Monday, May 2, 2011

Special Walk In Tub for Special Needs

What is a Walk in Tub?
Walk in tub is made for the people who has limited mobility or are disable. Walk in tubs have either inward or outward-opening door. Further modifications have been done in walk in bathtubs to make them more comfortable like in some the chair-height set is given. But this feature is not present in all.

Walk in Bathtub According to Wikipedia.org
“Walk-in Bathtubs are specially equipped bathtubs that assist those with limited mobility, preparing for the future or disabled. Walk-in bathtubs enable the elderly, and those with mobility handicaps to safely enter and exit the bathtub without having to step over a 14″-17″ rim as is the case in a standard bathtub. Walk-in bathtubs also allow the elderly and disabled to safely take a bath without the assistance of another person.”

Types of Doors in Walk In Tub
Inward-opening walk in tub has the advantage of self-sealing but during emergency it becomes hard to get of this tub quickly because the door opens in inward direction.

In case of outward-opening walk in tub you can easily get out of the tub but you need extra sealing to keep it closed while in use. Manufacturers give extra seal for outdoor-opening tubs.

Instead of these two options you can also have the walk in tub that has sliding door.

More Options
Some walk in tubs also need low step-in because they either have higher seat or outward door opening or both.

You also have the option of air massage, jet massage, dual massage and soaker in certain brands of walk in tubs.

The most selling among all the material is the acrylic walk in tub that has been reinforced with fiberglass.

Most of the walk in tub comes with grab bar for extra safety. You must look for this feature while buying the special bathtub for yourself or for your family member.

How to Buy Walk in Tub?
Approvals

Check if the business has the BBB accreditation or not. As BBB accreditation is essential. Along with this walk in bathtubs must be approved by IAPMO, UL & ETL In some states walk in tubs are not allowed to be installed without approval of any of these bodies.


Walk in Tub Material


The most popular ones are acrylic and fiberglass. Although there is very less visible difference between these two but you must know them before buying. More than 90% of walk in bathtubs are made from fiberglass. Fiberglass bathtubs are less expensive and more rigid than the acrylic. These are given triple gel coat epoxy that prevents the discoloration to a great extent. Acrylic on the other hand is non porous, easy to clean and maintain. At the same time the color does not fade.

Installation of Walk in Tubs
One does not need license or any special requirement for installing the walk in tub. You can call a plumber or a local contractor to do the job of installation. But you must check with the seller whether there is any special need of installation or not. You must be aware of such requirement as this will affect your budget. Some sellers provides installation in the complete package.

Cost and Pricing

There is huge range if we consider the cost and pricing factor in walk in tubs. There are many things like brand, type of material, size and color of walk in tub, quality, faucets, warranty, country or origin, installation, special features that determine  the cost and price of the walk in tub.

Safety

Then you must check the safety features as falls are the second major cause of unintentional injuries that leads to death. Also fall may lead to nonfatal injury. So the walk in tub should have all the safety features to decrease the chances of fall. The material should not be slippery, tub should have a side bar to hold it during emergency, tub should be spacious etc. Look for other such safety features as per the requirement.

Walk in Tub Brands
  • Safety Tubs http://www.safetytubs.com/
  • Jacuzzi  http://www.jacuzzi.com/
  • American Standard  http://www.americanstandard-us.com/
  • Kohler you can buy this brand from Nexttag
  • Re-Bath http://www.rebath.com/

Stores
  1. Lowe's
  2. Home Depot
  3. eBay
  4. Sears
  5. Amazon

Top Rated Walk in Tub Companies
Independent Home  http://www.independenthome.com/
Erie Construction http://www.erieconstruction.com/
Premier Bathrooms www.premier-bathrooms.com
Sam’s Club www.samsclub.com
Safety Bath www.SafetyBath.com
Active Forever  www.activeforever.com

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Designer Shower Curtains for a Trendy Bathroom

Designer shower curtains are the easiest way to change the decor and look of your bathroom in no time. It can quickly change the monotonous and dull bathroom into luxurious one.

Range of designers are coming out with new styles and trends in shower curtains. Few among top designer shower curtain designers are: Liz Claiborne, Nautica, Regent, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, DKNY Hotel et. The list is very long and really there is no shortage of designer shower curtain manufacturers and brands. Single piece can cost some where between $35 to $150. SO the shopping can be done withing your limits as well.

If you really wanna create something different then you must have an eye for uniqe shower curtains and one of these options is the Designer Shower Curtains With Valance. When we talk about trends and decor, then always there is something new and more trendier than ever. Designer shower curtains with valance is one such example. With this you can have the feel of luxury shower curtain.

Designer Shower Curtain Rings
shower curtain rings are the perfect accessory to hang the curtains from the rod. Today the trend is towards designer rings rather than just simple ones. These rings can be used for a small bathroom makeover.

Designer Shower Curtain Hooks

Sturdy, designer and unique collection of designer shower curtain hooks is available in the market these days.

www.showercurtainhooks.com
www.thefind.com/homefurnishings/info-design-shower-curtain-hooks


Designer Shower Curtain Fabric

Cotton, nylon, plastic or polyester are the most common fabric that is used to make designer shower curtains. So not only you can pick either very light or very thick fabric but the average options are also available.

Vinyl free from PVC is the most popular option these days as it is really very easy to clean and maintain. Also these are mold and mildew resistant and water really very easily slither down. Range of patterns are available in vinyl shower curtains.

Then is also available in cloth and fabric but again you need vinyl lining beneath this as it will protect the fabric from getting wet.

Polyester shower curtains are also making their place in the market because of their loud and superior designs.

Designer Shower Curtain Brands
  • Maytex
  • Croscill
  • Famous Home Fashions
  • Tommy Bahama
  • Pacific Coast
  • Tommy Hilfiger

Where to Buy Designer Shower Curtains and Accessories?
www.shower-curtains.org/
www.burkedecor.com
www.beddingstyle.com/
www.overstock.com

But anything you add or revamp in your bathroom must be according to your personal taste rather than displaying the trends of a designer or a book. You must know the simple things that can change your bathroom in detail so that you can actually create personal retreat and that too in your budget. To do this you will first of all have to make the list of what you need and where it is available and at what price. For this do online research or go to the market to have a look at new things.