May 21, 2008

Imagine you are at your favorite store shopping for the perfect pair of shoes to match a new outfit.  The salesperson comes by to ask what size you need, and you reply “It doesn’t matter.”  Puzzled, they ask what color shoe you prefer, and you again confuse them by saying you have no preference.  This would never happen when shopping for shoes, clothes, or any other personal matter, so why should it happen when choosing a new bath? 

There are many things to consider when selecting the perfect bath to fit into your new house or remodeling project.  Every thing about it should be customized to match your needs and preferences. 

Installation – The main types of installations are alcove baths, undermount baths, and freestanding baths.  Alcove baths are the most common, with 3 sides surrounded by walls and only one entry.  A drop-in bath can be mounted either on a platform, usually surrounded by tile, or directly into the floor.  Undermount baths are a popular choice when updating bathrooms. They look clean and modern. An undermount bath is installed under the bath platform surface (usually stone or marble) with a cutout the same dimensions as the inner well of the bath. The freestanding bath is very popular right now and can be placed anywhere in the room.  Space in front of the bath should also be considered, allowing for at least 30” to change clothes or dry off. Check to see where the drain will be so that you can select between a left or right hand bath, or one with a center drain.

Size – There are numerous sizes of baths available, and the size you choose should be very specific to maximize the comfort of your bathing experience.  While the standard length is 60”, which will accommodate most people, a taller person may require a bath with a greater length. A petite person may also want to consider a shallower bath with armrests.  If you enjoy sharing a bath with your partner, the length of the bath should be at least 66” to accommodate both users.

Materials – The main materials available for most baths are acrylic, fiberglass, cast iron, marble, wood, and solid surface.  Acrylic tends to be the most sturdy and easily maintainable material.  Fiberglass is not as durable, and marble and wood require constant maintenance.  Acrylic baths are usually available in a number of colors which gives you more choices in coordinating your bathroom.  Most Jason baths are made of acrylic, and our Carrera™ Collection features solid surface materials.

Other things to consider when selecting components for your bathing experience are whether or not to add grip handles to the bath or surrounding areas for safety and ease of use.  Also, before choosing a bath you may want to upgrade your water heater to accommodate the amount of water needed to fill most baths.  The type of faucetry you decide to use is also important, plus you should take note of whether the bath spout will be mounted in the wall, on a deck (Roman spout), or floor-mounted.

Once you’ve gathered all of this information, share it with your designer and take it with you to any showrooms you visit.  If you have questions about what type of Jason bath would best suit your needs, please visit our product page and compare the endless variety of baths offered.