What do I need to consider when buying a new bathroom online ?
Embarking on buying a new bathroom online can be daunting as there can be many options and products to consider. At Home Bathrooms is a bathroom online shop who can help you, with a little buying guide and advice, taken from our own experience working in our bathroom store. We get asked many questions throughout the process of buying a new bathroom, here are some answers to questions we often get asked by our customers...
What are the first things to consider when buying a new bathroom?
The room dimensions
We advise you, our customer (or your chosen installer) to take the room dimensions and draw a plan marking out the existing bathroom suite, including where your soil pipe is (typically located on the outside or internally inside a vertical built boxing- often in a corner of the room. The soil pipe is the main exit pipe for the drainage from your new bathroom items and is important to consider for the toilet waste and overall bathroom layout. Working from this plan, you can make notes of current measurements to check against new products. The space may allow replacing the bath with a walk in shower or a new bath with a shower above ? Fitted bathroom furniture or a vanity unit can add extra storage ?
What do you need to first consider when looking for a bathroom suite ?
Have a think about who is going to be using the new bathroom. Do you or your family members enjoy a shower or a relaxing bath ? More storage is often asked for - would a vanity unit help ? What type or size of items need to be stored away ? Would you like a mirror? LED mirrors are popular reflecting light and the use of steam-free glass and lighting.
Do you need to make your bathroom safer? Grab bars, fold down seats are also very popular along with anti slip shower trays, a walk-in shower and areas where accessibility is important. 'Comfort height toilets' are also very popular now with all the older generation as well as taller customers making life a little easier using the WC.
Check your plumbing & water system:
Have a check of your current water system. It is an import to understand the differences between these systems, it is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and performance of new taps and showers. In essence..
Low pressure/Gravity System: A cold water storage tank situated in the loft and a hot water cylinder is normally located in a airing cupboard. A booster shower pump is often required for this type of system.
High pressure: The water is delivered from a 'combi boiler' or a 'unvented cylinder' It is always wise to check with your plumber before ordering taps or showers to make sure all will work correctly, when fitted!
Create a Bathroom Design
Think about your existing home. What sort of design would you like to achieve? These days there is choice of colours and finishes to consider. Brassware ie taps and showers now include chrome, matt black and brushed brass finishes. Furniture and vanity units also are available in many different finishes and styles including vibrant colours, pastel shades, wood effect, along with grey and black tones. For some homes, a more traditional classic look is chosen.
Think about a Budget For Your Bathroom
Establishing a budget is important. It will help you plan for the products that are required and you can identify costings for each product that is required. A new bathroom suite is a significant investment, but it adds value to your home and will it enhance its appeal !
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Who Will Install Your Bathroom ?
Consider the installation requirements of a new bathroom suite. It may involve removing walls, moving doorways and renewing or relocating the plumbing. Other aspects of works need to be considered such as tiling, flooring, electrical work, extraction and plastering . Always factor in installation costs and time scales. Good communication with your fitter is key for the installation to run smooth. Once you have chosen your products, it is advisable to talk to your fitter to carry out a survey checking the plumbing and water system is suitable.
What bathroom products do I need to order?
Here is the fun part ! - choosing your new bathroom suite. Lets take a look at some brief information and facts about each main type of bathroom products - there are plenty more options for each type though! Our team can help you.
Baths
Standard fitted baths - mainly 1500-2000mm in length. The most common size is 1700mm, with widths as 700, 750, 800 or 900mm.
Single Ended Baths - the shape inside is 'straighter' at the tap end -ideal for showering above.
Double Ended Baths - curved/shaped internally at both ends, with the space for the tap often in the middle.
1700 x 700 is the most common sized standard singled ended bath.
1700x760 or 1800x800 is the most common sized double ended bath. Check out our baths.
Curved Ended Baths
These baths have a curved end, making a softer edge, for example, next to a basin or toilet. A matching white panel is used, or be creative and have the bath tiled!
Shower Baths
Shower baths, available in L-shape and P-shape designs, offer space-saving solutions for bathrooms. This type of bath is wider at one end for showering. P-shape baths combine showering and bathing areas in a curved design. Both are used in conjunction with its own curved or L shaped bath screen.
Freestanding Baths
Freestanding baths are a hallmark of bathroom luxury, available in both modern and traditional designs. Traditional freestanding baths, feature decorative feet such as claw feet adding a touch of elegance, they make a striking statement, whether placed under a window or posited in a corner of a bathroom. They are a focal point in any classic style of bathroom.
Modern freestanding baths often feature sleek, minimalist designs, Alternatively, back-to-wall baths are another option, fitting snugly against one wall with taps to suit.
Bath Panels
Bath panels, typically made of acrylic, are designed to match the length of the bath, providing a seamless and cohesive look to the bathroom decor. In some cases, an end panel may also be required. Other finishes such as wood or laminate can also be used to match bathroom furniture. When going for tiled-in panels, it's essential to consider access to taps or waste fittings for maintenance purposes.
Bath Screens
Bath screens or known as Shower Screens offer practical solutions for showering in baths, available in various configurations
Hinged Single Panel Bath Screens: These screens are attached to the wall with a one hinged piece of glass with one seal sitting on the bath, providing a sturdy barrier against splashes. In most cases these are 6 mm or 8 mm thickness of glass, and are often the lower cost type of bath screen.
Infold Screens: Infold screens feature panels that fold inward, providing easy access to the bath while showering. They are ideal for smaller bathrooms where space-saving solutions are essential.
Fold-out Screens: Fold-out screens consist of panels that fold outward, offering flexibility in adjusting the screen as needed. They provide ample coverage during showering and can be neatly folded away when not in use.
When it comes to design, bath screens come in square or rounded edge profiles to complement different bath styles and bathroom decor. Additionally, they are available in a range of finishes such as black, chrome, or brushed brass. Shop for bathscreens
Bathroom Furniture / Vanity Units
Vanity units are essential elements in modern bathrooms, providing both storage and style. They come in various styles, from traditional cabinets to modern designs, and often in regular widths of 500mm, 600mm, 800mm, 1000mm and 1200 double sizes. Here's a breakdown of the various options available:
Wall Hung Vanity Units: Wall-hung vanity units are mounted directly onto the wall, creating a sleek and contemporary look. They maximize floor space, making them ideal for smaller bathrooms or those who like to stand a little closer to the basin! (Do consider the type of wall this is being fitted on, if the wall is a hollow/stud, extra support can often be installed inside the wall to take the weight of the vanity unit) All plumbing is concealed inside the wall and installed into the carcase.
Floor Mounted Vanity Units: Floor-mounted vanity units rest on the floor, offering stability and ample storage space. Available with a set of doors or drawers - and yes, soft close !
Drawer and Cupboard Units: Vanity units often feature drawers or cupboards, providing versatile storage options for toiletries, towels, and other bathroom essentials. Yes, soft close ! Soft-close drawers offer quiet and smooth operation, minimizing noise especially in the middle of the night and helps prevent damage to the unit over time.
Handle Options: Vanity units come with a choice of handle options, including sleek handles, knobs, or handle-less designs for a clean and streamlined look.
Basin Options: Vanity units can be paired with a basin washbowl integrated into the worktop or with a basin mounted on top of the unit. Worktop-mounted basins offer a seamless and integrated look, while basin-on-top designs provide a contemporary and practical style. Check our our amazing vanity units!
Run of Fitted Bathroom Furniture Units: Fitted bathroom furniture or combination furniture units typically includes a continuous run of units, seamlessly integrated to provide a unified look. These units can consist of drawers, cupboards, or combination units, offering ample storage space.
All-in-One Basin Tops: All-in-one basin tops, combine the basin and worktop into a single integrated unit, often made from resin in a white colour. Very easy to clean and leaves a seamless finish.
Worktop: A worktop provides a functional surface for tasks such as grooming and styling. It can be made from materials like quartz, granite, laminate, or solid surface, offering durability and easy maintenance.
Wall Units or Tall Units: Wall units or tall units complement the fitted furniture, providing additional storage space for items that are less frequently used or need to be kept out of reach. These units can feature shelves, cupboards, or open shelving, offering versatility in storage options.
Basin and pedestals come in different configurations to complement various bathroom styles:
Full Pedestal: A full pedestal extends from the floor to support the basin, concealing plumbing and providing a cohesive look.
Semi Pedestal: A semi pedestal is a space-saving option that attaches to the wall, supporting the basin while leaving the floor underneath clear. Pipework is concealed in the wall behind. This design creates a more open feel. Shop For Basins & pedestals from At Home Bathrooms
Toilets
Close Coupled Toilets: The most common type of toilet where the cistern sits directly on top of toilet pan. Close coupled toilets are straightforward to install and maintain, with access the cistern parts by unscrewing the push button then lifting off the lid.
Wall Hung: Wall-hung toilets are mounted directly onto a toilet frame which is either concealed inside a wall or hidden in a built boxing, leaving the floor clear for easy cleaning. They offer a sleek and modern appearance.
Back to Wall (BTW): BTW toilets feature a concealed cistern, with the toilet pan sitting flush against the wall. This design creates a neat and minimalist look, with the plumbing hidden from view. A flush plate is fitted to the concealed cistern to give you access in case of a future problem or maintenance !
Rimless: Rimless toilets have a flush system that eliminates the traditional rim around the bowl, making them easier to clean and more hygienic. They provide efficient flushing performance while minimizing the risk of bacteria build up.
Comfort Height: Comfort height toilets are slightly taller than standard toilets, making them more accessible and comfortable, especially for taller individuals or those with mobility issues.
Japanese Toilets: Japanese toilets, also known as bidet toilets or shower toilets, offer advanced features such as built-in bidet functions, heated seats, and air dryers. They provide a luxurious and hygienic toilet experience! Buy a new toilet
Shower Enclosures and Shower Doors
Shower enclosures and shower doors are a very popular choice with our customers, a walk in shower being a favourite !
Quadrant: Quadrant enclosures feature a space-saving curved design that fits neatly into a corner. The shower door slides and is either 1 door or twin doors. Main feature quick release rollers helping you to clean the track.
Offset Quadrant: Similar to quadrant enclosures, offset quadrant enclosures feature a curved design but with one side longer than the other, for example 800x900, 1000x800, 1200x800, or 1200x900 being main size options. Again 1 or 2 door options.
Sliding Doors: Sliding shower enclosures feature shower doors that slide along tracks, allowing for easy access without requiring additional space for door swing. They are ideal for bathrooms with limited space or where a sleek and modern look is desired.
Pivot Doors: Pivot door enclosures feature doors that pivot on hinges, swinging open and closed.
Bifold Doors: Bifold door enclosures feature doors that fold inward, providing easy access to the shower space. Bifold shower doors are great for smaller bathrooms, or where space is limited around the shower area.
Walk-In Showers: Walk-in showers feature a spacious and open design. They offer easy access and are wheelchair-friendly, making them ideal for individuals with mobility issues or those seeking a modern and luxurious shower experience. Walk in glass panels are available in incriminates of 100mm, starting from 500mm up to 1600mm in length. For smaller walk in showers, a hinged 'swivel/flipper glass panel' is often fitted to the end of the walk in panel - this helps with water splash, especially if you have a powerful shower! Shop for a new shower enclosure now
Shower Trays
Stone resin shower trays offer durability and elegance, making them a popular choice for modern bathrooms. They are made from a mixture of crushed stone and resin, resulting in a solid and robust construction that can withstand daily use.
Low Profile Shower Trays: Slimline low profile trays offer a seamless and minimalist look, often around 45mm height, perfect for contemporary bathrooms.
Leg Riser Kits: These kits allow for easy installation of the shower tray on uneven surfaces or when additional height is required for plumbing. They provide stability and support, ensuring a secure fit.
Anti-Slip Option: Some shower trays come with an anti-slip coating or textured surface, enhancing safety and preventing slips and falls, especially in wet conditions.
Coloured Shower Trays: We increasingly get asked for coloured shower trays - these give a modern smart look to your shower, often in white, grey and beige tones with a slate effect surface. Check out our shower trays
Taps
Get ready for a huge choice of taps! Below, we look at the main common types of taps. If you are unsure, we can help you with choosing the correct tap for your new bath or basin and please do check with your bathroom fitter which are suitable for your water system at home!
Basin Mono Mixer: Basin mono mixers combine hot and cold water into a single spout, controlled by a single lever or handle. They offer ease of use and easy to maintain. Hot and cold direction is normally indicated on top of the tap.
Bath Filler: Bath fillers are designed to quickly fill the bathtub with water. They feature a single spout and control lever.
Bath Shower Mixer: Bath shower mixers combine a bath filler with a handheld shower attachment, offering versatility for both bathing and showering. They provide the option to switch using a little knob on the tap known as a diverter knob, it switches between the bath spout and the handheld.
Wall Mounted Taps: Wall mounted taps are installed directly onto the wall above the basin or bath, creating a sleek and minimalist look. They free up space around the basin or bath edge, making them an excellent choice for contemporary bathrooms.
Overflow Bath Fillers: Overflow bath fillers feature a spout that is integrated into the overflow mechanism of the bath. This allows for a clean look, as there is no need for additional taps or fixtures on the bath rim. The water flow and temperature is controlled by a mixer on the wall.
Freestanding Bath Taps, also known as floor-mounted bath fillers or stand-alone bath taps, are stylish fixtures designed to complement freestanding bath. Our bathroom store online has a huge range of taps for sale.
Shower Valves - Which Do I Buy ?
Shower valves are essential components of shower systems, controlling water flow and temperature. Keeping it simple, here are some main examples of shower valves and some of their features:
Exposed Shower Valves: Exposed shower valves are installed on the surface of the wall, with the valve and controls visible. They offer easy access for maintenance and are suitable for bathrooms with exposed plumbing.
Concealed Shower Valves: Concealed shower valves are installed within the wall cavity, with only the control plate visible. This design creates a clean and streamlined look. These can run 1, 2 or 3 outlets. (such as rain overhead shower, handset and/or overflow filler)
Dual Shower Valves: Dual shower valves allow users to control both the flow and temperature of two separate water outlets, such as a fixed showerhead and a handheld shower.
Slide Rail or Handset/Holder: Slide rail shower valves feature a handheld showerhead mounted on a slide rail, allowing users to adjust the height and angle of the showerhead. Handset/holder valves include a bracket or holder for the handheld showerhead, offering a fixed position for easy access for hair washing or cleaning. Shop for a new shower valve
Heated Towel Rails .. tell me more.
Heated towel rails are a popular addition to a new bathroom. They are important in providing heating in your bathroom, along with a drying place for your towels. Here are some common types..
Ladder Designs: Ladder-style heated towel rails feature horizontal bars arranged in a ladder-like pattern. This design provides ample space for hanging towels and offers a sleek and modern look that complements various bathroom styles.
Column Designs: Column-style heated towel rails consist of vertical columns or tubes, offering a contemporary and minimalist appearance. They provide efficient heating and can also serve as a decorative element in the bathroom. Aswell as in bathrooms, these are increasingly popular in a kitchen/dining area.
Designer Offset: Designer offset heated towel rails feature an asymmetrical design with alternating horizontal and vertical bars. This unique layout adds visual interest and creates a focal point in the bathroom, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a statement piece.
Finishes: Heated towel rails come in a range of finishes. Chrome finishes offer a classic and polished look, while colours, black and anthracite finishes add a touch of sophistication. Stainless Steel is also a popular choice for in a wet environment, i.e at the end of the bath or within the shower area.
Radiator Valves - don't forget your radiator valves! these can be manual or thermostatic types, in various colours to suit your rail. Angled radiator valves suit pipework that come out from the wall, straight radiator valves for pipework from the floor.
Electric: Electric Heated towel rails are often pre-filled and have a electrical element
installed ready to connect. Separate electrical elements are available to purchase, providing a option to warm up towels during the summer months when the rest of the heating maybe switched off! Check out our heating products
Bathroom Mirrors & LED Cabinets
Bathroom mirrors and mirror cabinets are essential fixtures in modern bathrooms, providing both functionality and style. Equipped with built-in LED lighting with some models feature steam-free technology, maintaining a clear section of glass to use straightaway after your bath or shower !
Bathroom Mirror cabinets often include convenient power sockets for razors or toothbrushes. Control options such as sensor or push-button controls offer ease of use, allowing users to adjust lighting brightness and power settings effortlessly. Available in a variety of sizes, styles, and finishes including chrome, black, and brushed brass. The mirrors can be a real focal point and add a WOW to your new bathroom! We supply awesome bathroom mirrors!
Bathroom Fans
Extractor fans are essential for maintaining proper ventilation in bathrooms, removing moisture, odours, and steam. keeping your new bathroom in great condition for years to come! Two common types of extractor fans are inline fans and wall-mounted fans:
Inline Fans: Inline extractor fans are installed within the ducting system, usually in the loft or ceiling space. Inline fans offer powerful extraction and popular with our customers and installers.
Wall-Mounted Fans: Wall-mounted extractor fans are installed directly on an external wall of the bathroom. Wall-mounted fans come in various sizes and capacities.
Tiles & Flooring
Tiles are highly durable and resistant to moisture, making them ideal for wet environments like bathrooms. Tiles come in a wide range of materials, sizes, colors, and patterns, allowing for endless design possibilities! Flooring options include floor tiles, vinyl or click flooring.
Bathroom Accessories
Don't forget those all important bathroom accessories, such as toilet roll holder, towel rings and shower baskets!
At Home Bathrooms can help you with a new bathroom online.
Thank you for reading our little guide to buying a new bathroom suite. At Home Bathrooms can help you with the supply of everything you require in your new bathroom.
Do have a browse around our online bathroom store, www.athomebathrooms.co.uk we can deliver direct to you at home!
We do have some complete bathroom suites sets or you can make your own!
If you are unsure what to order or need any advice, we are here for you! Drop us a line and we would be happy to assist you!
Happy Bathroom Shopping!
Ryan.
(Owner - At Home Bathrooms)