Your bathroom should be the kind of space that feels welcoming and accommodating. One of the primary debates among homeowners regarding their bathroom is whether a shower or bathtub is best.

If you have been wanting a tub for your bathroom, there are a ton of options to choose from. Finding the right fit for your bathroom becomes crucial. Here are a few helpful tips that can go a long way towards finding the right one.

Material is Key

To some, a bathtub is a bathtub. But with so many options to choose from, one of the most crucial things that you can do is to be aware of the different types of materials for bathtubs.

Two of the most common materials for bathtubs are acrylic and fiberglass. They are so popular because they are both quite lightweight and inexpensive. Of course, there is the downside of them not being quite as durable as others. Fiberglass also struggles with heat exposure over time.

There are a plethora of different metals – cast iron, steel, copper – marble, cast polymer, and more. Check out the properties of each to determine which one might be the best fit for your bathroom.

Size Does Matter

One of the simplest mistakes that homeowners make when choosing a bathtub is not paying close attention to the size. Though that may seem like common sense, it can be an easy detail to overlook if you are focused on other areas.

The cheapest and quickest tip is to fit your new tub into the old space. It can wind up saving you exponentially in the long run, though most people generally replace their tub or shower when they are undergoing major renovations.

You could always opt for a bigger tub in the existing space, just know how the dimensions will work. The last thing you want is to think that everything will fit properly only to find out that you have no room to move after the tub has been installed.

Another thing to keep in mind is water consumption. A larger tub naturally needs more water, which can cause a jump in your utility bills. Size matters and there are a lot of factors to weigh. Speaking of weight…

Know the Weight

It can be all too easy to not give the weight of the new tub a second thought. There are a lot of factors involved that can drastically change the weight of the tub, having different impacts on your home.

First and foremost, make sure that you know the weight of the tub before buying. Why does this matter? If the subflooring isn’t strong enough to hold up, very bad things will happen. Save yourself time, money, and stress by doing your homework beforehand.

Keep in mind that your choices – materials, style, etc. – can impact the overall weight of the tub. There is also the additional weight of a tub full of water.

Find Your Type

Feel overwhelmed yet? Another thing to consider is the different types of tubs. Which type you choose can depend on your aesthetic preferences, how you want to bathe, and your budget.

Something that has fewer bells and whistles will not only be more cost-effective, but also much easier to install. There are soaking, whirlpool, walk-in, and standard bathtubs to choose from.

The more options that you choose, the higher the price tag. Though it may not hit you quite like a tub falling through your floor, the financial impacts will be felt no less.

Pick a Spot

One more area of importance to consider is just that: the area in which you place the bathtub. Consider where you want to do the installation and the space available in that area. Does it accommodate the kind of bathtub that you have been considering?

For instance, if you go with a freestanding tub, it will need a lot more space than a standard variety bathtub. It can save you the hassle of finding out mid-installation that things just were not meant to be.

It can be all too easy to get caught up in the type or style of the bathtub in question. But doing your homework can wind up saving you a ton of trouble.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right bathtub is not as simple as choosing one on the spot. There are different sizes, styles, materials, and weights to consider before ultimately making your choice.

There is nothing wrong with going towards an inexpensive option, but don’t let budget be the only dictating factor. Before long, you can feel confident that you have made the right choice for your bathroom space.