Tubs

Shopping for a bathtub today is a rewarding experience, with a range of options that guarantee that you can buy one that is perfect for you in every way.

The contemporary tub is a lot more than the place you go to maintain personal hygiene. Even modestly priced tubs offer you almost spa-like pleasure and rejuvenation. The beautiful shapes and materials available offer you breathtaking masterpieces that can become the decorative focal point of your bathroom. Here’s what you need to know in order to narrow down the selection to the bathtub you want:

Installation type:

Freestanding tub - A freestanding bath is the most comprehensive and impressive looking bath tub out there. They are beautifully finished on all four sides, and are meant to be installed away from the walls, anywhere in the bathroom where all four tub walls can be seen and most appreciated. A freestanding bath comes in a wide variety of attractive shapes and finishes, some literally artistic sculptures, for maximum decorative enhancement.

Clawfoot tubs - Clawfoot tubs are freestanding tubs that rest upon four decorative legs as opposed to resting directly on the floor - for a more uplifted, prestigious, and typically vintage, look. Bear in mind that freestanding bathtubs primarily come as a soaking tub, though you have a nice selection of freestanding air tubs - and a limited selection of other spa systems - too.

Drop In tub - A drop in bathtub is made to be installed in a perfectly sized cut out surrounded by walls and/or a tiled bathtub skirt. When fully surrounded, drop in tubs have a built-in look that is very solid and upscale.

Undermount - An Undermount tub is made to be installed similar to drop in tubs, but with the lip of the tub walls covered by tiles as well. Undermount tubs look even more solid and built in than drop in bathtubs, but they’re also typically more complex and expensive to install. Many drop in tubs - those with flat lips - can be installed as undermount tubs too. See product specs as you browse the tubs on our website for installation options.

Alcove - An Alcove tub is the most common bathtub installation type. They are installed in the traditional manner, surrounded by three walls, with a nicely finished skirt for the open side. Drop in tubs can be installed as alcove tubs too, but you would need to install your own finished panel on one side of the tub.

Corner tub - A Corner bathtub stands out in both shape and size. They are typically triangular, and large enough to comfortably accommodate two bathers. Corner tubs are installed in the corner of the bathroom, against two walls. They truly make a statement.

System:

Soaking Tubs - A soaking tub is the good old bathtub that is filled with water in your desired temperature, and enable you to relax, soak, and clean yourself. This timeless bathing experience can be enjoyed in high style these days, with a huge range of beautifully shaped and designed soaker tubs.

Air Tubs - Enjoy some awesome frills when you bathe with an air tub. Strategically placed air jets produce a steady circulation of tiny air bubbles that give you a great, soothing massage. Individual air bath tub manufacturers offer a variety of options regarding the strength, placement, and pattern of the massage, as well as a host of luxury perks that make your air bath even closer to what you’ll find in an upscale spa.

Whirlpools - Whirlpools are tubs with strategically placed jets that circulate water bubbles for a great massage. The whirlpool tub massage is typically more powerful and invigorating than the air tub massage, which is of a more soothing nature. Individual whirlpool manufacturers offer a variety of options regarding the strength, placement and pattern of the whirlpool massage, as well as a host of luxury perks that make your whirlpool even closer to what you’ll find in a professional spa.

Combo Systems - Combo tubs are equipped with more than one spa system, typically air tub and whirlpool. These bathtubs offer the best of both worlds, where you can alternate between soaking and the spa experience that best fits your mood at any given moment.

Size:

You can get your tub in a wide range of sizes, meeting your needs regarding bathroom layout, aesthetics and bathing comfort. Larger tubs feel more regal and are more spacious, but the more modestly framed amongst us may also find bathing in them to be a bit too floaty and insecure.

The most common bathtub lengths are 60”, 66” and 72”, which are the standard options for cutouts to accommodate drop in tubs and undermount tubs. Tubs that run in widths between the above mentioned common sizes are typically freestanding tubs , which do not need to fit squarely within any slot. Standard bathtub widths are 30”, 33”, 36” and 42”, with variations within this range primarily on freestanding tubs. The widest tubs on the market are typically corner tubs and other uniquely shaped tubs.

Material:

By far the most common bathtub today is an acrylic tub. This material is lightweight, easy to manufacture and practical for everyday use. However, you have a nice selection of non acrylic bathtubs too, though they tend to cost more. Cast iron tubs - the way they used to all be made - are a lot heavier, and more solid and resilient to the wear and tear of everyday use. They also do a better job maintaining the heat of the bath water.

For the more exquisite loving, solid surface/man made stone tubs are an excellent choice. These tubs are made of unique, custom blended natural materials that are placed into a bathtub mold in the factory and solidified. The result is a tub that is one piece, with thin and sleek panels, that can be produced in artistic sculpted shapes. Solid surface/man made stone also has a great, smooth feel whenever your skin comes in contact with it. If you want to be truly adventurous, you can choose either a natural stone bathtub, a wood bathtub, a copper bathtub and more.