Renovation
Which Is The Best Porcelain Bathtub For Your Bathroom In 2022?
Bathtubs have been used for bathing for centuries and have long been a fixture in homes and hotels across the world. A traditional bathroom is not complete with a bathtub as it is often the room’s focal point.
Over the years, bathtubs have evolved. They now come in different materials, shapes, and sizes to suit any bathroom.
Porcelain Bathtubs
However, the porcelain bathtub is still one of the most popular for its aesthetic and bathing. Plus, these tubs are great-looking, smoother to the touch, and cleaner than bathtubs made of fiberglass, acrylic, and cast iron.
The make up of porcelain bathtub this bathtub is either a steel, iron, glass, or tile base. Then it has a porcelain enamel coating which is temperature fired to maintain the enamel coating’s integrity.
These tubs are easy to clean, durable, and have a unique finishing resistant to chemical corrosion. However, they are heavier than bathtubs made of other materials (though not heavier than cast iron tubs).
Freestanding Porcelain Bathtubs
A freestanding porcelain bathtub does not require support from the wall or any other surface except for a stable floor. Such tubs come in various styles, including classic clawfoot and different sleek modern designs. However, a freestanding tub requires a vast bathroom space to accommodate the base buffer room and the tub itself.
Still, you can have a freestanding tub in a small room or an alcove, but it might be hard to clean under and around the soaking tub. Clawfoot and slipper tubs fit in this class, portraying a sense of antiquity. The best thing about these porcelain tubs is that they are charmingly beautiful and go well with traditional homes.
Alcove Porcelain Tubs
Alcove tubs are ideal for tub/shower combinations and small bathrooms. They fit perfectly in a three-sided enclosure, saving considerable space. It is popular among homeowners, especially those who prefer or consider a standard bathtub size. Furthermore, you can use the enclosure if your bathroom walls have tiles or panel fittings to protect them from damage.
Alcove tubs are cheaper than freestanding ones, not to mention their ease of installation. It also has the most diminutive footprint and fits perfectly into its space, maximizing your bathroom floor space. The advantages of these tubs include predictable sizing and cost-effectiveness. However, it is shallower than other soaking tubs, requires a wall surrounding or tiles, and must be set in one direction.
Drop-in Porcelain Bathtubs
The drop-in tub is a shell that fits into a ready-made deck and includes customizable designs with deep soaker and storage options. It has only finished and coated on the inside instead of the outside covered by the deck. It would be best if you had a designer create the deck before bringing the tub, which comes with a rim to hold on to the edges of the structure. While you can install a walk-in tub in an alcove, they are best in open spaces. Additionally, they cost more than alcove tubs and require more space.
Most homeowners love these tubs because they give your bathroom a permanent and finished appearance. Furthermore, they provide a polished look, have storage spaces on their sides, and are excellent for customizing bathrooms. On the contrary, they are difficult for DIY installation, require a pre-built deck, and some options need an access panel, which does not look attractive.
Corner Porcelain Bathtubs
These huge triangular tubs fit best into a corner of the bathroom. Their prominent distinguishing feature is that they take up more floor space than any other bathtub type. They have jets and whirlpool features, which make them more of a soaking tub for relaxing than standard bathtubs.
Porcelain corner bathtubs are the most expensive due to their additional comfort and size. However you can get cheaper corner tubs in the market, but they are made from less quality material.
Corner tubs have several advantages over other types. First, they are an excellent way to utilize idle space in your bathroom. Also, they are not only spacious enough for your therapeutic relaxation but also allow multiple users at a go. On the downside, they take a long time to fill up and use water. They are also costlier in terms of money and space.
Conclusion
While porcelain bathtubs are among the best tubs in the market today, there are several factors you must consider when selecting a new tub for your home.
First, you must consider your bathroom space to choose a suitable tub size. A corner or freestanding tub might be the best option if you have a permanent home and spacious room due to its luxurious features.
On the contrary, walk-in and alcove tubs are cheaper, take up little space, and are the most common in bathrooms. It would also help to consider your budget before shopping for porcelain tubs.