Tub Remodel Benefits

Are you thinking about renovating your bathroom with a brand new bathtub? Here’s why this could be a great decision and all the choices available to you.

The bathroom is one of the most important areas of your home. It’s a key point of interest for buyers and a fantastic place to relax or unwind after a long day. A crucial feature is the bathtub itself: the right tub invites long, relaxing soaks and can serve as a stunning focal point that elevates the entire space.

Whether your style leans vintage or contemporary, the right bathtub can make your home feel more luxurious and even help justify higher offers when it’s time to sell. To pick the perfect one, consider the options below—and if you want expert guidance, start with a quick plan for a bathtub remodel with EZ Bath.

Tub Material

Start by choosing the material. The most common are acrylic, steel, and cast iron—each with distinct pros and cons.

Acrylic

Acrylic tubs are lightweight (great for upper floors), warm to the touch, easy to clean, and available in numerous shapes/sizes. Scratches can often be buffed or spot-repaired, and pricing fits most budgets—making acrylic a versatile “best for most” option.

Steel

Pressed-steel tubs feel solid and feature crisp lines. They retain heat better than economy acrylics and are fully recyclable. Downsides: they’re more prone to chips/scratches and can ring (sound) without proper underlayment—so they’re not always ideal for high-activity family baths.

Cast Iron

Cast-iron tubs are timeless and exceptional at retaining heat. Maintenance is simple (gentle cleaner + soft cloth), but weight is significant—often requiring floor reinforcement—and the price point is higher. If you love classic clawfoot or luxurious soaking, cast iron delivers.

Quick take: For most homeowners, acrylic balances comfort, cost, durability, and design flexibility best.

Types of Tubs

Your layout, style, and daily habits will guide the type you choose.

Drop-In

Installed into a deck or platform, drop-in tubs offer a clean, tailored look and typically allow for deeper water levels. They hide plumbing and integrate beautifully with custom tops (stone/solid surface). Note: stepping out can be higher than an alcove, so plan a safe, dry landing zone.

Alcove

The classic three-wall installation maximizes space and simplifies shower-over-tub setups (add a door or curtain). It’s easy to add grab bars, making it a practical choice for families and aging in place. Design options are more constrained, but modern surrounds keep it fresh.

Under-Mount

Similar to drop-in, but the deck overlaps the tub rim for a seamless edge detail. It’s a refined, furniture-grade look that pairs nicely with stone or solid surface tops.

Tub Faucets (Fillers)

The filler impacts both function and aesthetics.

Wall-Mounted

Mounted on the wall near the tub—great when under-deck access is limited and when you want a minimalist look. No holes in the tub; plumbing hides in the wall. Pair with durable trim like Delta Faucets for reliability and finish options.

Roman Tub (Deck-Mounted)

Installed through the deck/tub surround, usually requiring 3–5 holes (hot, cold, spout, optional handshower). Not mounted on the tub rim itself—plan adequate deck space. Flexible braided hoses simplify connections and keep lines concealed.

Wall Surround Options

Your surround should be beautiful, waterproof, and low-maintenance.

• Solid Surface (Onyx Collection): Color-through, seamable panels in virtually any height and style—gloss, matte, stone looks, subway, wavy tile, and more. Durable, easy to clean, and silicone-set. Explore Onyx shower collections.
• BCI Acrylic: Customizable, non-porous, and designed to resist mold/mildew—an excellent low-maintenance option.
• Natural Stone: Granite, marble, limestone, or slate elevate the room with unmatched luxury (higher cost and weight, plan accordingly).
• Tile + Waterproofing: Classic and infinitely customizable—pair with a premium membrane like Schluter®-KERDI behind the tile for long-term protection. Note that grout requires periodic care.

Luxury & Comfort Upgrades

• Water Jets: Targeted hydrotherapy for deep muscle relief (higher pressure, more maintenance).
• Air Jets: Gentle, full-body effervescence (drier system, easier upkeep).
• Inline Heater: Keeps bathwater at a consistent temperature for unhurried soaks.
• Handshower: Adds flexibility for rinsing hair, cleaning the tub, or bathing kids/pets.

Maintenance tip: Air-jet systems are generally easier to keep clean (many auto-purge). Water-jet systems need periodic internal cleaning cycles with mild cleaner.

Installation, Budget & Value

Set priorities: daily comfort, look, and maintenance. Then align budget with material, faucet, and surround choices. If you’re unsure where to land, we can show you real-world outcomes and costs in our before-and-after gallery and outline financing on the pricing/process page. When you’re ready, we’ll tailor a plan that fits your home, timeline, and goals—starting with a free consultation at a local bathroom remodeling company you can trust.

FAQ: New Bathtub Remodels

Q: What’s the best tub material for most homes?
A: Acrylic—lightweight, warm to the touch, easy to clean, budget-friendly, and available in many shapes/sizes.

Q: Will a new bathtub increase my home’s value?
A: A high-quality tub with a durable, stylish surround can improve buyer appeal—especially in the primary bath—and support a strong overall bathroom ROI.

Q: How long does bathtub replacement take?
A: A straightforward swap can be done in a few days; custom decks, tile/stone, or plumbing moves add time. We’ll outline your exact timeline during design.

Q: Can I add jets later?
A: Jets are typically integrated at purchase. If hydrotherapy is a priority, consider a factory-configured system or a walk-in bathtub designed for therapy.

Q: What’s the lowest-maintenance surround?
A: Solid surface (like Onyx) or high-quality acrylic panels—no grout lines, quick wipe-downs, long-term durability.

Tags: bathtubs, bathtub remodel, bathroom remodeling, hydrotherapy