Straight baths are probably what you think of first when someone mentions a “standard bath”. Popular and versatile, standard baths offer a comfortable and stylish but also affordable option for any home.
There are lots of different designs and styles to pick from, so whether you’re looking for a straight shower bath that gives you the convenience of showering or bathing as you prefer, or whether you want a compact straight bath that will fit perfectly into your small room, there’s sure to be a standard bath for you.
Styles Of Straight Baths
Straight baths come in several different designs and styles so it’s quite easy to find one that works well for your home.
Fitting neatly in the majority of bathrooms, straight baths are the most common choice, with an overall footprint that gives the tub its name since its outside edges make a rectangular, straight shape.
Although the exterior shape of a straight bath is always a rectangle, its interior shape may be different, and therefore you need to know your options in order to make a well-informed purchasing choice. Some of the most common options include:
Single Ended
Single ended tubs are the most popular bath style, featuring the taps at one of its ends for a conventional appearance and a sloping side at the opposite end allowing for comfortable lounging in the water.
Double Ended
A double ended straight bath has its taps located in the centre of the tub, keeping both ends free for relaxation and creating a look that is more streamlined and luxurious.
Modern
If you’re trying to create a contemporary look in your bathroom, a modern straight bath is perfect. With sleek, straight lines, modern straight baths add a touch of minimalism to any space.
Traditional
As straight baths are a classic choice and have been around for a long time, it’s easy to create a traditional look in your bathroom by choosing one of the more traditional-looking models.
J Shape
A J-shaped bath is a variation on the traditional straight bath, with a curving corner that saves space in smaller bathrooms.
Back To Wall
A back to wall bath is a more modern take on traditional standard baths. One length edge of this type of bath lies flush to the wall, while the straight sides give a clean and minimalistic look in your space.
Size
Straight baths come in a range of sizes to suit the needs of different bathrooms. One of the greatest advantages of opting for a standard bath is that it fits into narrower rooms with ease, and with a choice of lengths, you can find one that even a compact room can accommodate.
The 1700mm bath is the most common choice, with a width of 700mm, and this size model will fit in most average homes. However, for those who need a larger or smaller size to suit their needs, there are straight baths available from 1400mm in length up to 1800mm.
If you’re replacing an existing tub, you should measure it carefully before you choose your new model. You can’t just assume that your bath is a standard 1700mm bath.
Make sure you have accurate measurements so that you don’t make a costly ordering error.
Material
Straight baths come in a choice of materials, so you’re sure to find one that suits your aesthetic and quality requirements.
Steel
Steel baths are an affordable choice that offer practicality and durability. Although they’re heavier than other options, steel straight baths last a long time and are an ideal option if you’re on a tight budget.
Acrylic
Acrylic baths are the most common choice thanks to their excellent mix of cost-effectiveness and low-maintenance. Easy to care for and simple to carry and install thanks to their lightweight design, acrylic tubs are comfortable to use thanks to their curving contours.
Reinforced Acrylic
Offering all of the benefits of an acrylic tub with the added benefit of being stronger and more robust, a reinforced acrylic tub is high quality and extremely practical.
An ideal choice if you’re planning to use your tub as a standard shower bath, a reinforced acrylic bath is suitable for standing in without any concerns about weight.
When you’re choosing a tub, don’t forget that you also need to consider the bath panel to go with it. The bath panel you choose can make a huge difference to the appearance of your bath, and there are two options to pick from – plastic, or wood (MDF).
How To Choose A Straight Bath
Choosing a straight bath for your room requires some significant consideration to make sure you’ve picked the most suitable model not only for the space itself but also for your tastes and requirements.
With this in mind, here are some of the considerations you should remember before you make your final purchasing choice.
Bathroom Style
The first consideration you should keep in mind is the style of your bathroom. Are you opting for a traditional or a contemporary look? It goes without saying that you should select a tub that complements your chosen aesthetic, whether it be modern or classic, and there are lots of options that will work well, whatever your tastes.
How Much Space Do You Have?
Once you know whether you’re keen to create a traditional or modern look in your bathroom, the next consideration is the amount of space you have. Measuring accurately couldn’t be more important when it comes to choosing a bath of the correct size and shape, as making a mistake could be a costly error.
You can’t just assume that your bath will be the most common 1700mm length. Take the time to measure properly as you may find that the size you need is larger or smaller than you anticipated.
Will You Use Your Bath For Showering Too?
If you’re planning to use your straight bath as a shower bath, you’ll need to choose a single ended tub. With the taps at one end, you’ll then be able to fit a shower screen easily that will allow you to enjoy all of the benefits of either bathing or showering in one convenient tub.
Single Or Double Ended?
If you aren’t planning to use your bath as a shower bath, you have the choice of either a single or double ended model. The principle consideration here will usually be your personal tastes – whether you like the traditional look of a single ended tub or whether you’d prefer the more contemporary appeal of a double ended model.
Who Will Be Using Your Tub?
One further consideration to keep in mind is who will be using your tub. For example, if children, elderly people or those with mobility limitations will be using the bath you’ll need to consider accessibility, and grips and handles may be necessary.
Common Questions Answered
Can I shower in a straight bath?
Yes, you can shower in a straight bath as long as you choose a single ended model. You need the taps to be at one end rather than in the centre of the tub so that a shower screen can be fitted with ease, allowing you to shower without the water escaping and going all over your bathroom floor!
Are straight baths comfortable?
Straight baths are just as comfortable as any other bath. All baths are designed to be comfortable, although a smaller model may not be as comfortable for a tall person to use since there will not be enough room to stretch out and lounge in the water.
Are acrylic baths strong?
Acrylic baths are strong enough to suit most purposes, but if you want to choose acrylic as your bath material and want extra confidence in its strength and durability, a reinforced acrylic bath could be the right choice for you.
Quality Check
Checking to ensure that your chosen bath is high quality is imperative, especially if strength and robustness is a top priority.
One check to carry out is whether the bath has an encapsulated base board. An encapsulated base board adds extra rigidity and strength to the tub’s base, making it even stronger and safer for use, especially when using the tub as a shower bath.
What Else Will I Need?
Choosing a bath is just the first step in the process of renovating your bathroom. You need to choose the right fittings and accessories to accompany it in order to complete your look and create a cohesive and stylish space.
You’ll need to choose the right bath taps to go with your new bath, as well as a bath waste pipe, a bath panel that complements your chosen tub, and a bath shower screen if you’re planning to use the tub as a shower bath.
With all of these different considerations in mind, you should have all the information you need to make a well-informed purchasing decision when it comes to finding the right straight bath for your home.
