Standard Rectangular Baths

What is a standard rectangular bath?

This is the basic style of bathtub which we've probably all grown up with. This style of rectangular bath is designed to be placed along a wall, or in an alcove, and is fitted with an end and side panel to “square off“ the design so you can't see the underside of the bathtub. Although the appearance of most baths of this type is similar, look a little closer and you'll see they vary enormously in style, interior of the bathing area, and even where you can put the taps.

Advantages and disadvantages of a standard rectangular bath

One of the main advantages to this type of bath is that it's a crowd pleaser. This type of bath won't look out of place in any bathroom and isn't so fashionable that it will date quickly. If you have a bathtub already, it's a simple job to swap old for new. Baths in this category are cost effective, give you a choice over the materials used in their construction and allow freedom over your choice of taps.

The main disadvantage to this type of bath is that they typically need to be positioned along one long wall, or sometimes two walls. This isn't ideal for every home. They are also perceived to be quite a “safe“ choice design-wise, so if you're looking for something cutting edge, this sort of tub may not be for you.

Things to consider

Size: Although all baths in this category are rectangular, they vary hugely in dimensions. Smaller rectangular baths are ideal for compact bathrooms, whereas if you have the luxury of a larger bathroom, you might prefer to choose a bigger bath to reflect that. When replacing an existing bath, you're going to want to choose something with the same footprint. All sizes are clearly stated on our product descriptions to make choosing easy.

Material: Many modern baths are made from acrylic, a type of hardwearing, durable plastic. Acrylic is lightweight and therefore easier to move around, easy to clean, and feels warmer to the touch than other materials. Other baths in our range are made from steel, which can be more durable and stronger than acrylic. Steel retains heat better and the surface can be easier to clean as it's smoother. The downsides to steel are that it is heavier, and might require floor reinforcement.

Tap position: Traditionally, baths have their taps at one end and this is still a popular choice for many bathrooms. However, there are many baths in our range with other tap positions such as on the side of the bath instead. If you're thinking about installing a shower over your bath, this might also affect where you position the taps.

What else will I need?

Check the description of the bath you're interested in as this will let you know if additional items are required for your bath. You'll probably need a set of taps, either two single taps or a mixer tap depending on the style of your bath and your preferences. You may also need a bath panel for the side or end of the bath, depending on what is provided with your bath. And of course, unless you're planning on installing It yourself, you'll need to get a plumber in to connect it all up for you.