What To Consider When Choosing a New Bathtub

After a long, difficult day, nothing beats a soak in the bathtub. If you’re not sure what to look for when choosing a tub, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some important factors to consider and how home repair services in Brantford can help you get the job done.

Easy to Clean

If you’re going to be using your bathtub often, you want it to be easy to clean. Before purchasing a tub, be sure to check with the manufacturer to determine how simple it is to clean. Cheaper materials such as fibreglass, ceramic and acrylic scratch more easily, which makes them harder to clean. Therefore, purchasing high-quality materials such as marble can be a better investment.

Harsh cleaners such as acids and bleach can cause scratching and pitting in the surface of the tub, which can make it harder to clean over time. To sanitize your tub properly, fill up a bucket with hot water and pour it over the tub. Then, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the surface. Fill up your bucket again with a half-gallon of water and a small amount of dish soap. Using a scrub sponge or stiff brush, dip it in the soapy water and scrub the bathtub. Once your tub is clean, use the bucket to rinse the tub.

Sturdy Material

A bathtub can be expensive, so you don’t want to replace it often. In addition, if your bathtub has to be replaced, so will the surrounding materials. Some of the most durable materials include:

• Cast iron: The thickest and most resistant to cracking, cast iron with a coated enamel is a great option for your bathtub.
• Porcelain: Depending on the thickness, porcelain can be a durable material for your tub. Although porcelain enamel can chip, the tub can easily be repaired.

On the other hand, try to stay away from acrylic or fibreglass. These materials are prone to cracking and scratching.

Weight

Did you know that the average bathtub weighs around 320 pounds? In addition, larger or freestanding tubs can weigh up to 500 pounds. This significant weight can pose structural challenges on bathroom floors, especially those on second floors. While cheaper materials will be lighter, higher-quality materials will carry much more weight. Therefore, it’s important to consider the pros and cons before deciding on what type of bathtub to purchase.

Theme

Although your bathtub should be structurally sound, you also want it to be aesthetically pleasing and fit the theme of your bathroom. The tub often matches the other elements in the bathroom, such as the sink and toilet, to give a more cohesive appearance. White and off-white are the most common colours. However, if you want your bathtub to stand out, you can choose a colour that goes well with the room. For example, if your bathroom is white and pale blue, choosing a pale blue bathtub will complement the room.

Keep in mind that even a small colour difference among the bathtub, sink and toilet can be unappealing. If your toilet and sink are pure white but your tub is off-white, it can make your tub look unclean. Therefore, if you’re sticking with a white theme, it’s best to match the colours of all the elements exactly.

How Home Repair Services in Brantford Can Help

Installing or renovating a bathtub can be a difficult and time-consuming project, which is why it’s best to enlist the help of a professional. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your bathtub or install a new one, our team of skilled professionals at Handyman Connection is here to bring your vision to life. Call us today to learn more about our home installation and home renovations.