Are you designing a luxury Chicago bathroom design that accommodates your needs both now and well into the future? If so, walk-in tubs offer a wonderful middle-ground for gaining a deep soak tub option that remains safe and accessible regardless of back, joint or mobility issues.
Walk-in tub designs continue to improve as increasing numbers of American homeowners opt to design homes in which they can age-in-place. That being said, not all brands are created equal, the reason we’ve assembled this list of brands that carry the best walk-in tubs.
Best Walk-In Bathtubs: Survey Says…
In the beginning, walk-in tubs were utilitarian and design, and original models had issues with leakage or an inability to fill fast enough to keep the bather warm until the tub filled up. Continued innovations have taken care of those concerns, and now – the majority of high-end, walk-in tub designs come with features like:
- Fast-fill/draining ability
- Heated seats
- Easy entry and a well-sealed closure
- Jacuzzi jets and massage features
- Hdryo- and aromatherapy options
- Stylish faucet designs
Read, Age-In Place Bathroom Designs: Luxury Features for Walk-in Tubs for more details about walk-in tub benefits. The combination of a well-designed walk-in shower and tub, combined with a walk-in shower and beautiful tile work means a safe, slip-free and luxurious bathroom design is yours for the taking.
Top Five Walk-In Bathtub Brands
Kohler
One of the nation’s leading bathroom design manufacturers, Kohler, jumped on the walk-in bathtub market in time with the Baby Boomer’s escalating retirement rates. Their tubs offer a sleek aesthetic, since design is at the forefront of what they do, but Kohler’s contemporary walk-in tub designs also accommodate all the safety and luxury features you’re looking for, such as low step-ins, some of the fastest fill/drain times available, handrails, convenient control panel, etc.
Ella
Ella walk-in tubs, manufactured by Ella’s Bubbles are all about delivering a safe, spa-like bath experience. This is set off by the three separate massage features, including a specific foot bath features package that offers sublime foot and leg massages. It offers a luxurious look, enhanced by 5-piece, fast-fill roman faucet set. Some of Ella’s models are less-conducive to wheelchair access than others, so make sure to keep that in mind.
American Standard
This company has designed and manufactured tub and shower products for over 140-years, and it shows in their excellent products. American Standards walk-in tubs are some of the best on the market, and range from the very simple to the ultra-luxurious, including options for air and water jets and other luxury features. Their tubs also come with a lifetime warranty.
Independent Home
A leader in the walk-in tub market, Independent Home has more than 10 different sizes and models to choose from, ensuring clients have access to a safe, comfortable walk-in tub experience no matter how unique or small the bathroom space may be.
BathWraps
One of the decisions you’ll is whether you want to use a bathroom feature designer that has added walk-in tubs to their design lineup to meet the needs of the growing retirement population, or whether it’s better to work with a company that almost exclusively designs for the accessible, walk-in tub market. BathWraps is of the latter ilk. They’ve been in business for nearly 30-years and in addition to stylish acrylic tub models, they offer a specialized 100 Virgin Acrylic and Silver Shield protection which resists mold, mildew, and stains – for a nearly maintenance-free tub – as well as a lifetime warranty.
The good news is there are many, high-quality walk-in tub brands out there. Schedule a consultation with Kitchens & Baths Unlimited and we’ll help you select the best tub for your needs – and then design a stunning, tile tub surround to show it off.
