Although sunken baths require more careful planning compared to conventional built-in or freestanding baths, they really add a touch of uniqueness and elegance when executed well.
If you have a large enough bathroom, no accessibility issues, and a hefty budget for all the extra work required, then installing a sunken bath can be a good choice. Here are a few questions that you can ask yourself to help you decide whether a sunken bath is a great choice for your bathroom.
A sunken bathtub can open up a bathroom, but it still isn’t well-suited to bathrooms with really limited space. The bath should have enough surrounding space to allow you to access it without much difficulty.
A lot of sunken bath owners often say that getting in and out of their bath is more difficult than on regular baths. If you’re no spring chicken or if your bathroom will also be used by an elderly family member, sunken baths are probably not a good choice. You can install handrails, but that just defeats the purpose of a sleek bath.
It’s easier to install a sunken bath in a new home because you can just make adjustments to your plans to accommodate it. However, if you’re having a renovation, it’s much easier to stick with typical baths.
Sunken baths are better supported by a concrete frame, so you would have to make a lot of costly changes. This also means that renovating to install a sunken bath usually takes more time compared to just replacing your current built-in or freestanding bath with a similar type.
If your bathroom is located on the upper level, installing a sunken bath can be even more difficult. Not only would you have to have enough space for the tub and the plumbing, but you also need to make sure that there is sufficient support for the tub when it’s filled up. If you’re renovating an upper-level bathroom, having a sunken bath installed would require you to make changes to the rest of your home’s design as well.
If you intend to stay in your current home for a long time, installing a sunken bath is right. However, if you’re looking into selling your home in a few years, it’s probably better to stick to more conventional baths. Your buyers might not want a sunken bath and will probably be put off at the thought of removing it and having the plumbing adjusted after they move in.
If you’re still unsure whether a sunken bath is the right fit for you, it’s best to consult an expert. Get a professional bathroom renovator to help you out now!