Selecting a bath is a big decision in any bathroom renovation. There are many factors that will influence your choice of bath when designing your bathroom sanctuary, including: how much space you have, what it looks like, what material it is made from and how comfortable it is to use.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these factors to help narrow down your decision:
Freestanding vs built-in
There are plenty of options to choose from, but ultimately you will be deciding between a freestanding bath, or a built-in model.
Freestanding: A very popular choice with renovators at the moment! A freestanding bath creates a luxurious immersive experience in any bathroom. Freestanding baths look great in larger bathrooms where the bath becomes the centre of attention. If you have a smaller bathroom, we have smaller freestanding baths available.
Back-to-wall freestanding: Looks similar to freestanding styles but has one side fixed to the wall. Perfect for smaller bathrooms or those who don't want to entertain the thought of cleaning behind the bath.
Four tile flange: This style is necessary for a bath that will also be used as a shower. It works to re-direct the shower spray run-off directly back into the bath.
Island: This bath sits on a tiled 'island' and offers extra room around it, perfect for candles, a sitting ledge, or the kids’ toys.
Whatever your choice, it’s important to be familiar with the existing plumbing set-out and the current bath waste position. Any changes to this configuration will affect your budget considerably.
Style
We always recommend starting any bathroom design by creating a mood board that captures the overarching style you want to create. With this in mind, you should aim to match the bath to your basin or toilet suite to ensure that the style is consistent throughout the room. At Caroma, we have a wide range of baths to suit all budgets and styles across our collections, so you will be spoilt for choice.
Materials
Baths come in many different shapes, sizes and materials too. You will need to consider the pros and cons of each material and decide which if suitable for the bathroom you’re designing. Some steel baths are extraordinarily heavy and then when you add the weight of the water and people, this choice may become impractical in some bathrooms, especially on a second floor.
The most common materials you will find used to make baths these days are:
Acrylic: sanitary grade acrylic is durable, easy to clean and retains heat well, making it a great option for family homes.
Steel: A traditional and durable material for baths and is usually scratch and impact resistant. Steel conducts heat so bath water may cool quicker and steel tubs can be very heavy.
Solid Surface: Most popular for its natural, stone-like appearance. A major appeal is its seamless nature. Engineered composites have a gel coat surface finish which makes them resistant to bacteria and staining. They can come with matt or high-gloss finishes.
Comfort
Baths are the ultimate way to relax and unwind at the end of each day, so you will need to choose wisely. The only way to really test a bath for comfort is to sit in it and try it for yourself! Don’t be embarrassed, we encourage you to visit one of our Caroma showrooms where our team will help you indulge in the right choice.
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