Bathtub Remodeling Guide

Update Your Bathroom Tub With Style and Ease

Buying Guides

Bathtub remodeling can seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right bathtub buying guide and a little help from a qualified bathtub installation team, you can easily navigate the process of remodeling your tub. 

In the bathtub guide that follows, we’ll walk you through important topics, including what to consider when buying a bathtub, what to look for in a bathtub, and how to buy a new bathtub.

Reasons to Consider a Bathtub Remodel

Remodeling your bathtub or shower space is a great way to breathe new life into your bathroom. There are several reasons you might consider remodeling your tub. For some, updating the tub might be necessary for safety or accessibility; however, many people simply choose to remodel their bathtub to replace an old or outdated shower or tub. Best of all, a bathtub remodel is a great way to increase the value of your home.

Common Bathtub Remodeling Questions

If you’re planning to remodel your bathtub, you might be wondering where to start and what selections to make. Thankfully, with the right guidance, you can easily make the right decisions to update your space and overhaul your bathtub.

What Are the Different Bathtub Sizes? 

Bathtub sizes vary, and what you choose for your space depends on the size of your bathroom, your needs and reasons for remodeling, and how you plan to use your bathtub. The most common bathtub size is 60 inches by 32 inches and about 12 inches deep. Soaking tubs and custom tubs are generally larger than the standard bathtub size. When it comes to how much a bathtub weighs, it varies depending on materials and size, but a standard tub typically weighs about 250 lbs.

Thompson Creek’s team is also happy to help you go over your options and consider what size of tub will fit best in your space as well as the custom finishes and accessories that will make your new tub comfortable and safe.

What Materials Are Used for New Bathtubs?

At Thompson Creek, we exclusively sell Jacuzzi® bathtubs, and better yet, we’re the only authorized Jacuzzi® dealer in the Mid-Atlantic region. These bathroom tubs are made from strong, durable high-gloss acrylic and reinforced with the brand’s proprietary fiberglass and resin formula. These high-quality materials ensure your tub is durable and lasts for years. Furthermore, we offer non-porous, acrylic, seamless shower walls in two finishes to complete your bathtub remodel.

What Should I Look for in a New Bathtub? 

If you’re wondering how to choose a bathtub, there are a few key things to consider. Above all, it’s important to look for a new bathtub that’s durable and made with quality materials such as acrylic. Additionally, it’s best to purchase your new tub from a company that has the means and manpower to provide complete installation services. Beyond these things, what you look for in your new bathtub depends on the size, style, and functionality you desire most.

How Long Does Installation Take? 

With Thompson Creek, bathtub installation is quick and easy. All work is performed by our team of qualified installers. Our custom designs are made to accommodate one-day installation, which ensures minimal disruption to the customer. Instead of coordinating multiple contractors, which increases the cost and lengthens the schedule associated with your bath remodeling project, the team at Thompson Creek is committed to handling the entire project on your behalf, from start to finish.

Of course, it’s worth noting that there are occasional barriers to one-day installation. That includes complex custom bathtub designs as well as the time it takes to complete in-home evaluations and appraisals.

Bathtub Replacement Benefits

The benefits of replacing your bathtub go beyond a new aesthetic for your bathroom. On top of creating a more beautiful space, a new bathtub can update and improve the functionality of your bathroom. That’s especially true when you consider features such as the depth of your new tub.

Furthermore, upgrading to a more modern bathtub can make it easier to maintain a clean, fresh-looking bathroom. While fiberglass tubs are commonly known for staining and showing signs of wear, acrylic doesn’t stain and is easier to keep clean using just vinegar and water.

Different Types of Bathtubs

There are several styles of bathtubs you can choose from when completing your bathtub remodel. Each of these tubs have different benefits, and what you choose for your own bathroom depends on preferences and the functionality you require. At Thompson Creek, we offer the following types of bathtubs in rectangle, oval, and corner:

Soaking Bathtubs

Soaking bathtubs are typically freestanding and oval in shape, but more importantly, they’re built deeper than traditional bathtubs to enable the user to fully immerse their body in water. While a standard tub is typically about 12 inches deep, a soaking tub is usually between 14 and 16 inches deep, and in some cases, it may be even deeper. A soaking tub is generally considered a more luxurious option, and it’s an ideal option for those who enjoy taking long baths.

Jetted Bathtubs

 Jetted bathtubs, also often called whirlpools, feature jets throughout the tub that circulate the water that’s inside the tub. Using a pump, these jets compress water and force it back into the tub using high-pressure air. When the air and water are sucked into and released from the jets, they create bubbles and movement in the water, giving the bather a soothing massage while they bathe. Jetted bathtubs are frequently recommended for people who suffer from joint or muscle stiffness as well as those with frequent back pain.

Free-Standing Bathtubs

If you’ve got enough space, a freestanding bathtub is a great way to add class and style to your bathroom. Freestanding tubs function in the same way as built-in tubs; however, they’re not restricted to being placed against the wall and can be installed in any part of your bathroom. These are generally the best bathtubs for bathrooms with lots of open space, as they have a slightly larger footprint than traditional bathtubs.

Drop-In Bathtubs

A drop-in tub is an acrylic (or other material) tub shell that can be placed inside a framed enclosure. These work in bathrooms that are built specifically to accommodate this tub style, and in most cases, the enclosure is made to match the flooring or tiling throughout the bathroom. Thompson Creek can work with you to find a drop-in bathtub that suits your current enclosure or help you create the necessary space to add a drop-in bathtub to your current bathroom.

Bathtub Finishes and Accessories

The best part about updating your bathtub is that you can select the finishes and accessories that best suit your style and the other finishes in your bathroom. Our team helps customers find the right finishing touches to create the bathrooms they dream of. When you choose to complete your bathtub remodeling project with us, you’re in great hands from start to finish.

When it comes to finishes and accessories, Thompson Creek provides you with a variety of options to help you give your bathtub or shower area the facelift it needs.

Bathtub Finishes

Selecting the right bathtub finish is the best way to ensure that your new bathtub complements the other elements of your bathroom. Neutral finishes are a great way to ensure that your bathroom is beautiful but remains versatile enough to allow changing of other design elements down the road if you choose to. At Thompson Creek, we offer the following finish selections: 

  • Alabaster white
  • Platinum gray
  • Quarry topaz
  • Sandshell beige

Bathtub Accessories

The bathtub accessories you choose for your newly remodeled bathtub depend on your needs. There are accessories that can help with accessibility, such as seating and grab bars, as well as shelving systems to add convenience and create storage for body washes, shampoo bottles, and other important in-shower necessities.

Bathtub Remodeling Services

If you’re located in Maryland, D.C., or Virginia, trust Thompson Creek to take care of every part of your bathtub remodeling project. Our team provides custom baths that are made for convenience and designed to fit in bathrooms of all shapes and sizes. We offer a lifetime product warranty on all our products and a 50-year labor warranty on work performed by our team.

Thompson Creek designers and team members will work hand-in-hand with you to help select the right style, finishes, and accessories to suit your needs. Our team provides a full consultation, design services, and installation services, ensuring the job is handled entirely from start to finish with minimal disruption to your life and your home.

Custom Bathtub Replacement

Whether you’ve got particular tastes or a uniquely sized bathroom, Thompson Creek can provide you with custom bathtub designs to suit both your space and your budget. Our custom designers can work with you to create a bathtub that’s stylish, convenient, and of course, complementary to the current finishes that are already in your bathroom.

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