The bath is often the centrepiece of your bathroom and so careful consideration must be given to its style, size and practicality. Some of the most common bath designs are:
Freestanding
The most dramatic of the bath family - the freestanding bath can certainly create an impression and set the scene in your bathroom.
Shower Bath
Eminently practical, the shower bath makes excellent use of space by combining showering and bathing functions into one. They can either be standard straight-edged baths or a more luxurious L-shape (angular) or P-shape (rounded) to allow for more showering space at one end.
Inset
An Inset bath can create a very clean look with the bath tiled in to match the walls.
Corner
Corner baths can act as a practical space-saving solution by using minimal wall and floorspace yet still holding a good volume of water for a relaxing bath-time.
Whirlpool
Why not add a touch of spa luxury to your bathroom with a whirlpool bath? Fitted with air jets, this type of bath can be used as a standard bath for everyday use or a relaxing massage experience when the fancy takes you (and busy lives allow)!
Standard Baths
A standard bath is usually a rectangular, angular shape with the taps and waste pipes at one end of the bath. These are commonly the most cost-efficient baths and are often made in acrylic.
Double-ended Baths
This type of bath is so-called because the taps and waste pipes are set in the middle of the bath, thereby keeping each end of the bath free. A double-ended bath can make a stunning centrepiece.
Freestanding double-ended bath
Standard Bath
Acrylic
This is a popular choice and often the most cost-efficient. Good quality acrylic baths are durable, easy to clean and provide a very smooth finish.
Resin
Stone resin comprises of crushed stone and adhesive. It is very durable, creates a smooth finish and is excellent at retaining the heat in the water for a long, relaxing soak.
Cast Iron
Baths were traditionally made from cast iron and this material has lasted the test of time. Finished in enamel, cast iron baths are extremely durable but also very heavy - be sure to check if your floors can bear the weight!
Steel
Steel (finished with enamel) is often used in place of cast iron baths, as a lighter weight option.
When choosing a bath for your new bathroom, whilst style is top of your list, practicalities will most certainly be top of your plumber’s list. Here are a few points to consider:
• Size is important! A dramatic freestanding bath may look stunning in the brochures but is your bathroom big enough to do it justice?
• If you are short on space, a Shower Bath might be for you.
• Check that your floors can withstand the weight of the bath, particularly if your bathroom is upstairs - cast iron will be much heavier than an acrylic bath. Don’t forget the weight includes the water and someone in the bath too!
• Is it the only bathroom in the property? If so, consider combining showering and bathing functions by using a Shower Bath.
• Family bathrooms benefit from a separate shower and bath (space-permitting) to allow those little ones lots of space to explore at bath time without a shower screen hampering their aquatic adventures!
• If you are choosing a large bath, check that your existing hot water system will be able to fill your new bath with the necessary amount of warm water.
Shower Bath (Inset)
Shower Bath (L-shape)