Bath Tubs

Although the concept of bathing has been around since early civilizations, it wasn’t until after World War I that what we know of as the bathroom was designed and built as an area of specific purpose and function. One constant in the evolution of the bathroom has been the bathtub. Early luxury bathtubs were solid and heavy, often cast iron lined with porcelain, while more commonplace versions were made of the same steel used to make milking pails. With modern manufacturing and plumbing, bathtubs of all types are affordable and the type of tub in your home is completely up to you.

• The Classic Clawfoot

  Clawfoot bathtubs are historic, beautiful and timeless—and with contemporary manufacturing they are even affordable. Check out these styles when looking for your clawfoot:

  • Slipper tubs - one end is raised and sloped, creating a more comfortable lounging position
  • Double Slipper Tubs - both ends are raised and sloped
  • Double Ended Tubs - both ends of the tub are rounded. One end of the classic tub is rounded and one is fairly flat

• Pedestal Tubs

  Pedestal bathtubs, unlike clawfoots, do not have feet. The earliest known dedicated bathtubs were pedestal. One of the compelling features of contemporary pedestal tubs, and one of the differences from clawfoots, is that they often hide plumbing. The hidden plumbing of a pedestal tub coupled with its clean lines and simplicity offer bathrooms a simple, elegant solution.

  Check out the Pedestal Tub in Paige's Remodel Video HERE!

• Jacuzzi and Whirlpool Tubs

  These tubs employ pumps to force air and water in streams, creating a massaging sensation. Because the tubs are made from resins and fiberglass, a variety of sizes and styles are available. Options to look for in these types of tubs include:

  Jets

  • Multispeed pumps allow for everything from a gentle massage to a powerful kneading
  • Air and water jets are available in a range of prices and offer comparable performance
  • Air jets provide a wider range of pulsations and often make less noise
  • Adjustable jets allow you to customize the level of pressure

  • Motors & Pumps

    • Vary from 1/2 hp to 2 hp or greater
    • Multiple speeds offer a wider range of massage options
    • Should be located in an easily accessible area

  • Low water sensors

    • These sensors will automatically shut off the motor once it has detected that the water level is too low. This will prevent the motor from burning out.

  • Internal water heaters

    • An internal water heater alleviates the burden on your whole house water heater and creates a more consistently heated tub.

  • Bathtub Units

    Bathtub units are functional, economical and available in a wide variety of styles, finishes and colors. Depending on how the unit has been manufactured, it may be constructed from 3 pieces or from one whole piece. These have become common because of their low cost and easy installation.

As with all parts of the remodeling process—when replacing a bathtub, upgrading or choosing one for your new bathroom, decide what is important to you and base your decision on your values, budget and design to get the most value out of your tub.

Let AKB show you how the right balance of unique design, quality and price can enhance your bathroom with a new bathtub.

Thank you,
David Decker

President, Affordable Kitchens and Bathrooms

AKB is dedicated to customer service, open communication, quality workmanship and unique design, while building lifelong relationships with our customers.