TapsnBaths

If you are choosing a new bath it helps to be informed about what is on the market. The range of shapes, sizes and materials modern baths are available in is huge. You can choose from classic or modern styling, from a standard bath to a luxury whirlpool. The most common material used in bath manufacturing is cast iron which is then coated in porcelain enamel or sometimes acrylic and steel, although the latter is less common. Bath sizes can vary from 30-34" wide and 14-20" deep. Designs vary too from freestanding corner baths or sunken baths which are positioned in plinths which are custom made.

Cast Iron Baths

The weight of a cast iron bath is approximately 350lbs. Depending on where you live they can be difficult to transport, especially if your bathroom is upstairs or if there are any tight corners and doorways in your property. They do have their benefits however. When compared to acrylic baths, for example, they are quieter when filling up with water, retain the heat of the water for longer and are much more durable. They have a more robust feel to them and don't feel as "spongy" as their acrylic counterparts.

Plastic (Acrylic, Fibreglass) Baths

Although it is common knowledge that fibreglass is used in boat manufacturing it is also used for making baths. Fibreglass baths have a gel coating which provides strength while keeping them light in weight. Partly because they are easy to manufacture they are cheaper than cast iron baths. However, because of their thinness they are easily scratched, especially if strong abrasive cleaning solutions are used. Stronger cleaning solutions also affect the colour of the bath which, over time, would appear faded.

How Baths Are Made

In the manufacturing process several layers of fibreglass are moulded together as a support layer then it is given a spray coating of a special gel. To give improved strength other materials such as foam, wood or corrugated paper are used. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is sometimes used as a more cost effective alternative to acrylic. The downside to this is that it is softer than acrylic. On a more positive note however, scratches can be eliminated by sanding. Also it not prone to colour fading.

Another process in bath manufacturing it is also worth being aware of is injection moulding. Here liquid plastic is injected into the bath mould. Once it has cooled down it is withdrawn. Injection moulded baths do not have the same rigidity as, for example, cast iron baths and they dull rapidly.

Plastic baths have the problem of being "spongy" and flexible. This is the case whether they are injection moulded or laminated (gel coated). Obviously the more layers of fibreglass or reinforcing used bumps up the price. A good idea when installing a plastic bath is to position a small amount of cement under the bath to give more stability.

Harry Young is Internet Marketing Project Manager for Tapsnbaths.
TapsnBaths offer quality affordable baths, shower enclosures, bath screens.

Allocate space!

When planning a new bathroom space allocation should be your first priority. You’ve seen that sparkling new shower enclosure that you want, but what if its door won’t open out into where you want to put it? Measuring up first is always a must. Just in case of emergencies, you may need to access the bathroom window, so, again, ensure you have safe access. If your bathroom has a sloping or cambered ceiling, take this into account when installing either a shower cubicle or bath screen; when your engineer comes to fit it he may not have enough space!

Mobility

Not everyone is full mobile, so please take into account those who have mobility problems or disabilities. This may be a factor if you wish to sell your home at some point.

Measure Up

It’s a good idea to take measurements of your existing bathroom items – basin, toilet, shower cubicle, bathroom furniture. If you are buying replacements you don’t want to have to re-tile that odd square foot of wall.

Use Your Walls

For the smaller bathroom, where space is at a premium to store such items as shampoo or shaving materials, a good idea is a wall cabinet. These are available with mirrored doors which also helps save space: you may not need an extra mirror!

Taps are Top!

If you’re tired of the way your bathroom looks but can’t afford a complete bathroom remodel, you might think or replacing your taps. Modern tap ranges come in many varieties: minimalist, modern, classical, traditional, contemporary, luxury, economy. Just choose what design suits your personality or the look and feel of the kind of bathroom you want to create.

Storage Solutions

For some, storage space in a bathroom is not only a necessity but a problem. If you live in a flat, for example, where storage space is an issue, where do you store your towels? One answer is a vanity unit. That is, a combination unit comprising basin with built-in cupboards underneath. It really is the ideal solution to storing not only bulky items like towels, but those smaller things like bottles of shampoo.

Consult an Expert

As with all remodelling or home improvement, if you are in any doubt as to whether an item will fit or can be plumbed into existing fittings, seek out a plumber or DIY expert.

Harry Young is Internet Marketing Project Manager for Tapsnbaths.

TapsnBaths offer quality affordable bathroom suites, shower enclosures, and bath screens to the UK consumer market.

If you are struggling to sell your home there are ways to make your property more appealing to buyers. The current unpredictable housing market is making home owners nervous and only those who are 100% sure about the purchase will buy. As a seller you need to make sure your property is immaculate and as appealing as possible to prospective buyers. A lick of paint will make a positive difference. However, by revamping an entire room you can increase your chances of a sale. With a small initial outlay you can reap that larger reward you’re looking for.

A good starting point is to find the current market value of your property. Based on that price, how much are you willing to pay for improvements? Obviously, you’ll want a mix of quality and value for money. A new kitchen is probably not a sound choice as collectively it contains the most expensive items in the house. Re-decorating is a good option, but as new buyers prefer neutral colours when viewing a property this won’t add that much needed new flair you’re looking for.

The obvious answer is to remodel your bathroom, especially in a family home. “The smallest room” can quickly be transformed by adding even one or two new additions, and with little fuss.

A fresh new bathroom suite – matching toilet and basin unit – is an ideal way to start. If you’ve already freshened up your home with some redecorating, a gleaming new bathroom suite will not only revive your property but make those new buyers feel that little bit more at home and comfortable during the viewing.

If your bath is showing signs of age, a new bath is easy to install, either DIY or by a plumber. Remember to match your baths taps with those on the basin to give that uniform feel, and you can even match taps with the shower unit. A bath screen is also easily installed and will add a touch of panache, especially if your old one is well-used, or if all you have at present is a shower curtain. It’s also easier to clean.

These simple, inexpensive investments could make the difference in selling your home.

Finally, if you are using an estate agent to sell your home, don’t forget to tell them you’ve done a bathroom remodel so they can adjust the selling price.

Harry Young is Internet Marketing Project Manager for Tapsnbaths.

TapsnBaths offer quality affordable bathroom suites, baths and
bath screens to the UK consumer market.

No matter the size and shape of your bathroom, you can easily create an ideal space in which to pamper yourself and luxuriate in your bath or enjoy a refreshing, exhilarating shower. A well designed bathroom should be comfortable enough to spend quality time in as well as nip in and out of when you’re in a hurry. Either way it should be an enjoyable experience. A fresh new bathroom should accommodate all the family’s needs so think and plan ahead.

Bathroom Suites – Style and Comfort

Choosing a matching toilet unit and basin is a good start to creating any new bathroom. You’ll want continuity in your bathroom so matching lines and curves are important. Size and design of the toilet matters more than you might think. Bowl sizes and heights vary. If space is an issue a smaller radius bowl may be the answer, although many people find more comfort in an elongated bowl. For some, toilet bowls that sit higher than average might be more comfortable. Also look out for toilets that have soft close seats. These ensure the lid doesn’t slam down and damage the bowl. Your basin or sink unit should complement your new toilet. Choose from sleek, chic contemporary models to traditional Victorian styling. Modern basins come in space-saving mini versions, ideal for cloakrooms or smaller bathrooms. You will however, be limited to what kind of basin you can buy by the plumbing. If you like the design of a particular basin but it has only one tap hole for a mono basin mixer and you already have plumbing for two taps you will need to bring in a plumber to carry out alterations.

Taps – Refining Detail

Taps can be a fantastic way of adding some flair to your bathroom. The range is huge: minimalist, modern, classical, traditional, contemporary, luxury, economy. They really are the finishing touch to any bathroom and, whether brushed steel or sparkling chrome, carefully chosen taps will add distinctiveness and individuality. Remember to match your basin’s taps with those on your bath, and for a more uniform look and feel co-ordinate your bathroom with taps to match your shower. Something to consider when choosing taps is water pressure as it directly affects the amount of water the can pass through the tap. Check with your local water provider to determine your water pressure and choose your type of tap accordingly as some taps can only cope with low or high water pressures.

Bathroom Furniture – Built in Class

What is bathroom furniture? Well, imagine walking into a quality hotel en-suite bathroom to find a basin and toilet built into a stylish wall unit. “Vanity units” comprise a bathroom basin and cupboard space directly beneath. In other words, instead of a pedestal you can have a handy storage unit beneath your bathroom basin in which to store towels, shampoo or cosmetics. Ideally suited to the larger bathroom although not exclusively, some larger combination units encompass not only a basin but a toilet too, so because it is part of an enclosure the cistern is hidden. As well as being affordable, vanity units are an ideal space saving idea.

Bathroom Accessories – Define your Style

To complete your new bathroom there are some accessories that will add those finishing touches and finer details. How about a splash proof stainless steel mirror? No bathroom is complete without one and can be used for shaving or applying make-up. Be sure to buy a mirror that features concealed fixings. Better still, invest in a backlit mirror. Many bathrooms are poorly lit so a backlit mirror is the perfect friend when either shaving those finer areas or making up before a night out. Or you may choose a mirrored bathroom cabinet. Most bathroom cabinets can be fitted with minimal fuss, are slimline, and take up little space whilst affording room for those essential items.

Harry Young is Internet Marketing Project Manager for Tapsnbaths.

TapsnBaths offer quality affordable bathroom suites, taps, and bathroom furniture to the UK consumer market.

Start with a Plan

Designing your new bathroom can be a big undertaking so the key is good planning. How do you want it to look and feel? Traditional or modern? Classical or minimalist? Thankfully there are styles to suit all tastes and budgets. If budget is an issue, perhaps you’ll want to start prioritise by replacing items that show a little wear and tear such as the bath or toilet, or do a complete remodel. Either way you should draw a carefully thought out accurate plan of not only where everything will go but what style you want to run throughout the room. The latter is especially important if you are replacing items one or two at a time over a long period. A good starting point is to work around existing plumbing rather than creating new fixtures.

Shower Baths – make the most of your space

Even a small bathroom can accommodate a spacious bath, but you can give your bathroom more versatility with an added shower without the need for additional floor space. Shower units add an extra dimension to the daily cleanliness routine. A simple fitting by professionals or a DIY enthusiast of a bar valve, concealed or exposed shower above your bath can provide another choice of washing experience. Some baths are designed to be dual purpose with a shower end affording more space in which to turn and wash.

Shower Cubicles – add some style!

If your bathroom is larger, why not install a shower cubicle? Shower trays can occupy a floor space of between only 70 square centimetres and just over 1 square metre? Choose from either a corner quadrant design or square or a spacious rectangular depending on the size and shape of your bathroom. The shower cubicle itself comprises a floor standing shower tray typically made from stone resin which feels like ceramic to the touch, a shower enclosure constructed from toughened safety glass and stylish aluminium, and the shower unit itself. These vary in design, from traditional to contemporary. Many modern showers have anti-scald devices built in and are suitable for most water pressures and boilers, ensuring a perfect shower every time whether its that quick and purposeful morning shower or before that big night out, or a long invigorating indulgence.

Baths – customize and relax!

A long, relaxing soak in a bath can be time out from a hard day’s work. Luxuriate in a warm and cosy atmosphere by turning out the light and lighting a few candles and immerse yourself in hot, deep soothing water. Many baths are now made “undrilled” so you can choose the type of taps you feel will fit in with the kind of bathroom you want: traditional or modern. Aside from standard, large size and shaped baths, have you ever thought of installing a whirlpool bath? Coming in standard bath sizes a whirlpool bath has 6 to 8 built in jets that create a skin-tingling sensation. Your bathroom could be just like your own personal health resort!

Heated Towel Rails – space saving luxury

Once you’ve had your bath or shower the first thing reached for is a towel. A heated towel, rather than a cold towel, feels so much more snug and cosy than a cold towel straight from the cupboard or vanity unit. Usually wall-standing, heated towel rails are typically made from stylish chrome can hold at least a dozen towels and plumb directly into the central heating system. With a heated towel rail, think of all that extra storage space you’ll have in the airing cupboard!

Installation – DIY or professional

Although many bathroom items such as baths, showers and heated towel rails can be installed by the DIY enthusiast, it’s worth investigating professional help from plumbers and electricians or companies that specialise in complete bathroom fitting. Costs vary, so shop around.

Harry Young is Internet Marketing Project Manager for Tapsnbaths.

TapsnBaths offer quality affordable showers, baths and heated towel rails to the UK consumer market.