Despite ever-changing styles, the rule that form should follow function never changes in bath design. In today’s homes we’re seeing growth in the number of baths and greater design specialization based on who will be the primary users. It’s not uncommon for a home to include a sumptuous master bath that balances romance with an efficient layout that enables both members of a dual-income family to get out on time in the morning, one or more baths that children can share comfortably and a stylish, easy-to-care-for powder room. When the needs of elderly or disabled family members are a consideration, universal design principals are called for. Many issues must be balanced in selecting fixtures and faucets for the bathrooms.

 

Using the available space in each bath to the best advantage is a key issue. In a master-bath, specifying two lavatory sinks encourages convenient sharing, as does including a separate shower & tub, and a private space for the toilet. It’s also a good idea to foster some privacy in baths that will be shared by children. You can accomplish this—and make the most of your space—with creative selection of combination tub-shower units or, perhaps and angled shower.

 

 In any bath—for young, old, able-bodied or physically challenged—it’s important to address accessibility and safety. Showers, for example, should be easy to enter and, for maximum universality, should include a seat. Grab bars on walls near showers, tubs, and toilets also enhance safety and accessibility, as do easy-to-grip lever-type faucet handles. As a general rule, also keep bathroom doorways wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair in case the need ever arises.

 

No matter who will be using a given bath, remember to plan for adequate storage. When selecting vanity cabinets and medicine chests, consider all the different types of objects that must be provided for: linens and towels, bath supplies, and cosmetics, laundry, cleaning supplies, and medicines and toiletries. Also make sure the space is well ventilated to ensure a fresh, easy-to-care-for environment. All of these considerations should impact your fixture and faucet selections.

 

 

Cast-iron tubs are still popular—and with good reason. Their durable enamel finishes come in a wide variety of colors and, with only a little routine maintenance, they look good indefinitely. Cast iron tubs are, however, heavy—make that very heavy. And because of this manufacturers have long sought alternative materials to hold down the weight and the price of these big pieces.

 

Steel tubs are one of the alternatives. For many years they occupied the low end of the marketplace, but that’s changing. A new process has improved quality while holding down prices. The difference is an insulating plastic coating that makes the surface glaze stronger and the tub warmer.

 

In new installations, cast—iron and steel tubs are usually surrounded with ceramic tile walls. Tile certainly looks great but it can require some maintenance. Because of this many people chose acrylic or fiberglass tubs with matching surrounds. Shower units and jetted whirlpool tubs are also available in the same materials. All are easy to clean and maintain their new appearance indefinitely. And recently manufacturers have started using solid-surfacing materials for shower stalls. As always, this material is expensive, but it does deliver a distinctive appearance.

 

Your choice of material in toilets is much more restricted. Vitreous china is practically the only option. It’s inexpensive, easy to clean and hold its finish for years, plus china comes in a wide range of colors. Toilets are available in gravity-flow and pressure-assisted flow versions. Both types work well, though most people think the pressure-assisted models flush out more waste more effectively and are easier to clean.

 

Remember, because of recently enacted federal law, all residential toilets sold these days must be one of the flow variety which means they can use no more than 1.6 gallons of water per flush.

 

 

Twenty years ago, faucets were largely utilitarian, so much so that consumers frequently let the plumber pick them. But that’s not true anymore. Now the options have grown leaps and bounds, and most owner-builders want a say in the faucet selection. New shapes, finishes and features, like pull-out and telescoping spouts meld function with fashion as never before. And to top it off, the major manufacturers now offer life-time warranties on top-quality faucets for sinks, tubs and showers.

 

With all this in mind, it’s a good idea to shop around, consider all the options and pick the models that suit your needs and you’re fancy. And when you’ve finally made your selections, specify each faucet by model number and finish in your builder’s contract.