Bathtub Guide: Soaking in Style with SONAS Bathrooms

CHLOE Freestanding Bath, from €1695 RRP with NORFOLK Freestanding Bath Shower Mixer Matt Black €595 RRP

 

When purchasing a bathtub there are lots to consider, such as size, material, how the bath will be used, and of course your budget. From Free-Standing to Offset baths, there are so many different types to choose from! Whether you are replacing an outdated bath, or installing a whirlpool bath in your luxurious ensuite, SONAS Bathrooms has you covered. We will guide you through the different styles of baths and which type of bathroom they suit best, because who doesn’t love a bubble bath!

What size bathtub do I need?

Like people, baths come in all shapes and sizes so it is important to choose one that suits you family’s needs, and of course fits your bathroom space.

Let’s start with a question we are often asked – what is a standard size bath? Baths generally measure from 1600mm – 1700mm in length; the width is typically 700mm; and the depth is approx.  400mm.

If your space is limited and you are trying to figure out what is the smallest bathtub size available, there are two options to consider. In the standard straight style two popular compact baths are the STRATA and LOTUS (from L1500mm x W700mm). An alternative is a corner bath which is a great way to save space. The SONAS CONCERTO, 1400mm in length and width, might just be the perfect fit for you.

It’s always important to think about who will be using the bath in your home. Perhaps one person is over 6 foot tall or just really enjoys a long soak in the bath. If that’s the case you may be interested in an extra deep bath. These baths start at L1600mm x W700mm and go up to a L2000mm x W900mm with a depth of 490mm. It is worth checking the size of your water tank if you are opting for this, because the last thing you want is a beautiful extra deep bath and not have enough hot water in your system to fill it!

What are baths made from?

The most popular types of baths today are made from heavy-duty reinforced acrylic, which are preferred to the old cast iron baths or steel baths. They have similar durability, and come at a much lower cost, weight. Unlike the old baths, they are warm to touch and the insulation helps to keep bath water warmer for longer. For extra reinforcement, the PACIFIC ENDURA baths use additional layers of GRP (Glass Reinforced Polymer) Reinforcement, improving the overall strength of the bath, and also makes them 40% heavier than a standard bath.

The STRATA Single Ended Bath is made from Steel and is 100% recyclable. Our other Single and Double ended baths are made from Acrylic, meaning they are strong and retain heat, so you can enjoy your bubble bath for longer.

 

What are the different types of bathtubs?

Straight Baths

Straight Baths are considered to be the most common style people opt for, as they generally fit into most bathrooms.

Straight Baths are normally installed against two walls and can be Single or Double-Ended (more on that later). For a contemporary finish, these new bath panels can be colour coordinated with your furniture from the SONAS SCANDINAVIAN Collection.

Single or Double Ended Baths

Single Ended Baths are designed to have the taps and waste located at the foot of the bath and are the most popular style in Irish homes. The tap and waste end of the bath is typically straight and the opposite end of the bathtub has a gentle slope for back and shoulder support while you enjoy your relaxing soak. Single Ended baths are more likely to be selected when placing a shower over a bath, as the flat base where the waste is located is easier to stand on without a slope.

Double Ended Baths have the taps and waste installed in the middle of the bath, or alternatively the taps can be fitted onto the wall. One of the main advantages of these bathtubs is that you can lie with your head at either end.

Wall-mounted taps over your bath can create a striking look in your bathroom, with a minimalist design removing the cluttered look from your bath. For the ultimate luxury look, making a feature of your taps, check out the sleek wall mounted bath taps. They are easy to clean too. It is worth noting that this is a decision you need to talk to your plumber about at the first fix stage of planning your bathroom, as they need a valve to operate.

Extra Deep Baths

As the name suggest, Extra Deep Baths are deeper than your standard bathtub. One of the advantages of Extra Deep Baths is that you have a larger bathing area to sink into. These baths can also retain heat for a longer period, allowing you extra time to relax.

Shower Baths

Shower Baths are the perfect balance of luxury and practicality. Shower Baths are exactly as they sound; a bathtub with a shower.

Giving you additional comfort when showering, the L-SHAPED and P-SHAPED Baths are a perfect solution is you are short on space. Both are available as left or right-handed and can be upgraded to a jet whirlpool bath!

Corner and Offset Baths

Corner and Offset Baths can maximise space in smaller bathrooms and add an element of style. These baths are ideal if your bathroom layout is more on the tricky side, as they can be fitted in both left- and right-handed positions.

Free Standing Baths

Free Standing Baths are usually placed in or near the centre of the room and are the focal point. Free Standing Baths require more space, so it is important to factor that into your plans. The precise location of taps and waste also needs to be decided with your plumber at the first fix stage.

With a variety of styles available, you can choose from traditional Victorian styles to more contemporary designs, there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Clawfoot are baths that sit on four feet; such as the elegant VICEROY, which also features a high sloped end for greater comfort – this slope is also called a slipper bath.

Another option of a freestanding bath is the MONARCH, which comes with a double sloped end (or double slipper bath), and sits on a plinth rather than on clawed feet.

Modern freestanding baths are becoming more popular, and there are a wide range to choose from such as the HILTON, a stylish take on the traditional slipper bathtub design; or the Contemporary SIGNATURE MATT BLACK Bath with its standout matt black exterior.  If you are looking for a small freestanding bath the compact LILY starts from 1520mm in length so it may be just right for your space.

Whirlpool Baths or Jacuzzis

At SONAS, we had an annual increase of sales of nearly 90% in 2020 for Whirlpool Baths. This shows that people are investing in baths again because they have the time to take them now that they’re at home and want the luxury spa like feeling with a Whirlpool.

These baths can stimulate circulation, which can improve skin tone and reduce stress. The heat and movement of water in a Whirlpool Bath is the key to effective hydrotherapy, relaxing tired muscles and joints, while improving circulation, toning and cleaning the skin. Need we say more?

All SONAS whirlpool systems undergo an individual strict quality control check ensuring each a every whirlpool is thoroughly tested. Since each system is designed to suit each bath, with jets carefully positioned for maximum performance, and curved pipework allows for natural drainage after use. Many key whirlpool baths in our range come with an option of either 8 or 12 directional side jets.

For more bathroom inspiration make sure to follow SONAS Bathrooms on Instagram @sonasbathrooms.

If you want to see the fabulous range of bathroom products above and more, make sure to book your Showroom appointment today or visit www.sonasbathrooms.com for more information.