Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Bathtubs
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Shirl
08-07-02, 08:25 PM
We had hoped to replace an old steel tub with a new one only to discover that they now have "sandpaper"-like, no slip bottoms which get stained and look terrible. That leave fiber glass or a plastic composite tub. In the past, there were problems with fiberglass tubs cracking around the drain. Is this still a problem? What about the composites? What do you recommend??
Doug Aleshire
08-07-02, 09:21 PM
Shirl,
I have included sites for you to look at and after reading each, you decide what is best. Costs vary on type of product, style and color. If you are seeking a tub surround as well, think about a 2 or 3 pc tub/shower unit. Installation will be easier.
The issue of problems about tub drains cracking around the drain was not so much product failure of the tubs but the improper installation of the tub itself. On earlier posts, I have outlined the need for proper support under tubs, especially fiberglass type units since there is flexing. If you don't ensure a solid base, the tub bottom moves but the drain assembly doesn't - guess what is going to give? It is amazing how people blame product failure when it was the installer who failed to read instructions! Products have been made better through modern technology and if installed right, you won't have any problems.
The issue of the non-slip surface at the bottom has been a requirement for safety reasons. Proper cleaning of the units will help in maintaining a product that should last for years.
Cleaning Suggestions;
http://www.remodelonline.com/directories/home/tips/cleaning/01500386.html
http://www.queenofclean.com/tips/
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Gelcoat finish has 3 year warranties
http://www.lascobath.com/tubs.shtml
---------------------------------------------------
Acrylic has warranties of 5 or 10 years
http://www.maax.com/e/benefits/acrylic_f.html
Talk to a plumbing supply house or Home Depot on products, take a look and you choose what you like. I have always liked Lasco and for the money, they are built well.
Hope this helps!
I have included sites for you to look at and after reading each, you decide what is best. Costs vary on type of product, style and color. If you are seeking a tub surround as well, think about a 2 or 3 pc tub/shower unit. Installation will be easier.
The issue of problems about tub drains cracking around the drain was not so much product failure of the tubs but the improper installation of the tub itself. On earlier posts, I have outlined the need for proper support under tubs, especially fiberglass type units since there is flexing. If you don't ensure a solid base, the tub bottom moves but the drain assembly doesn't - guess what is going to give? It is amazing how people blame product failure when it was the installer who failed to read instructions! Products have been made better through modern technology and if installed right, you won't have any problems.
The issue of the non-slip surface at the bottom has been a requirement for safety reasons. Proper cleaning of the units will help in maintaining a product that should last for years.
Cleaning Suggestions;
http://www.remodelonline.com/directories/home/tips/cleaning/01500386.html
http://www.queenofclean.com/tips/
---------------------------------------------------
Gelcoat finish has 3 year warranties
http://www.lascobath.com/tubs.shtml
---------------------------------------------------
Acrylic has warranties of 5 or 10 years
http://www.maax.com/e/benefits/acrylic_f.html
Talk to a plumbing supply house or Home Depot on products, take a look and you choose what you like. I have always liked Lasco and for the money, they are built well.
Hope this helps!