Baths

In the gallery:

1 FunPool whirlpool tub from Hansgrohe, from £765 (0870 770 1972)
2 Stone One free-standing bath with red mosaic tiles from CP Hart, £6,000 (020 7586 9856)
3 Gemini Whirlpool bath from Jacuzzi, £6,550 (01782 717175)
4 Reproduction slipper bath, made of Quarrycast, about half the weight of cast iron, by Antique Baths of Ivybridge, £850 (01752 698250)
5 Blue Moon deep water pool bath by Duravit, from £2,937.50 (0870 730 7787)
6 Hampton acrylic free-standing bath with beech feet, from Adamsez, £1,286 (028 9048 0465)
7 Baglioni Cast Iron Bath, from Imperial Bathrooms, £3,595 (01922 743074)
8 Free-standing Quattro, from Clearwater’s Graffiti collection, around £1,100 (01274 738140)
9 Escale free-standing bath with pillow, from Kohler, £1697 (0870 850 5561)
10 Teak bath from The Water Monopoly, from £7,450 (020 7624 2636)

Sizing Up

A standard rectangular bathtub is available in a choice of sizes, the most common being 1,700mm x 700mm. If household members are tall or you have children who will bathe together, consider a larger than usual tub, but avoid one that is too long — you should be able to press your feet against the end of the bath for support.

As well as the size, the tub’s depth is also paramount. The average depth is roughly 500-610mm, but shallower and deeper models are available. Don’t forget that, though extra-deep tubs may be luxurious, they use up a lot of water, which is both costly and environmentally unfriendly.

Whatever size you go for, the most fundamental asset your bath can possess is to be comfortable, so test a few out in the showroom.

Acrylic Baths

Acrylic is the most popular bath material, due to its low cost — though the tubs do tend to vary in quality. The best are of thick acrylic, reinforced with fibreglass, with an underlying support structure — but these are often at the upper end of the price scale. Acrylic does have several advantages: it can easily be moulded to any size and shape, is very light, available in a huge colour range, easy to clean, warm to the touch, less slippery and any superficial damage is easily repairable.

Out of the Ordinary

If you are looking for a real statement tub, you should consider a more unconventional material.Wooden bathtubs are fantastic for introducing a touch of warmth and natural beauty. Inherently waterproof woods such as teak, cedar, chestnut and black pine are suitable. But though they are an excellent insulator of heat, wooden baths can stain, and it is advisable to keep them filled with water between baths so that the wood doesn’t shrink or crack — a big turn-off for some.

Bathtubs made of stone look fabulous in an ultra-contemporary bathroom, but they are expensive. The most costly, and heaviest, are carved from solid blocks of limestone or marble. Cheaper and lighter stone tubs can be made from stone slabs joined at the corners, and cheaper still are those of artificial stone. The downside of stone baths is that they are chilly and won’t keep the water warm for long.

Concrete tubs are at the cutting-edge of industrial chic. They will probably be the most durable bath you could ever own, but having them bespokely cast is very costly. They will also place a heavy load on the floor structure.

Other materials to consider are glass, for a light modern feel, or copper to bring a touch of rusticity to the bathroom.

Cast Iron Baths

Classic cast iron baths are much loved, and it’s not hard to see why — they simply ooze quality, will serve you well for generations and are the perfect finishing touch to a traditional-style bathroom. Once forged, the iron is coated with porcelain enamel or vitreous china, then fired in a furnace. The end product is extremely strong and rigid, with a smooth and glossy finish — if a little cold to the touch (though cast iron does retain heat well). Though very heavy, the bath should be able to be supported by any structurally sound second floor. The biggest downside to cast iron is that it is expensive and, though it won’t chip easily, if the enamel does chip off it can only be repaired by re-enamelling the whole bath. When cleaning an enamelled bath, avoid using modern abrasive cleaners or pads, as these will damage the sheen of the surface. Stick to warm soapy water and a soft cloth.

Extras

A range of spa-type baths is available, from jacuzzis and whirlpools, which circulate a mixture of air and water through jets, to chromatherapy baths which wash you in colour as well as water. Hydrotherapy features can also be fitted to standard bathtubs. Another luxurious option is an overflow bath where water cascades over the edge and is drained away from the base. However, these can require a great deal of water.

Second-hand Tubs

Cast iron bathtubs can be obtained second-hand from salvage yards and restoration places. If the finish is worn, stained or pitted, the bath will need reconditioning or re-enamelling. Bear in mind that big repair jobs can be expensive. You should also check that the tap and waste holes are sized and positioned to suit your requirements before buying.

Bath Types

The most common style of bath is a rectangular three-walled (sometimes two-walled) alcove tub. They often come with a side panel, but many people tile the out-facing side and deck, which looks better. Built-in bathtubs have the advantage of fitting into any décor, and allow you to add interest in the form of tiling, stone or wood on the decking and side. You might also want to consider an undermounted tub, which can provide seamless integration. These tubs are often oval.

If you don’t have much room, corner baths are great space savers; the two sides that adjoin the wall can either be of equal length or not, to allow for more bathing space.

Free-standing roll-top baths are perfect for traditional bathrooms, and there are also many contemporary designs available.They typically come with the option of decorative claw feet in brass, chrome or cast iron; or they could be supported with wooden blocks. Double-ended models with taps on the side of the bath make it easy for couples to bathe together. Slipper bathtubs are a shorter version of roll-tops, but with a raised back.

If you are fitting a shower over the bath, then the base needs to be flat and the surface nonslip. Many of these baths are wider at the top.

Further reading:

• A Guide to Bathrooms
• A Buyer's Guide to Basins
• A Buyer's Guide to Toilets