Walk-In Tub Design Resource Guide
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Step-by-Step Guide to Walk-In Tub Design
Upgrading your bathroom with a walk-in tub or tub-shower combo requires careful planning and thoughtful design. Safe Step Walk-In Tub design specialists help families who want to stay in their forever home by pairing accessibility and comfort with a spa-like atmosphere that has timeless appeal.
Why Design Matters
According to the AARP, 75% of adults aged 50 and older want to age in place, yet nearly half need to make modifications to their homes to remain comfortable and safe. With impactful improvements, the aches and pains that come with aging or mobility limitations won’t stop you from enjoying your home for years to come.
The bathroom is one of the most important places to start. A walk-in tub enables you to maintain your independence and offers therapeutic features to improve your health and well-being.
1. Space Planning
The design process starts with space planning to facilitate a flawless upgrade.
Size
Safe Step Walk-In Tubs come in three flexible sizes to accommodate your unique space and needs. Our most popular model measures 28 inches wide by 51 inches long by 38.5 inches high.
Layout
Our walk-in tubs are thoughtfully designed to fit seamlessly into the space of your existing step-in tub, making upgrades easy and hassle-free. Plus, if you’re envisioning a more transformative bathroom renovation, we are here to help.
Safe Step designers have smart solutions for rerouting plumbing or installing tubs beneath sloped ceilings and windows.
Clearance
Designers ensure you have easy access to the tub and enough clearance to accommodate the swinging tub door. If space is at a premium, a door that opens inward is an option. Recognizing mobility needs may change over time, our designers can also make accommodations for wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
2. Features and Functions
Once the layout is finalized, explore the features and functions to make your one-time investment your own. Every walk-in tub is artfully crafted to reduce stress, restore your body and give you peace of mind.
Safe Step designers can help you decide which features you’ll benefit from most. Whether it’s foot-massaging jets for soothing relief, color therapy to create a calming atmosphere or personal hygiene features like a bidet, walk-in tubs can be customized to suit your household’s needs.
3. Aesthetics
Improve the functionality of your bathroom without sacrificing design and aesthetic appeal. Prioritizing the look and feel of your bathroom prevents your walk-in tub addition from creating a clinical vibe.
Safe Step design specialists will help you create a modern space you’ll love that combines form and function.
Vanity Design
Choose a vanity that matches or complements your overall bathroom style. The vanity should also fit comfortably without overwhelming the room or blocking doors, drawers or traffic flow. The type of mirror you choose can make an impact. A frameless mirror creates a modern vibe, while a frame can provide contrast.
Color Palette
When selecting a paint color for your bathroom, aim for a shade that offers timeless appeal while enhancing the overall flow of the space. Soft neutrals, muted pastels or warm whites are classic choices that complement a variety of design styles and fixtures. Adding bold patterns and statement tile accents takes your bathroom design to the next level.
Fixtures and Finishes
Customize your bathroom hardware and lighting to match your walk-in tub. This creates design continuity and helps avoid a sterile or medical atmosphere.
Accents
Details matter. The shower curtain, bath mats and linens unify your bathroom’s design. Soft textures and calming tones will make your bathroom feel like a retreat, while vibrant colors energize the space. Adding a plant or wall art softens the space and makes it feel inviting.
Storage Solutions
To keep your bathroom looking its best, convenient storage solutions can make all the difference. Baskets add a touch of warmth and texture. Built-in storage, such as floating shelves, offer easy access and appeals to the minimalist aesthetic.
Lighting
Soft, ambient lighting fosters a spa-like atmosphere, elevating the look of the bathroom.
4. Practical Considerations
Whenever you tackle a home upgrade, it’s crucial to weigh practical considerations as you make your design choices.
Walk-in tubs feature Rapid Fill Faucets that deliver about 12 gallons per minute, letting you enjoy your bath sooner. A standard tub needs 50 – 70 gallons when occupied, or up to 85 gallons when empty, so a capable water heater is essential.
During the in-home consultation, our experts will assess your water heater’s capacity to ensure it meets the tub’s requirements.
A Safe Step Walk-In Tub requires one dedicated 20-amp, 120-volt service with a GFCI circuit. Improper installation may prevent the motor from reaching full speed.
Our professional walk-in tub installers have the knowledge and skills to ensure your tub runs efficiently.
Whenever you tackle a home upgrade, it’s crucial to weigh practical considerations as you make your design choices. A walk-in tub is an investment in comfort, accessibility and design.
Your home holds a lifetime of cherished memories, and making aging-in-place modifications will allow you to keep those memories alive.
Having line items in your budget for both the design of the overall bathroom space and the custom design of your walk-in tub prevents unexpected costs and allows you to stay on track with spending.
Before & After Walk-In Tub Renovation
Drag the sliders to reveal a reimagined bathroom with Safe Step Walk-In Tubs.
A Hassle-Free Process
From design consultation to installation and beyond, here’s what to expect when you call Safe Step:
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Free Design ConsultationOn the day of your estimate, you and one of our certified bathing experts will discuss product and design options—all within the comfort of your home.
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Expert InstallationOur certified installers will complete your project in as little as one day. You won’t have to lift a finger.
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Lifetime WarrantyYour walk-in tub comes with a lifetime warranty. Purchase knowing your investment and your tub will be protected for as long as you live in your home.
FAQs
Still have questions? We’ve got answers.
Yes. You can choose different wall surrounds, faucet colors and product features to cater to your specific needs and preferences.
While Safe Step Walk-In Tubs are designed to be long-lasting and timeless, the tub itself has limited options for design upgrades after installation. However, you can always enhance the look and feel of your bathroom by updating surrounding components—such as tile, lighting and hardware—as your design preferences evolve.
We test each walk-in tub through a meticulous 14-point, 30-minute quality control inspection before packaging to ensure you get the industry’s best.
You can make a walk-in tub look less clinical by surrounding it with decorative paneling or custom cabinetry that matches your bathroom’s style. Upgrading fixtures to elegant finishes and adding lighting touches can create a more inviting, spa-like atmosphere.
A stylish shower curtain also helps the hybrid tub blend effortlessly into the room’s design.
Yes. Safe Step’s Hybrid Tub features a tub-shower combo to cater to the entire household. Enjoy the versatility of both a walk-in tub and a safer shower in a space-saving design built for comfort and convenience.