If your home is your castle, the bathroom is your sanctum of peace and relaxation. The bathroom is no longer just a place to wash up and get clean. It is now also a place to relax and unwind. And it is here that the bathtub plays a central role. Soaking in a tub is a spectacular way of losing all the pressures of the world and returning to being the person you really want to be. There are all kinds of bathtub options available today and what you choose for your bathroom will depend on a combination of your personal taste and any physical constraints the bathroom offers. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the type of bathtub to be installed. What style or design suits your bathroom? What color and material will work the best? How much space is available and where will the tub be placed? Here are some bathtub styles that you can consider. Recessed bathtubs, which are also known as alcove tubs, abut walls at the top and the bottom ends and have a wall along one side, leaving only one exposed side which is the finished one.
This is called the “apron.” Since the others are never seen, there is no need to increase the cost by finishing them. These are the most common type of bathtubs and because they are fitted along a wall, leave useful open space in the center of the bathroom. Faucets are often wall mounted and the additions of a simple wall kit allows for the addition of a shower. Drains are available at either end to make plumbing easy. Because of the small amount of exterior finishing required, these tubs are among the most economical of all designs. Similar to recessed tubs, corner ones are designed to be installed in bathroom corners. This can be either along the wall to save floor space or diagonally to give the tub a more open feel. Not all corner tub configurations are able to accommodate a shower. Corner tubs are available in a wide variety of designs to suit most bathroom decors. They are commonly installed next to a set of cabinets or a vanity to save on space. The free standing or traditional bathtub offers the most versatility when it comes to placement as the installation is very simple.
No special faucet drilling is required and the single drain makes plumbing connection simple. Available in a variety of styles, the freestanding tub offer a classical look that will fit into most traditionally styled bathrooms. The most common design is that of the rolltop which has a curved rim running around the entire tub. Dual claw foot tubs which have rounded ends to offer the maximum comfort and a center drain are also very popular. Another design option for free standing tubs is the Slipper tub which has a high back to offer a comfortable sitting position. The shower can be integrated into a free standing tub, but they are not very common. These tubs are available in a wide range of sizes and designs including pedestal, ball and claw, among others. Because of the sloped back, these are among the most comfortable of tubs to soak in. Walk in bathtubs are most suitable for people with limited mobility of physical disabilities. As the name suggests, walk in tubs have a door on the side that can be opened so there is no need to step over the side as in the case of ordinary tubs.
Many walk in tubs have a built in chair height seat for additional comfort and ease of use. The door can be either inward or outward opening and both options have their pros and cons. The inward opening is self-sealing because of the water pressure in the tub holding it tightly closed. On the downside, opening the door can be difficult in an emergency because in the water pressure. Outward opening doors can be opened at any time but they need a special seal to prevent leaks and these may wear out with time. Platform tubs, also known as drop ins, are, as the name suggests, meant to be sunk into a raised platform or placed in a cavity in the floor. This enables them to fit into many bathroom styles with ease. Because they are placed in an opening, they are among the more difficult of bathtubs to install and the initial cost of buying and installing one of these is usually higher than with other models of tubs. However, the fact that they are placed in a cavity means that no external finishing is required, which does work to reduce the manufacturing cost.
Many platform tub designs incorporate faucet ledges to make plumbing easier. If you are interesting in installing a bathtub yourself, read our comprehensive guide on How to Install a Bathtub. This step by step guide provides invaluable information on how to properly install a bathtub the correct way. 5 Storm Damage Prevention Ideas How Much Does Shelf Hanging Cost? 10 Home Improvement Projects for Couples in Love Top 10 Toolbox Necessities How to Fix a Leaking Water Heater 10 Most Costly Household AccidentsDisclaimer: Universal Bath Products, although manufactured and controlled within the UPC operation, are not included within the scope of the UPC ISO registration. Universal Bath’s exclusive line of PVC bathtub liners and tub wall surround systems are ideal for multiple-unit renovations where looks, performance and cost are all critical. Tub liners install in 3-4 hours, turning an eyesore into an attractive, 100% sanitary fixture that won’t rust, chip, stain, discolor or mildew.
These units will withstand years of use and abuse. Install in the morning, shower by evening. Renovate multiple units without taking a bath! Custom fabricated to meet existing field conditions – our .093 thick PVC Shower/Wall surrounds can extend from the top of your bathtub to the ceiling. Complete with ceiling and edge trim, this tub wall surround combines great looks with great performance. Some highlights are as follows: Custom manufactured PVC ceiling liners are also available. In addition, one piece window liners and 4 piece window trim kits are available. Please contact us for specific pricing. Our .090 thick wainscot panels extend up either 42″ or 48″ from the floor on any or all walls in the bathroom, and are capped with bull nosed trim. Wainscot panels protect the walls from water and abuse, therefore eliminating the need to keep painting these walls. Unlike ceramic tile, they are easy to keep clean. Bathroom fatigue – let’s face it – bathrooms get a lot of use.
Bathtubs wear out, and ceramic tile has grout lines that can get pretty ugly. Universal Bath Systems tub inserts were designed to update an old bathroom with minimal “downtime.” Fresh new look – installing a new custom fit bathtub liner and wall surround modernizes an old bathroom. Universal’s bathtub liners have a non-slip pattern on the bottom, and fit right over the existing bathtub. Ceiling height tub wall surrounds (shown here) can be installed right over worn out ceramic tile. Extra protection-Standard on Model # LB-110-CEI tub wall kits, and available as an option on Model # LB-110-STD tub wall kits – the edge trim extends down along the bathtub on either side to protect this “high splash” area. Bathtub Liners made from 1/4″ thick material fit right over the existing worn out bathtub. Not a “one size fits all” product, bathtub liners are molded to fit the existing fixture. Most bath tub liners are available as a one-piece or two-piece (separate skirt).
This allows installations in smaller bathrooms without removing fixtures or interfering with baseboard heating. There is no need to move existing plumbing. Our drains and overflow plates connect directly to existing plumbing outlets. As the color is consistent throughout the PVC sheet, surface scratches and burns are easily repairable. Non-slip bottoms are also available. Seamless corners ensure water-tight integrity for years. Edge trim can extend to the floor along the tub skirt to protect exposed areas. Each wall comes with a 7″ x 7″ surface mounted soap dish allowing for easy location of all grab bars. Easy to clean with no grout lines to maintain, this smooth nonporous PVC stays looking new. .093″ thick panels can be installed over ceramic tile, plaster or any hard surface. Custom manufactured PVC ceiling liners are also available. Universal Corner Caddy: Measures 20½”x8″x4½” deep: Fits neatly into corner. The height of the first shelf allows for shampoo bottles, while the smaller top shelf holds soaps and other bathing accessories.
Soap/Shampoo Holder: Measures 20½”x12″x4½” deep: Comfortably holds up to three standard sizes shampoo bottles with a separate shelf for soap and other bathing accessories. Standard Bath Soap Dish: Measures 7″x7″x2″ deep: Universal standard soap dish is included with every Universal Bath Systems Tub/Shower Surround Wall Kit. If your business involves the building or renovation of multi-family housing, college dormitories, military bases, large and small hotels/motels, or residential homes, contact us at 800-553-0120 to learn more about becoming a dealer of our products. With 40 years of experience behind us, you can count on us being here when you need us. Universal Bath Systems and their network of authorized dealers/installers offer professional installation of all Universal Bath System products. We manufacture to existing room conditions. This eliminates costly “on-site” labor during installation. We offer help in the preparation of specifications for bathroom renovations or new construction.