Builders & Renovations FAQs

Explained: bath types to suit your new home

Explained: all the bath types to suit your new home

Nothing beats a cosy bath for relaxation, fun or getting squeaky clean! When picking out the right one for your home and lifestyle, there are several important things to consider. Make sure you get a tub that fits all of your needs.The bathtub is undoubtedly the centrepiece of any modern bathroom but the shapes, sizes and configurations of baths are seemingly endless! 

To help find the perfect bath for your new home, here’s our expert guide on how to choose a bathtub. 

Consider your bathtub needs

Primarily, you should consider the functionality of your bath, both now and in the future. When it comes to bathtubs, there are plenty of options for every type of bathroom and home so make sure you find the perfect fit by considering your needs carefully first!

If you have a busy family of four plus the dog to clean, consider opting for one designed with versatile functionality in mind. But if you will be using it with indulgence in mind for a luxurious paradise where relaxation reigns supreme, splurge on an opulent bathtub. Key points to consider:

• What size space do you have? Some bath shapes and styles utilise small spaces, but others can take up much more room.
• What is the capacity of your water heater? If it isn’t enough to fill your choice of bathtub, would you replace it?
• What is the floor’s weight capacity? Some materials are much heavier so ensure your floor can withstand the weight otherwise you will need to consider reinforcing it.
• What will you be using the bath for? For example, if it will be purely for washing the kids, a spa bath may be an expensive option to consider.
• What is your budget? The size, shape and materials used for a bath will possibly determine what it will cost. Remember to budget for additional costs, such as plumbing, fittings and installation.

Freestanding Bath

Free standing baths add an extra level of sophistication and style to any bathroom as they create such a visual impact. There are a myriad of style and material options available which allows you to be more creative with the tiles. A freestanding bathtub offers ease of installation with no wall-mounting required, and provides increased accessibility in larger bathrooms. Enjoy more freedom as you move around your tub from all sides. However, free standing baths are more expensive and other styles and you will need to ensure you have a large enough space in your bathroom for it.

Spa or whirlpool bath

Spa baths bring images of luxury and heavenly relaxation so, why not have one in your new bathroom? If comfort and luxury are what you want in a bath, then it is worth the expense of a spa bath. Spa baths have water jets built in which can be therapeutic for sore and tired muscles after a hard day’s work; as well as helping to keep your skin healthy and aiding your body to detox too.

However, all of the benefits of spa baths do come at a cost; and it’s a rather large one as they are considerably more expensive than standard baths. Additionally, spa baths require additional cleaning and maintenance.So, consider how frequently the water jets will realistically be used to warrant the greater initial cost as well as the increase in utility bills from running them. 

Built-in bathtub

Built in baths are installed against the walls of the bathroom; with walls on 2 of the 4 sides of the tub. Built in baths are space-saving whilst also being extremely practical, especially for bathing children as the water is contained by the surrounding walls and a cost effective choice. 

On the flipside, the placement of a built-in bath is not as flexible as others as it is totally dependent on the walls of the bathroom and often needs to be in a corner. Although there is no new piping needed when installing a built in bathtub, there is still the sealing, mounting and a surround to be formed.

Sunken or drop-in bath

If you have plenty of space in a large bathroom and the budget to afford it, the sunken bath could be for you. It is a bathtub that is integrated with the floor so that the outsides cannot be seen and the rim of the tub is at floor level. A sunken bathtub creates a seamless, luxurious aesthetic for any new bathroom.

A sunken bathtub requires more space surrounding it as you will need this for access to it and getting into the bath isn’t as simple as you would hope if you have bad knees. Although, you do have the often of installing a handrail, but this would take away from the chicness and elegance of the tub. 

Shower and bath combination

The shower-bath combination is when the shower head is installed over the tub to spray into it. This is a common choice if you have limited space in your bathroom and can’t fit in a separate bath and shower. The combo bath can still be a striking feature in any bathroom with the use of a striking shower glass or beautiful billowing shower curtain and using an accent colour for the tapware.

Corner bath

A corner bathtub is shaped to fit into the corner of your bathroom and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and shapes. They are a great choice if you have a small bathroom as they maximise the floor space and are a great idea if you have an odd angle to fill. The downfall to note is that corner baths can be particularly difficult to reach the far corners to clean.

Back-to-wall or inset bathtub

Back to wall tubs give you the best of both worlds. They create a luxurious statement just like a freestanding tub, but its back-to-wall design maximises space. Essentially, built in baths are similar to free standing baths, but with one side against the wall. They are also more affordable than freestanding and much easier to install with the plumbing concealed.

A back to wall bath could actually be a better choice than a freestanding bath as you can have a shelf on the wall, where the plumbing is concealed, to put shampoos and soap etc on, whereas with freestanding, there is nowhere for this.It's worth noting that if installed into stud walls, the weight of the bath may mean that the wall could need reinforcement for strength due.

Walk-in baths

Walk-in baths are a logical choice for people with limited mobility as they have a “door” to swings open outward, allowing you to walk into the bath. The door is watertight when closed and can come with a seat installed for comfort and railings. 

If contemplating a walk-in bath there are some points to consider; namely the cost, as walk-in baths are a lot more expensive than traditional tubs. But, with that being said, you can’t put a price on independence! Another factor is that once the bath has started to fill, you cannot exit the bath via the tub’s access door. Although you can’t get out immediately, walk-in baths now come with fast filling and draining to ensure the user is not sat waiting before or after their bath. But, you may need to check the capacity of the water heater at your property to ensure it has the ability to fill the tub.

If you would like to discuss bathtub or bathroom styles for your new build or renovation project, contact our friendly Symcorp team on 1300 043 012 or complete our online enquiry form.