By Natalie Bird, Brand Manager, Roca
There’s nothing quite like a hot bubble bath after a long day – it’s the perfect way to carve out a little ‘me time’ and wash the stresses away. For the ultimate luxurious soak, a freestanding bath is a perfect choice that also provides a centrepiece for a bathroom or ensuite, but how do installers guide your customers in to making the right choice?
From elliptical and oval designs to slipper baths and egg-shaped tubs, all in a choice of finishes to complement contemporary and classic interiors alike. The choices can be endless and whilst design, look and feel will ultimately drive a buying decision, what else should installers consider ensuring they can advise their customers? Natalie Bird, brand manager for Roca, has the following helpful advice:
1. Consider the practicalities
Start by asking some practical questions. Where should the new bath go to make use of current plumbing? Rearranging pipework can be tricky and costly, so sticking to the current layout might keep costs down for your client. If a bathroom has a view, it will always pay to place your tub facing the window, or under a skylight if it’s in a loft conversion? If this means new plumbing, make sure you talk to your customer about what’s possible and the cost implications.
Is the floor strong enough? Some baths tend to be on the heavier side, particularly when full of water, so the flooring may need to be reinforced to take the weight. Does the customer want deck or wall-mounted taps or perhaps a floor-standing mixer? Again, these are all things that should be discussed before buying a free-standing bath.
Don’t forget the small-scale practicalities either: freestanding baths don’t usually have ledges on which to prop your bubble bath, shampoo and soap, is there space for a freestanding cabinet or wall-hung storage or shelving? Alternatively, factor in a bathroom caddy or even a stool.
2. Choose a size to suit your space
Next, look at the space available and measure up carefully – the space considerations around fitting a freestanding bath can be more complex than a standard bath. If you have plenty of room, there are generously proportioned baths that allow for an indulgent, luxurious soak. If you are working on a more compact bathroom or ensuite, measuring up is even more crucial.
3. Select a heat-retaining material
To keep your bath water as hot as possible for longer, look for a heat-retaining material such as Stonex®, which exclusive to Roca. Made from a mixture of high-quality resins and minerals, Stonex® is extremely resistant to wear and tear, scratches, harsh chemicals and UV fading. Warm and smooth to the touch, Stonex® also boasts excellent anti-slip properties, making it ideal for all ages. It’s also easy to clean, which will never go out of style!
4. Make a statement with shape
One of the great things about freestanding baths is that they create instant impact in the bathroom or ensuite thanks to their shape. While built-in and back-to-wall tubs are traditionally rectangular, a standalone design can be curvaceous, with pebble, egg-shaped or elliptical options available.
5. Pick the perfect finish
Once you know the size, shape and material you want, the next element to consider is the finish. Bathtubs come in a choice of finishes, which can inject a splash of drama to the bathroom. Consider the how your finish will work with the brassware, wall finishes and flooring.
ABOUT ROCA
Roca Group is a company dedicated to the design, production and marketing of bathroom products for architecture, construction and interior design. Founded in 1917, it combines tradition and knowledge with a passion for innovation and respect for the environment with the aim of meeting people’s needs and contributing to the improvement of society’s well-being.
With sustainability present in all its production processes and with the commitment to help preserve a better planet for future generations, Roca Group has implemented this philosophy in the 170 countries in which it operates and in its 85 factories and transmits it daily to its more than 24,000.
EDUCATION | STANDARDS | SUSTAINABILITY | COMPLIANCE |
