials that you can find bathtubs in include:
- Acrylic and Fiberglass (standard, least expensive)
- Cast Iron
- Copper
- Enameled Steel
- Stone
- Wood
Common Materials Used For Shower Construction
The three most common types of materials that homeowners can find showers constructed in today include Fiberglass, Tile, and Glass. However, the length to which homeowners can customize their showers using these various materials is practically endless. Customized showers can be created with patterns, a combination of materials, and be created large enough to be walk-in and encompass dual showerheads.
These three most common materials have their pros and cons, but they are all great options for bathroom remodels.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is an affordable option on the market for a shower remodel. Homeowners can purchase them in simple or high-end models, allowing the material to span a wide range of budgets. Fiberglass is available in a wide variety of shapes, designs, colors, and is easy to clean and maintain.
The downside to fiberglass is transporting it can be a challenge, due to its bulk.
Did you know that fiberglass is mold, mildew, and hard water stain resistant?
Tile
Tile is the quickest way to add class and beauty to your bathroom remodel. You can easily switch up your design scheme from modern and minimalistic to classic or sophisticated, just by using the right combination of tile for your shower space.
Shower tile can be found in a variety of materials, including:
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- Glass
- Stone
These materials then come in many different styles, textures, colors, and designs. With so many options, it can be hard to narrow down your tile selection. However, tile showers can bring your entire bathroom vision to life.
Make sure to use professionals like True Builders to install any portion of your bathroom remodel, especially the shower!
Poor installation of tile can lead to grout problems later. This can lead to mold and mildew in your bathroom walls and in-between the tiles.
Glass
If you want your bathroom to have a spa-like atmosphere, glass is the choice for you! Glass panels come in a variety of shapes and sizes that are often combined with tile or other materials. Glass will give your bathroom an environment that evokes openness and depth, making it a smart choice for small bathrooms.
Glass, however, can be pricey and not for those on a tight budget. Remember that glass showers take extra time to clean, because glass is prone to soap scum and spotting.
Conclusion
Which will it be for your bathroom remodel? There is a lot to consider when browsing the available options in both shower and bathtub options for your newly designed space. Experts such as True Builders will not only help you make an informed decision that will be ideal for your space and budget, having us install it for you will ensure that it is done properly!
