Soaking hot

THEY’RE OFTEN THE STAR OF A BATHROOM – SO HERE’S HOW TO FIND A TUB THAT PLAYS THE ROLE PERFECTLY

Words by DONNA FLEMING

Being the centrepiece of many bathrooms, baths need to not only look good, but be functional and practical. With an array of shapes, styles and materials available, there’s a lot to consider before buying. Here are some tips on how to choose the ideal soaker.

Space considerations

You may love the idea of a luxurious spa-like freestanding bath, but interior designer Shannon Pepper of Shannon Pepper Design (spdesign.co.nz), who specialises in bathroom design, says this may not be the tub for you if your bathroom is compact. “A back-towall bath or an inset one would be a better option in that case,” she advises. Luke Di Michiel, industrial designer at Caroma, agrees it’s crucial to balance the size of your bathroom with your choice of bath. “That will mean less chance of the bathtub impacting the traffic and flow to the basin, shower or toilet,” he says.

Soak ing style

If you love indulgent soaks and space is not an issue, a freestanding bath could be best. Or check out the Caroma Newbury inset bath that comes with an optional head and backrest.

If your tub is primarily practical – for example, getting kids clean – an inset bath fits the bill. Their design means they have a ledge that’s ideal for keeping shampoos and soaps handy, which freestanding baths don’t have.

Tub Types

There are three main bath styles to choose from

Freestanding baths

Deep, freestanding baths in striking shapes – rectangular, oval and slipper-style – have grown increasingly popular because they make a strong design statement. The Caroma ‘Contura’ (above) creates a striking focal point. However, due to their generous dimensions, they need plenty of room, says Luke. “Bear in mind freestanding baths need space around them so you can fit a mop or vacuum cleaner,” he says.

Inset baths

Also known as built-in baths, these are fitted flush against a wall, enclosed by a customised surround. “If you’re restricted when it comes to space then it is better to go with this because they take up less room,” says Shannon. Baths like the Estilo acrylic bath tub are great if you don’t have enough room for a separate shower and bath. Its edge is designed to redirect spray run-off from the shower back into the bath.

Back-to-wall (D-shaped) baths

These models are a blend of inset and freestanding baths. “For those who love the look of a freestanding bath, but don’t have the space in the bathroom, a solution is a D-shaped tub that looks like it is freestanding from the front but actually sits flush against the wall,” says Luke. “This saves space and also means you don’t need to clean behind it.” In addition, their design means these can be easier to plumb.

For freestanding baths, you’ll need either a removable shelf or caddy that sits across the tub to place accessories on, or room for a stool or table within easy reach.

“The other option is putting shelves on the wall that can be reached from the bath, or a niche into the wall,” suggests Shannon Pepper. “But there can be issues – for example, if you are renovating an old home, you may not be able to put a recess in the wall because plumbing is there, or there’s a lintel under a window.”

If your bath is likely to be used by more than one person at a time, choose a model with a central wastewater outlet, so one person doesn’t end up perched on the plug.

Plumbing options

This is crucial if you are renovating – your existing plumbing may not be easily compatible with the type of bath you want. Inset baths are much easier to plumb in as they sit against the wall and their pipework is hidden behind the surround.

For freestanding baths, you need to consider the tapware and wastewater location. “Freestanding baths generally require the installation of a freestanding bath filler, which needs specialised floor mounting and water supply access via the floor,” says Luke Di Michiel. “This might not be possible for all installations.”

Materials matter

Most baths tend to be made from acrylic, which Luke notes is usually cheaper and lighter than alternative materials and has good heatretention properties. Solid surface baths – with a smooth, seamless, non-porous finish made from engineered composite materials such as natural minerals and resin – are also popular. These have a matte finish and are often thinner, says Shannon. “They might only be 12mm thick all round whereas acrylic is generally a lot thicker.”

1 Caroma ‘Titan’ stainless steel bath/shower mixer, $379, I/N: 5002690†. 2 Caroma ‘Newbury’ 1670mm bath in White, $642, I/N: 0111713†. 3 Caroma ‘Cupid’ freestanding bath, $2,178.90, I/N: 0306415†. 4 Kinetic 40mm bath plug and waste with flange, $29.02, I/N: 0302925. 5 Greens ‘Penny’ shower/bath mixer with diverter in Gun Metal, $258, I/N: 0208027†. 6 Mondella ‘Rumba’ bath spout in Matte Black, $90.23, I/N: 0134836†. 7 Caroma ‘Classic’ 1700mm oval bath in White, $598, I/N: 0931067†. 8 Foreno ‘E-Steel’ minimal bath spout in Brushed Stainless Steel, $212.93, I/N: 0231305. 9 Stylus ‘Origin’ 1550mm freestanding bath in White, $1,239, I/N: 0325579†. 10 Estilo 1500mm x 700mm x 410mm acrylic bath tub in White, $230, I/N: 4821916. 11 Clearlite Bathrooms ‘Dina Shub’ 1200mm x 820mm x 420mm bath in White, $677, I/N: 0612534†. 12 Argent 210mm bath spout in Brushed Gold, $149, I/N: 0206667†. 13 Caroma 1600mm back to wall freestanding cube bath in White, $2,321.70, I/N: 4821433†. 14 Foreno open bath spout in Chrome, $192.60, I/N: 0315438†. 15 Caroma ‘Noir’ 1700mm freestanding bath in Black and White, $2,749, I/N: 4821438. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. All professional plumbing work must be carried out by a licensed tradesperson.