What do you picture when you envision your dream bathroom? Marble tiles, spot lighting, a large vanity with double sinks? Chances are these are some of the first things to pop into your head. But what about the kind of shower/bath you install? When getting ready to design a new bathroom, many people think they have one of three choices: shower, tub or both. In reality, there are many more options than that.
In taking a closer look at showerheads, there are two options: fixed—permanently mounted to the shower wall, and hand-held— attached to a flexible hose which extends from a fixture that is permanently mounted to the shower wall. If we take a closure look at showerheads, there are various options within each type. For fixed showerheads, consumers have the option of installing a traditional angled shower head or a top-mount showerhead. Both showerhead options come in various designs and finished to compliment your overall bathroom design.
The pressure of your shower head can determine the effectiveness of your showerhead. A government regulation, no showerhead can exceed a flow rate over 2.5 gallons per minute at standard pressure of 80psi (pounds per square inch). Not all homes have water pressure as high as 80psi, therefore homeowners should consider buying showerheads that coincide with their homes’ water pressure level. Low-flow showerheads will offer more energy savings, but may decrease the water flow of an already low pressure shower. So be sure to take all factors into consideration so that you can enjoy your shower as well as conserve energy.
When it comes to tubs you may think, how many kind of tubs can there possibly be? The answer is, a lot. Consumers are usually familiar with their aesthetics, but unfamiliar with their names. So here’s a little crash course in tub types.
- Alcove: The most common tub of all, this one fits perfectly into a space in which only one side is exposed. Most often, this is built as a shower/tub combo and is rectangular in shape.
- Freestanding: Just as its name describes, this kind of tub stands alone and offers entrance from all sides. They come in various shapes and sizes and are usually reserved for larger spaces. Claw-foot tubs are freestanding tubs.
- Drop-in: This kind of tub is surrounded on all sides, but usually has at least one-two sides open for entry. It is typically a jetted tub and raised on a platform.
- Corner: Simply put by its name, a corner tub is angled to fit nicely in the corner of the bathroom. Typically this allows for a larger tub.
Tub composition is also something to keep in mind. Cast iron tubs are the most common type primarily because of their durability, but they are also heavy. Acrylic tubs tend to be lighter weight, easy to repair, and a top choice for jetted tubs. Fiberglass tubs have a glossy finish that is easy to clean, and although more affordable than acrylic tubs, fiberglass tubs are also less durable. Composite tubs are popular in second-story bathrooms because of their high heat retention and low weight. Produced from crushed marble, cultured marble tubs are finished with a resin that resists scratches, but not cracks. Porcelain on steel tubs retain the same heat as cast iron tubs, but are more likely to chip and rust.
An important factor that homeowners should keep in mind when choosing the type of shower or tub to install is the amount of water they’ll consume. A jetted tub may sound wonderful, but the bill might leave you needing more than a hydro-massage. Here are some estimated water-consumption rates for tubs:
- 40-50 gallon tub / minimum 30-gallon water heater
- 50-75 gallon tub / minimum 50-gallon water heater
- 75-gallon-plus tub / minimum 80-gallon water heater
We hope this helps you make an educated choice about which showerhead and/or tub to install in your new bathroom. Happy remodel!
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Post by Izabella De Souza
