Bathtubs...

Can anyone recommend a type of bathtub?

We want to redo our bathroom and I've seen acrylic reinforced with fiberglass, ceramic, etc.. and have no idea what to get!

We don't want to spend a fortune, but don't want to have to replace it after two years either.

Also, does thickness matter?  One of the advertisements said 5mm thick and we haven't a clue!!

Do we want holes predrilled?

I've even seen some nice sets on Ebay, so any help would be appreciated!

I suppose it depends on how long you intend to stay living at your current house.  Ceramic lasts for years and years but can be pricey.  If you are replacing like for like and its pre-drilled the same as your current one then go for it. It will save you hassle in the long run    Plastic ones are good value for money but white ones can discolour quickly if you are the type of woman who submerses in lots of lovely colourful bath oils etc....where as ceramic ones are easier to clean.

If you can afford it..Go for ceramic if you intend to have it for years and years to come....If you want one to last you 5 years or so..go for the cheaper acrylic one.  My parents have ceramic and it only now needs replacing because the enamel is just started wearing thin..but they have had now for over 25 years!

....If you want one to last you 5 years or so..go for the cheaper acrylic one. 

If you're saying that plastic baths only last 5 years or so, I'm not sure this is true... 
We replaced ours 3 years ago, but the previous bath had been in for 15 years and there was absolutely nothing wrong with it... i just wanted a bigger one.

My parents have an acrylic in their apartment and after ten years, there's no leakage, discoloration or much noticeable wear.

I believe they got a ceramic for their house though but since that's less than a year old, I can't help much with a review, I'm afraid.

Good luck.

If you're saying that plastic baths only last 5 years or so, I'm not sure this is true... 
We replaced ours 3 years ago, but the previous bath had been in for 15 years and there was absolutely nothing wrong with it... i just wanted a bigger one.

I am sure that some acrylic baths last for a very long time......If it was me I would get the best I can afford whether its acrylic or ceramic...but ceramic would be my preference.

The life of an acrylic tub is very much dependent upon the quality of the finish.   The poor ones can show signs of discoloration after only a few years while good quality ones from the early 1970s can still be in excellent condition. 

One thing to watch with ceramic tubs is the extra weight.  As well as having to physically manhandle the tub into position (upstairs?), it also adds to the floor loading when the tub is filled (with both water and yourself).   

Paul,

Who should one consult to find out if the floor can bear the weight?

The life of an acrylic tub is very much dependent upon the quality of the finish.   The poor ones can show signs of discoloration after only a few years while good quality ones from the early 1970s can still be in excellent condition. 

One thing to watch with ceramic tubs is the extra weight.  As well as having to physically manhandle the tub into position (upstairs?), it also adds to the floor loading when the tub is filled (with both water and yourself).   

helloo, phobia :-S

I don't know if you were keeping up with the phobia thread, but your comment just gave me a major heeby-jeebies.

Who should one consult to find out if the floor can bear the weight?

If you don't feel confident assessing it yourself, you could get a structural surveyor to take a look.  But any reasonably competent builder with experience will probably give you some guidance much cheaper.

I don't know if you were keeping up with the phobia thread

I wasn't, but I am now.....       Falling through the floor does tend to be inconvenient.  Especially if you've left the towel upstairs!