Having a tub in your bathroom design can make a difference to your quality of life. Its therapeutic benefits should be incorporated into everyone’s routine. The type and position of your bathtub is important and should be planned at the beginning of a bath remodel. Here is our guide to getting the ultimate, relaxing bath.

freestanding bathtub

Choose the Right Type of Tub for Your Bath Design

The size and shape of your bathroom design, along with pre-existing plumbing, influences where your tub should be positioned. It is possible to change your layout or plumbing to accommodate a different tub style and position, but keep in mind this adds to your required remodeling budget.

There are a few different ways of installing bathtubs:

Alcove tubs are a budget-friendly option where the tub is set within three walls, leaving only one side to be finished. You can add a showerhead and faucets and these tubs are easy to replace.

alcove style bathtub

Freestanding tubs stand alone and are supported by claw feet or a block base. They’re ideal for a spacious bath design and can be positioned for the ideal view from a window.

Claw foot freestanding bathtub

Corner tubs are triangular, space-saving tubs that fit into a corner, leaving the outer side to be finished. Their clever design might not suit everyone so it’s worth visiting a showroom to see one in person before you commit.

 Drop-in tubs are more expensive to install as they slot into a custom-built enclosure. Although installation is more complicated, the end result is a tub that fits perfectly into your bath design.

bathroom design with drop in tub

Undermount tubs are similar to the drop-in model but the rim is surrounded by tile, stone or something similar, to complement your floor or shower wall material. You can place this tub along the wall, adjacent to your shower, or on its own as a focal point.

Your Tub Style Can Greatly Influence the Installation

Standard tubs are the basic type of tub, suitable in an alcove, drop-in or freestanding position.

Soaking tubs are deeper, wider, and longer.

Whirlpool tubs include jets that massage sore muscles.

Air tubs are similar but water shoots from several different jets, making the experience less vigorous.

Walk-in tubs are ideal for those who are mobility impaired. They are expensive but worth the investment for an aging-in-place bath design.

Bath design with wood look tile floor

Your Faucet Style is Dictated by the Tub Location

Faucets are also dictated by the style and position of your bathtub.

  • Freestanding tubs in the center of a bathroom look stylish with a floor-mounted faucet.
  • Smaller bath designs and tubs positioned alongside a wall benefit from wall-mounted faucets.
  • A Roman tub faucet is another option where it is deck mounted from the ledge around the tub.

You might want a floor-mounted faucet but then find it’s cheaper not to move your plumbing and opt for a wall-mount, so review your set up and plumbing options carefully with your bathroom remodeling expert.

floor mounted tub faucet

Some bathtubs allow for a combination shower, which is a great space-saving option. Size is an important factor, depending on your room dimensions. Make sure you measure the space where your tub will go before selecting your preferred option. The more features you look for with your tub, the more expensive it will be, so ask yourself what you really need and what fits within your budget. A full bathroom remodel is the perfect time to examine the best fit for your bathtub and make changes to suit your style and practical needs.

What Else Do You Need to Consider?

Other elements that could affect the positioning and installation process for your tub include:

  • The existing position of your pipes greatly affects the installation of your new tub. While a bathtub can be moved to a new location, you will need to make space and possibly move plumbing around to accommodate it, which will incur extra costs.
  • Electronics like tub lighting, speakers and digital controls may influence where you put the tub and how much it costs to install due to wiring requirements.
  • Weight is another consideration for your tub. If it’s made from a heavy material like stone or iron, you might need to reinforce your floor. Your contractor can tell you exactly how much weight your bathroom can take. Talk through everything with your designer at the planning stage.

The right tub in your bathroom remodel could be a direct replacement in the same style or a whole new style in a different shape, size and position with every modern convenience. Our bath design experts at McDaniels can talk you through your options and soon you’ll be soaking your troubles away in your dream bathroom design. Contact us today!