Archive for the ‘Tub Advice’ Category

Small Bathtub Options

Saturday, September 25th, 2010

We’ve received a lot of requests and questions about smaller bathtubs. With a lot of homeowner’s looking to add an additional bathroom into their existing square footage or looking to spruce up their existing bathrooms, space is always an issue especially with so many other components to consider. Regardless of the space, adding a comfortable bathtub that you can soak in is as important as the size. Below you will find some of our smaller bathtubs for your consideration.

This corner bathtub is 48 inches from corner to corner making it a perfect choice for a space looking to add a whirlpool bathtub but doesn’t have much room to work with. The bathing well dimension is a comfortable 40 inches in length at the bottom allowing you to comfortably soak in your corner bathtub. You also have the option between an air jet system and a whirlpool system.

A small cast iron bathtub can be hard to come by. Our 48 inch cast iron bathtub is one of the few on the market. The stylish roll top cast iron bathtub is perfect for a child’s bathroom and comes available in your choice of clawfoot finish.

These are just two of the many options available when looking at smaller options for your bathtub space. Whether you’re looking to add a space-efficient bathtub or add a new bathroom, there are options out there for you. Take a look at the selection on SimplyBathtubs.com for all your bathtub needs.

Bathtub Refinishing, Can You do it Yourself?

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

Bathtub refinishing can be a do-it-yourself job, but if you are going to do it on your own and forego calling the professionals, there are a few things you should know. A successful bathtub refinishing project will, of course, result in a finished product that is beautiful and functional. But a successful bathtub refinishing job is also ultimately one where no one was hurt in the process and safe practices were followed during every step of the way.
 
Bathtub refinishing will inevitably involve the use of several kinds of chemicals. Before starting your project, the first step should be to make a checklist of safety materials you will need for every part of the process. You want to protect yourself from any potentially harmful chemicals by wearing safety goggles and gloves. Also, make sure to protect yourself from any fumes by using a ventilator.
 
You only want to begin your bathtub refinishing project once you know you have all the safety gear on hand, and you are sure you understand all the precautions you must take. Once you have all the necessary supplies you can start refinishing your bathtub, which will typically start with cleaning and removing loose caulking or gaskets. There are a number of different kits that you can buy in your local hardware store, which will usually include several chemicals, or you can find do-it-yourself instructions online.
 
If you are thinking about doing a bathtub refinishing project you simply have to be safe and take all the necessary precautions. There are many chemicals involved, and many different ways you could get hurt. Or if this sounds like too much work, just buy a new bathtub and hire someone else to do all the work!

 

 

Maintaining a Cast Iron Tub

Monday, July 20th, 2009

Cast iron bathtubs are great for historic beauty and elegance. They are perfect for people that have a period home with lots of details from past eras. So, it shouldn’t be any surprise that cast iron clawfoot tubs have re-emerged in bathroom trends. Cast iron baths are certainly dramatic pieces for the period bathroom.

Cast iron is well known for its lasting quality. The color of a fractured surface can be used to identify an alloy. White cast iron is named after its white surface when fractured due to its carbide impurities, which allow cracks to pass straight through. Grey cast iron is named after its grey fractured surface, which occurs because the graphitic flakes deflect a passing crack and initiate countless new cracks as the material breaks.

If the surface becomes dirty, use a general purpose cleaner that is water soluble. Try not to use cream-based cleaners as they can cause build up. Glass cleaners work wonderful on bathtubs, use harsher cleaners like Formula 409 only when absolutely needed. Do not use steel wool while cleaning or any abrasive materials as they can ruin the finish. If you have a bathtub shower, remember to regularly use mildew stain remover. Make sure your shower head doesn’t drip after it’s turned off as this can lead to rusting. From time to time you may notice rust buildup. Use a rust and iron stain remover or muriatic acid to get rid of rust.
 
Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. Any remaining cleaner can build up and reduce friction on slip-resistant surfaces. It is recommended to towel dry the tub after every bath to reduce rust occurrence. If the surface becomes dirty, use a general purpose cleaner that is water soluble and rinse thoroughly after cleaning. With these simple tips, it’s easy to maintain a lovely and well-cared for cast iron bathtub.
 

Refinish Your Bathtub or Purchase a New One

Monday, July 13th, 2009

During these troubled economic times, people like you are looking for ways to trim budgets. Some home improvement projects can wait, while others may need your attention sooner. For example: if you are trying to sell your house, one of the first places that real estate professionals recommend sprucing up is the bathroom, because it will increase the value of your home. Buyers like to see nice, bright clean bathrooms. But what if the bathtubs are an eyesore? How could they be improved without spending a lot of money? There are a couple of options available. One is do-it-yourself bathtub repair, like taking on bathtub refinishing. Another option would be to replace the bathtubs entirely.

Bathtub refinishing is appealing to many, at first. Resurfacing the tubs would be the cheapest means to get your tubs looking new again. It only costs upwards of $75 and a day or two of your time. Resurfacing kits vary in cost and quality, so follow the instructions closely if you want to achieve a desired new bathtub look. This would be the best option if your tubs are not that old, and if the problems with them are only cosmetic scratches. It would be a lot less hassle and far less money.

 

However, what if personal bathtub repair is not an option? Then you could hire out and have someone do it for you. There are plenty of dedicated bathtub repair specialists available for assistance. A contractor would resurface your bathtubs or install new fixtures. This option would be best if you do not consider yourself a handy person around the house or if your bathtubs have more than just cosmetic problems. Let’s say that your bathtubs have cracks in them or you have had serious mold issues in your bathrooms. Would be a worthwhile investment tobuy brand new bathtubs. The job would also be done professionally, which would insure that you get more value for your money in the event that you decide to sell your home.

Simply Bathtubs is the leading online source for everything bathtubs, and we hope you can find what you’re looking for here today. Whether you’re looking for more classic tubs, walk in bathtubs, whirlpool bathtubs, antique or clawfoot tubs, corner bathtubs, acrylic bathtubs, free standing bathtubs or cast iron tubs for your home improvement project or new house, we have a bathtub for you.

 

What to Expect When Purchasing an Antique Bathtub

Friday, July 10th, 2009

If you’re in the market for bathroom fixtures, antique clawfoot bathtubs provide luxury, functionality, and personality to your décor. With a little knowledge, you will know what to expect when you accent your bathroom with a vintage fixture.

Antique clawfoot bathtubs complement any bathroom. They are made out of cast iron, although reproductions are made out of acrylic and other materials. Cast iron tubs conduct heat well, are very heavy, and extremely durable, but can chip or scratch. Due to their weight, extra delivery fees are customary if the tubs are carried to the bathroom as opposed to just the home. There are several styles of antique clawfoot bathtubs:
 
·         Classic clawfoot bathtubs have a traditional square-shaped end where the faucet sits. The tub is round on the opposite side. 
·         The double-ended clawfoot style has a rounded edge on both shorter ends.
·         A slipper clawfoot style has a squared end at the faucet side, but the opposite end arches gracefully outward to create a lovely slope.
·         A double clawfoot tub has an arched slope on the faucet side and where your head rests.
 
All styles can have a rolled rim, which goes around the entire tub.
 
When making your purchase, consider the appearance, size, and condition of the tub. Consider your own size, as well as the length and width of your bathroom space before determining the size bathtub you want. Generally, narrower tubs are cheaper. You want to make sure that you purchase a bathtub with original feet since refitted feet can change the support and stability.
 
Antique clawfoot bathtubs are priced from several hundred dollars to thousands depending on the condition and style. Many cost between $800 and $1800. When you need bathtub repair or refinishing, it will need to be cleaned with a non abrasive cleaner, sandblasted, primed, and resurfaced. Kits can be purchased for do-it-yourself gurus, or there are companies that can provide the service. Repair costs generally run between $150 and $500.

 

Maintain your antique bathtub with bi-weekly cleaning so that mineral deposits don’t build up. Use a soft brush to apply the non-abrasive cleaner. With proper care, you will enjoy your bathtub for many years.

Simply Bathtubs is the leading online source for classic bathtubs, walk in bathtubs, whirlpool bathtubs, antique or clawfoot tubes, corner bathtubs, acrylic bathtubs, free standing bathtubs or cast iron tubs for your home improvement project or new house. Thank you for your interest.

Bathtubs American Standard for All

Sunday, March 15th, 2009

If you don’t have a bathtub in your home, you should.  Definitely think about the benefits of a bathtub.  After dealing with all the kids and chores, you need a place to unwind other than your bed.  The bathtub is the next best place to relax.  The warm water and soothing bubble if you have a whirlpool bathtub will make all your worries melt away, at least for that moment. 

If you are a guy, you would also benefit from owning a bathtub.  Why you ask?  Because after you work a long hard day and do some work around the house, you need to unwind just like anyone else.  I know what you’re thinking.  It’s a bit feminine to say you spent your afternoon soaking in the bathtub.  But no one has to know and it can be your guilty pleasure.  If it makes you feel any better, you can turn the television on and watch some football while you soak.  Think about how those big football players spend their time after work.  They soak in bathtubs also! Now you can compare yourself to the greats such as Troy Aikman and Dan Marino.  I purpose that in 2009 every home should have a bathtub.  The slogan should be, "Bathtubs American Stand for All!"

Use Your Bathtub Every Now and Then

Sunday, March 15th, 2009

A lot of bathtubs go unnoticed and rarely get used.  I know many homes that have a soaking bathtub as well as a shower enclosure.  Many people use the shower enclosure almost everyday and never use the bathtub.  Sadly you are only doing a disservice to yourself.  The bathtub is a great place to take a dip and relax.  There are many ways you can spice up your bath.  A lot of people use bath oils to scent the bathtub and moisturize the skin. 

I can understand why many people don’t use their bathtub.  It’s because many people can’t find the time in their busy schedule to actually relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor.  This is a real shame because all that beautiful modern bathtub does is collect dust.  Find time to treat yourself to the wonders in your very own home.  You will be glad you did.