New Bathtub Setup: Professional Planning Guide

Installing a new bathtub can be an exciting way to refresh your bathroom and add a touch of luxury to your home. However, to ensure it serves you well, careful planning and thoughtful choices are essential. This process involves more than just picking a design you like; it’s about making informed decisions that suit your space and lifestyle.

Start by examining the space you have and how a bathtub will fit into your bathroom’s layout. Accessibility and usage considerations are vital, especially for families with young children or elderly members. Plus, deciding whether the bathtub will stand alone or pair with a shower will significantly impact the design.

Choosing the right type and material for your bathtub is crucial as well. These decisions affect everything from the look and feel to the practicality and maintenance of your new bath. Understanding plumbing needs and installation essentials ensures a smooth and hassle-free addition. 

With these elements in mind, you’re set to create a bathroom that perfectly blends beauty and function.

What to Consider When Installing a New Bathtub

1. Assessing Bathroom Space and Layout

Before diving into the bathtub selection, take a good look at your bathroom’s space and layout. Begin by measuring the exact area where you intend to place the bathtub. Note down any existing features such as doors, windows, and built-ins that might affect the layout. It’s essential to ensure that your new bathtub won’t make the bathroom feel cramped or obstruct any current features.

Think about who will be using the bathtub and what their needs are. If you have children, consider a bathing area that accommodates them safely. For those with mobility concerns, a walk-in tub or low-profile edges can be beneficial. Ensuring ease of access not only increases safety but also enhances the usability of the space.

Decide whether your bathtub will stand alone or become part of a shower-bath combo. A standalone tub creates a distinct focal point and offers luxurious appeal, while a shower-bath combo maximises space, making it ideal for smaller bathrooms where both a shower and tub are desired.

Key considerations:

• Available Space: Measure for fit and ensure unobstructed access.
  
• User Needs: Address safety and ease for all family members.
  
• Tub Placement: Choose between a standalone tub or a shower-bath combo.

2. Choosing the Right Bathtub Type

When deciding on a bathtub type, you’ll find a range of options, each fitting different needs and aesthetics. Freestanding tubs offer a dramatic look and flexibility in placement. They can be placed anywhere, provided plumbing allows, but they require a spacious bathroom to shine.

Alcove bathtubs are practical and fit well in smaller spaces. They nestle between three walls, typically forming part of a shower-bath combo, and are easier to surround with a shower curtain or doors, making them ideal for family bathrooms.

Drop-in bathtubs feature a rim and are dropped into a platform, allowing customisation with surround materials. They offer a sleek, built-in look but need a specific deck structure for support.

Corner tubs fit snugly into a corner to save space, often offering a spa-like feel thanks to their larger capacity. They’re perfect for bathrooms that are not constrained by space.

Consider these factors:

• Freestanding Tubs: Luxurious and flexible but need space.
  
• Alcove Tubs: Efficient for smaller bathrooms and shower combos.
  
• Drop-In Tubs: Customisable with deck installation.
  
• Corner Tubs: Space-saving with a spa-like appeal.

Selecting the right bathtub type ensures it complements your space and meets your bathing preferences, adding both beauty and functionality to your bathroom.

3. Material and Durability Considerations

Selecting the right material for your bathtub is vital for ensuring longevity and easy maintenance. Acrylic is a popular choice due to its lightweight nature and ability to retain heat well. It’s easy to clean and available in a variety of shapes and styles. However, it can scratch under heavy use, so care is needed.

Cast iron bathtubs, coated with enamel, offer exceptional durability and heat retention. They are less likely to chip or scratch, making them perfect for families. Though heavier, adding a classic and elegant look to any bathroom can be worth the weight considerations.

Fibreglass bathtubs are lightweight and budget-friendly. They are easy to install, but they might not be as durable as other materials, making them more suited to less frequently used bathrooms.

When choosing a bathtub material, take into account:

• Acrylic: Lightweight, good heat retention, easy to shape.
  
• Cast Iron: Extremely durable, retains heat, heavier installation.
  
• Fibreglass: Lightweight and affordable but less durable.

Consider the weight and installation requirements of each material to ensure your bathroom floor can support it, and that installation goes smoothly.

Plumbing and Installation Essentials

Before installing your new bathtub, understanding the plumbing requirements is key. Each bathtub type might need different plumbing setups, so it’s crucial to plan these modifications in advance. Freestanding tubs, for example, often require more complex plumbing work, while alcove tubs might just need basic fixture updates.

Professional installation is highly recommended to ensure everything fits correctly and works safely. It also maintains any warranties that come with your new bathtub, protecting your investment. Professionals can identify potential issues that might not be evident during planning, such as the need for floor reinforcement beneath heavier tubs.

Consider potential hidden costs involved with installation:

• Plumbing Modifications: Necessary adjustments vary by tub type.
  
• Professional Installation: Ensures safety, functionality, and warranty coverage.
  
• Hidden Costs: Floor reinforcement and fixture updates may be needed.

Investing in proper installation prevents future problems and ensures your bathroom remains a safe, functional space.

Conclusion

Choosing and installing a new bathtub involves several crucial decisions that can affect your bathroom’s function and aesthetic for years to come. 

Each decision you make contributes to creating a space that is not only beautiful but also meticulously designed to serve your needs. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of a freestanding tub or the practicality of an alcove design, taking these factors into account ensures a harmonious blend of form and function.

Your bathroom renovation journey can start smoothly and end with satisfaction when you partner with experts who understand your vision. CARGO Bathroom & Kitchen offers both the products and the expertise to guide you through every step of choosing and installing your perfect bathtub in Melbourne.
Contact us today to explore our comprehensive selection and professional services tailored to your renovation needs.