KINGSTON BRASS VTDE603122L Left-Hand Drain Alcove Acrylic Bathtub, 60-Inch

You may be able to get clean more efficiently in a shower, but when it comes time to relax, most everyone prefers a good soak. There’s no substitute for a tub when it comes to keeping your kids or pets clean, and they can even be configured to allow elderly or disabled bathers to get in and out safely. All in all, you simply can’t call it a bathroom without a bathtub.

While using a tub is almost always relaxing, choosing and installing one can be pretty stressful. To mitigate this, you’ll want to do a little planning before even picking out a style. First of all, measure the space you want your bathtub to go in. Most of the time, this will determine the type of tub you can have. The standard bathtub size is 60 by 30 inches long, but there are quite a few variations if you have room to spare.

It’s also very important to note the location of the drain. Almost every tub will be configured to accommodate a left or right-handed drain connection. Finding out which one you have is as simple as looking at your shower area from the side you would normally enter. Is the drain to your left or right? Make a note and buy your tub accordingly.

Now for the fun part: Choosing what kind of tub suits your style and needs. There are many different bathtub configurations, but the most common modern style is a recessed or alcove tub that sits flush against a corner, or partially walled off on three sides. There’s usually a lot of extra installation involved with this kind of tub since it has to be sealed along the edges, but it tends to be the most sturdy, and the integrated look will work with most any kind of decor.

Freestanding tubs have made something of a comeback lately, however. As the name implies, these bathtubs sit apart from the walls or cabinetry. They can come in a variety of shapes from sleek, sloping bowls to traditional oval tubs supported by four “clawfoot” legs. Installation for these tubs are usually easier, and they can be a space-saver in the right bathroom.

Whatever design you choose, the material is something you don’t want to skimp on if you plan on staying in the house long-term. The least expensive tubs will likely be made out of unfinished fiberglass, which is somewhat porous over time and prone to chipping.

If you’re going to go with any type of plastic, you’re usually better off with acrylic. Acrylic bathtubs are quite common since the material is relatively inexpensive but still durable. Solid acrylic can weather dents or other mishaps very well, and it’s just as light as fiberglass.

Some old school tubs (typically the freestanding type) are made of cast iron coated in porcelain, and you can expect these to last a lifetime. As long as you don’t drop any heavy solid objects on it, the surface will stay glossy and easy to clean. On the other hand, these tubs can be quite heavy — so much so that you may want to check the weight capacity on your flooring if you’re buying for an upstairs bathroom.

Once you settle on a material, you’ll want to look at features that complement the way you bathe. Do you like to like to use the tub for extended relaxation? You may want to spend a little extra on whirlpool jets or a more subtle air jet system that keeps the water nice and bubbly. Do you or other household members have a physical condition? Consider a walk-in tub with a door on the side for easy entry.

If you’re going to splurge on an indoor hot tub or soaking tub built for two, congratulations! There’s nothing like a little extra legroom and hot water to alleviate stress. Just make sure that your house can actually keep that water hot. Most water heaters can handle the 30-40 gallons that it takes to fill a standard-sized tub, but a walk-in tub might hold 80 or more. Make sure you check your water heater’s capacity or consider buying a separate heating unit.