sshelper

The guest post below describes three different types of bathtubs you might want to consider putting in your bathroom to create an elegantly and visually appealing room.

Freestanding: As the name implies, this is the type of tub that stands alone in the bathroom with no attachment to the walls for support. This frees up space which can make your bathroom look more spacious.

Roll-top: These are freestanding tubs, typically with claw feet and made of cast iron with a top that curves or “rolls.” This makes for a very comfortable place to rest your hands when soaking in this type tub.

Slipper: This is a type of freestanding tub in which one side is taller than the other, thus resembling a slipper. This elegant soaking tub gives your back much needed support as you sit in the tub.

Maybe you’ve just moved into a new house, or you simply wish to revamp your old bathroom. For the perfect relaxing bathroom suite you need a bathtub to soak in. But what style/type of bathtub do you need?

Although you may not have given it much thought, the style and design of a bathtub is very important, as it acts as a “centerpiece” to the room. It’s one of the many things people notice once they walk into a bathroom, and wouldn’t it be lovely if a person walked into your bathroom, saw how lovely and relaxing your bathtub looked, and commented on its attractiveness? Not that it’s normal to comment on how “attractive” a bathtub is, but if you pick the perfect style, you could have one rather handsome looking bathtub, that all the ladies and gentlemen are envious of.

So, what styles of bathtub are there?

Let’s start off with freestanding bathtubs. Depending on how big your bathroom is, a freestanding bathtub could be perfect. Different from built-in bathtubs, a freestanding bathtub can be shaped in various ways. You could have one that is round, and very bowl-like. This breaks the conventional style of a bathtub, perfect for adding a modern twist to a classic bathroom. You could opt for a freestanding bathtub that is rectangle, and add more of a clean-cut, modern appearance to your bathroom.

Roll top baths are the classic type of Victorian bathtub and are generally free-standing tubs held up from the floor by feet. These free standing baths give your bathroom a very elegant and classic feel. They can give the whole room an air of luxury, and a person may feel like a Victorian King or Queen whilst relaxing within one of these tubs. The feet on this style of tubs are one of the most eye-catching features, with many different styles of these feet being available. From the classic clawed feet style, to one that is more minimalistic and “block-like”. Instead of feet, a person could also choose a pedestal roll top bath tub, which has more of an art deco feel.

Another style of bathtub which echoes class and luxury, is a slipper tub. These bathtubs have one side which is slightly elongated, giving you more of a support to lay your back against. This style is perfect for someone who chooses to bathe for relaxation purposes.

When choosing the ideal bathtub for your bathroom, try to imagine how it would look filled with hot water and lots of bubbles. If you visualize it to look tempting enough to jump straight into fully clothed, then that gives you an inkling that it’s possibly the style of bath you wish to have in your home. If you choose a bathtub that is not built-in, make sure that your bathroom floor is strong enough to withhold the weight, as freestanding bathtubs can be extremely heavy.

Written by Stephanie Staszko on behalf of Branded Bathrooms freestanding baths. http://www.brandedbathrooms.com/baths/free-standing-baths/
This post was originally published on Southgate Chamber and can be found here: http://www.southgatechamber.com/choosing-the-ideal-tub-for-your-bathroom.html

Another type of bathtub you may want to consider is a walk-in bathtub.

VIDEO VERSION

Along with bathtubs and showers, sinks are an important part of a handicap accessible bathroom. The proper sink allows people who are physically challenged or in a wheelchair to take care of their basic cleaning habits such as brushing their teeth, washing their faces and hands, and shaving.

Pedestal Sink

One type of handicap accessible sink is the pedestal sink or lavatory. This visually appealing sink has a thin pedestal base below the sink bowl. The pedestal should be thin enough so that it can fit between the wheelchair users legs. A thin pedestal also allows a person in a wheelchair to get close to the sink.

This type base also keeps the water pipes hidden. With hidden pipes there is no danger of knees or legs getting burned by hot water pipes.

Pedestal sinks are available in many different colors, allowing them to blend easily into the design of your bathroom.

The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) has standards for the height of a handicap pedestal sink. To be complaint, the ADA recommends that that the sink should be no more than 34 inches high. The knee space under the sink should be at least 27 inches high and 19 inches deep, with a width of 30 inches. The sink itself should be about 6 1/2 inches deep.

Obviously, there should be no vanity under the sink that a wheelchair could bump into. You should also allow about 4 feet of turning space in front of the sink so the user can more easily roll up to the sink.

Based on the size and color, the cost of a handicap pedestal sink can range between $200 and $400. Designer sinks can cost more.

Wall Hung Sink

Another option for the handicap bathroom is a wall hung sink. These are sinks that have been elongated so the bowl of the sink comes out further than on a typical sink. This allows the person in the wheelchair to roll up to and under the sink in order to use it.

Because the pipes may be exposed, they should be placed further back than on a normal sink. That’s so the person in a wheelchair won’t burn their knees or legs on the hot water pipe. Another option is to insulate the pipes so that any hot surfaces are covered.

Faucets

Sink faucets should also be more convenient for the handicapped person. That means a person should be able to operate it with one hand and it should, according to ADA standards, “not require grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.” (See 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design)

ADA accessible faucets can include the following types.

Lever operated

Push in

Electronically operated

Also, it shouldn’t take more than five pounds of pressure to operate these faucets.

The combination of an ADA compliant sink and faucet can be a useful and visually appealing addition to the handicap bathroom.

For more information about handicap accessible bathrooms, read Creating the Handicap Accessible Bathroom.

You can buy the above sinks and faucets through the following link:

Video Version

The shower is a wet environment where moisture can accumulate and lead to the growth of bacteria or mold. Black mold and other fungi in your shower can become a health risk. Shower chairs and shower seats, whether built-in or freestanding, are at risk of attracting mold and mildew. Even the rubber tips on the legs of many shower seats can allow bacteria to grow.

Additionally, some shower stools and shower benches have metal screws that may be prone to rust. To ensure that you reduce the chances for mold to grow or rust to develop, you are going to want to keep your shower chair clean.

How to Do It

Every time that the shower is used, make certain that the chair is wiped down. One of the best ways to do this is have a shower cleaning kit handy. Antibacterial cloths are available and all that really needs to be done is a simple wipe and dry. The idea is to get as much water off the chair as possible. Germs love to get into small humid places and a moment of your time can prevent this from happening. Be certain that you dry the top and bottom of the seat. If possible, remove the chair from the tub between uses so it can further dry off.

You should make certain that you include the chair as part of your regular bathroom cleaning routine. (Read Steps to Clean Your Shower for more details.) For best results, have a good antibacterial soap on hand and a number of brushes. Germs are able to get into the smallest of places and you need have brushes that will permit you to scrub and clean around screws and between cracks. A cloth will not be sufficient.

Most shower chairs also have drainage holes. You may want to use a bottle brush to be sure you can clean inside those holes.

Cleaning Teak Shower Benches

Teak is often the wood of choice for consumers who want to display a stylish type shower bench or seat in their bathroom. However, it is important that you make certain to follow all of the cleaning instructions that are recommended by the manufacturers. Any brushes or cleansers you use need to be able to kill germs and also be safe for the teak shower seat. Be certain that you do not to use any kind of brush or cleaning product that may leave scratches. Scratches and grooves are ideal germ breeding grounds.

When trying to clean teak do not use any kind of product that is an acid base. This will destroy the finish and may even ruin the wood. This applies to all acid bases including clouding vinegar. If you have a steam cleaner, you can use it to clean the wood, but make certain that the pressure is not so high that is going to damage the surface of the wood.

Shower chairs are going to be prone to germs. If you want to keep them bacteria free, remember to take them out of the shower when you are not using them and to keep them as dry as you possibly can. Proper care and maintenance will lengthen the life of any shower chair.

Shower Seat Help

Choosing the Ideal Tub for Your Bathroom

Two Types of Handicap Accessible Sinks

How to Keep Your Shower Chair Clean