How To Choose The Perfect Stone Baths

So you have decided to get a new stone tub for your bathroom, but where do you even start the process? Today, picking a bathtub is not as easy as it was many years back. With so many choices ranging from budget to luxury and designer stone baths, it could become a very confusing decision.

As you are going to make a decision about an item you will be using for a good number of years, it's worth your effort to make an informed and careful choice. You might begin by asking yourself a couple of practical questions:

- Are you carrying out a total bathroom makeover or just a bathtub replacement?

- How much available space do you have?

- What is your budget?

- Are stone bathtubs available in outlets within your location?

If you are carrying out a full bathroom renovation, you can easily bring in your new bathtub since your layout can be designed to suit whatever size or design you want. Even if you just intend to replace your existing bathtub, apart from several minor renovation works, you'll be pleasantly surprised at the number of viable options still available to you.

Even if you are working on a tight budget or have limited bathroom space, if you do your selection carefully, you can still possess that luxurious and comfortable stone bathtub you have desired for a long time.

Just to ensure everything works out just right, it's important for the tub installers to be aware of how your new or renovated bathroom will comply with Australian Standard 3740 (2004). This Standard concerns 'Waterproofing in Residential Buildings', especially wet areas like bathrooms.

Inset Or Freestanding Tub

For that 'wow' factor in your bathroom, a classy freestanding stone bath is highly recommended. This is what is currently trending in the bathroom industry - the new 'in' thing. A freestanding bath creates an amazing centrepiece that makes your bathroom really feel like a true sanctuary.

However, if you are short of bathroom space, then you may consider going for an inset stone bath.

Bathtub Shape

The oval and organic bathtubs have been found by many to be very fashionable. Today, most people are shifting from those hard-edged, square-shaped tubs in favour of a more luxurious, oval bath. Stone tubs look just great and stunning in a curved, oval shape.

Bathtub Weight

Nowadays, majority of freestanding bathtubs are manufactured from acrylic and stone, with a few made of steel. However, the most luxurious choice is either the solid surface or stone composite.

It's important to note that majority of stone bathtubs weigh a minimum of 100 kilograms. Therefore, if you opt for a stone tub, verify if your bathroom floor is strong enough or have it reinforced beforehand. Also confirm if the tub can fit through the doors when getting it into your house and bathroom!

Drainage Considerations

Obviously drainage is a key consideration when installing tubs in your bathroom. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) outlines a number of safety and building standards that are to be applied throughout Australia. For example, standards dealing with waterproofing issues may be found in Parts 2.2, 3.3.4, and 3.8.1 of the BCA.


----------------------------------------------------
Babak Tavakoli deals with bathroom design at ACS Designer Bathrooms. He will guide you through your product purchase to help you select the best tub. You are also sure to get useful advice on installation to meet safety standards set by regulatory authorities. Browse on http://www.acsbathrooms.com.au/baths/stone-baths.html for more info.