Comprehensive Bath Buying Guide

Choosing a bath is an entirely individual experience, and the right choice will depend on your household’s needs and disposable space. At the core, your bath should be safe and accessible, seamlessly integrate into your bathroom, and not put too much pressure on your floorboards. Consider your options and requirements before purchasing and weigh the advantages of particular baths to determine your non-negotiables.

What are the Different Types of Baths?

Single-Ended Baths

Single-ended baths are a simple, cost-effective, easy-install option. Although you’ll be hard-pressed to find a single-ended freestanding bath, you will benefit from a space-saving bath and shower combo. Single-ended baths slot easily into smaller bathrooms and are helpful for families who need the flexibility of a bath and a shower.

• Double-Ended Baths

Double-ended baths are more costly than a single-ended alternative, but offer more space, enhanced comfort with dual recline, and usually a central plumbing system for a clean, uncluttered look. They require more floor space than a standard single model and are slightly trickier to install. But they are great for those who prioritise relaxation.

• Shower Baths

Specifically designed to accommodate spacious showering, shower baths are less claustrophobic than other types of bath, reducing your risk of slipping. Although their design is primarily functional and subjectively less luxurious, they’re excellent for families with small bathrooms.

• Corner Baths

Corner baths offer a unique and practical solution for those with bigger bathrooms. They can be relatively tough to get in and out of and more challenging to clean due to their shape. But they’re a delightful solution for those who prefer to soak rather than shower. 

• Freestanding Baths

Freestanding baths are usually the focal point of a large bathroom, with a luxury, high-end appeal and design freedom for those seeking a statement piece. They don’t often allow bath/shower functionality and require considerable space. But they are a fabulous solution for an accessible, spa-like experience.

• Whirlpool Baths

Whirlpool baths possess hydrotherapy properties due to the jets installed from all angles, which can help with sleep, muscle fatigue, and general relaxation. However, they consume considerably more energy than the standard bath and need more regular cleaning to prevent bacteria build-up in the jets. They are an interesting option for those interested in wellness therapy.

How Much Space Does a Bath Need?

Baths generally need a space of at least 1,200mm x 700mm. The bath size will vary model-by-model, so you must measure your space before purchasing your bath.

Standard Bath Sizing

How to Choose a Bath

To choose a bath, consider your lifestyle, bathroom layout restrictions, the advantages and disadvantages of different bath materials, and the included accessories.

How Your Lifestyle Affects Your Bath Choice

• Families With Children

For families with children, safety is key. You can achieve safety by choosing a bath with a non-slip surface, rounded edges, and sufficient depth to bathe them comfortably. Additionally, having a shower over your bath can help with the practicalities of bathing children, without being close enough for them to reach.

• Couples or Individuals

For couples or individuals, a spacious bath may be a priority. Several bath types can accommodate a generously-sized, more luxurious experience with spa-like properties. The only problem you may experience is the opposing opinions between a bath-only or a bath/shower combo!

• Individuals with Mobility Issues

For individuals with mobility issues, accessibility is paramount. Certain types of baths can be difficult to enter and exit, especially when you’re sudsy. So, we recommend looking into walk-in baths with a low threshold and adding accessories such as grab bars and built-in seats for additional comfort and safety. 

• Those who own Pets

If you wash pets in your bath, prioritise sturdy, reinforced models to prevent irreversible scratches and damage. For practicality, only considering models that allow dual bath/shower functionality will get your animals clean quickly.

Why Certain Types of Baths Just Aren’t Suitable

A bath that is too large, heavy, or requires more complicated plumbing than you can accommodate will not suit your bathroom. 

When measuring your space, account for the length, width, height, and any pipes, windows, or doors that may affect the installation process. And don’t forget to determine whether your bath will actually fit up the stairs! Too often, the logistics actually transporting a bath from a van to a bathroom is forgotten. Measure the width and height of your hallways and stairs to ensure your bath won’t get stuck.

A full bath is heavier than you think, weighing roughly the same as 151-302 1kg bags of sugar (discounting the weight of the tub’s materials) when filled to the top. We recommend checking with a structural engineer that your floors can handle the weight of your bath, especially if it is cast-iron or stone resin.

You may need to redesign your pipe layout depending on the type of bath you choose, exacerbating the cost of installing your new model. For example, freestanding baths require the waste and water pipes to be accessible from the floor, and the configuration of your bathroom may not suit a corner bath.

What Type of Bath Material is Best?

The best bath material is entirely subjective, depending on whether you value durability, weight, heat retention, cost, or style most. For example, some prefer acrylic because it’s generally budget-friendly, and others opt for stone resin for its sturdy design.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Bath Materials

Acrylic

• Budget-friendly.
• Retains heat well.
• Easy to transport and install.
• Minor scratches can usually be buffed.
• Can feel flimsy, less robust than other materials.
• Can be susceptible to staining from certain hair dyes and cleaners.

Steel Enamel

• Excellent longevity.
• Scratch and impact-resistant.
• Has an easy-to-clean, non-porous surface.
• Steel transfers heat quickly, so the water cools faster.
• Requires careful handling and installation due to its weight.

Cast Iron

• Exceptional heat retention.
• Extremely durable, could be a lifelong bath.
• Not budget-friendly, but you do get what you pay for.
• Requires specialist installation and may demand floor reinforcement.

Stone Resin

• Good heat retention.
• Very strong and solid.
• Less cost-effective than standard resin.
• Very heavy and requires specialist installation.

What are Bath Accessories?

This term refers to the finishing touches surrounding your bath, including taps, panels, hand showers and jet systems.

The placement of your taps will depend on the type of bath you install. For example, freestanding baths use floor-standing taps, double-ended baths centre the plumbing in the middle of the tub, and single-ended baths place the taps on the rim. 

Bath panels help conceal the functional components of your bath. They are available in various materials and finishes to match your aesthetic.

Baths for Sale at Modern Living

Modern Living is a family-owned and operated supplier of furnishings for bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. We deliver nationwide and pride ourselves on our exceptional customer care, pre- and post-sale. Our impressive collection of name-brand appliances and fittings is displayed in our Bradford showroom, so if you’d like to view before you buy, come and see us.

We’d be happy to talk through your options and point you towards the bath that we believe will best suit your bathroom.

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