Anyone with dreams of owning an old farmhouse and turning this money pit into a palace may run across an old claw-foot porcelain tub. For some years, these were mistakenly regarded as an eyesore, and literally thrown into the dump where they are lost forever. The truth is, getting a bathtub resurface can bring such gems back from the dead, and preserve an antique.
Porcelain tubs used to be the standard in all construction, going back to the days before most people had running water. During the 1970s and 1980s, porcelain was replaced by acrylic and fiberglass. There were some benefits to this change, one of which is that old houses with porcelain tubs are highly valued items within a home now.
The weight of the old tubs was unwieldy, as they were really made of cast iron and the porcelain was baked on. In homes with second-story baths, this can present real problems with the tub sagging and becoming unstable, even unsafe over time. The acrylic garden tubs were first introduced by the manufactured housing market, and eventually became standard.
As people tend to shower more often than lounging in a hot bath these days, the demand for tubs has lessened somewhat. In fact, many newer homes are fitted with a tub in the master bath, but only a shower in any additional bathrooms. If one is shopping for a one-bedroom apartment, they may need to ask if there is a tub, or merely a shower, before they sign their lease.
With home improvement being a popular concept, many people will replace these old tubs and sinks with acrylic Jacuzzi tubs. In fact, getting a kit that fits over an existing tub/shower combination just might save a lot on a refurbishing budget. With this push to make everything new, many of these antique tubs have been tossed, left in the yard, or otherwise forgotten.
Any time one finds an older, metal tub in a home they come to own, they may want to find out what it is worth. In fact, many of these older tubs were built into the walls during prior restorations. Rather than losing this gem, it can be brought back to better than original, and again become the central feature of the bathroom; just as it was in the beginning.
Having an antique tub priced should be a priority for anyone lucky enough to become the surprise new owners. There are services which will sandblast the tub to the metal, then put a coating of newer materials that are even prettier than the ceramic. Should the homeowner be on a tight budget, there are kits available to them which allow them to paint a surface that should match the old tub.
Anyone guilty of throwing out one of these gems is probably regretting that decision now. A simple Internet search easily reveals that these old washtubs are going for thousands of dollars now. Should your refurbishing project not include keeping the old tub, then you may find an eager group of antique collectors online, ready to take it off your hands.
Porcelain tubs used to be the standard in all construction, going back to the days before most people had running water. During the 1970s and 1980s, porcelain was replaced by acrylic and fiberglass. There were some benefits to this change, one of which is that old houses with porcelain tubs are highly valued items within a home now.
The weight of the old tubs was unwieldy, as they were really made of cast iron and the porcelain was baked on. In homes with second-story baths, this can present real problems with the tub sagging and becoming unstable, even unsafe over time. The acrylic garden tubs were first introduced by the manufactured housing market, and eventually became standard.
As people tend to shower more often than lounging in a hot bath these days, the demand for tubs has lessened somewhat. In fact, many newer homes are fitted with a tub in the master bath, but only a shower in any additional bathrooms. If one is shopping for a one-bedroom apartment, they may need to ask if there is a tub, or merely a shower, before they sign their lease.
With home improvement being a popular concept, many people will replace these old tubs and sinks with acrylic Jacuzzi tubs. In fact, getting a kit that fits over an existing tub/shower combination just might save a lot on a refurbishing budget. With this push to make everything new, many of these antique tubs have been tossed, left in the yard, or otherwise forgotten.
Any time one finds an older, metal tub in a home they come to own, they may want to find out what it is worth. In fact, many of these older tubs were built into the walls during prior restorations. Rather than losing this gem, it can be brought back to better than original, and again become the central feature of the bathroom; just as it was in the beginning.
Having an antique tub priced should be a priority for anyone lucky enough to become the surprise new owners. There are services which will sandblast the tub to the metal, then put a coating of newer materials that are even prettier than the ceramic. Should the homeowner be on a tight budget, there are kits available to them which allow them to paint a surface that should match the old tub.
Anyone guilty of throwing out one of these gems is probably regretting that decision now. A simple Internet search easily reveals that these old washtubs are going for thousands of dollars now. Should your refurbishing project not include keeping the old tub, then you may find an eager group of antique collectors online, ready to take it off your hands.
About the Author:
Learn more about the bathtub resurface process, today. You can also get more info about KB Bathtub Savers Ltd at http://www.bathtubsavers.ca right now.