4 Things All Malaysians Should Know Before Buying a Bathtub

Choosing the right bathtub is definitely not an easy process. It requires you to go through steps like defining the budget, planning the bathroom blueprint, choosing the bathtub types...and more before you get to buy one! And often in the midst of doing all these, many questions will arise in your mind that you might be keen to seek answers to help you make a 100% perfect decision.


Right, we hear you, and to ease your decision, here we have helped to answer the top 4 queries by most Malaysians (probably including you!) when buying a bathtub: 


1. Which bathtub is best for home? 

Can’t wait to get a bathtub for your home already? Chotto matte…! Before jumping into any buying decision that you might regret, be sure that you have familiarized yourself with the various kinds of bathtubs available on the market so that you would have no trouble finding the “Mr.Right” bathtub for your bathroom!

Here we have compiled a list of popular types of bathtubs, each with different characteristics and benefits, that you may consider choosing from: 

Free-standing bathtub

Just as its name suggests, a free-standing bathtub is a stand-alone tub that needs not be placed against nor built into the bathroom walls. So, if you are looking for a bathtub that is easy to install, a free-standing one is definitely your best choice - it could be placed flexibly just about anywhere in your bathroom (or even bedroom and living room!) since no complicated installation work is needed. 

Besides that, what makes it so unique that everyone would go for after all? Well, there could be many reasons, and aesthetic appeal is definitely one of the top ones. That’s right, a free-standing tub can really make your bathroom look stunning! While perfectly fitting the contemporary bathroom ambience, a free-standing bathtub can also fulfill your needs for deep soaking.

WOW! Imagine having a warm bubble bath with it after a day-long of working. Gosh, how relaxing and comfortable it is!

Panel bathtub

What differentiates it from the free-standing tubs is that this kind of bathtub comes with a panel hiding the plumbing and the bathtub’s underside to protect the floor beneath from splashes. Usually situated against the wall (or surrounded by three walls), a panel bathtub is easier to install and has relatively better heat preservation than the built-in bathtub.

And it looks better, too! However, do note that you need to carefully measure out your bathroom beforehand, ensuring that it has ample floor space for a panel bathtub to fit in to avoid an underfitting problem.

Built-in bathtub

If you are staying in a smaller home with a tighter space available in your bathroom, then a built-in bathtub - the most common type of bathtub designed to drop into a frame, a platform, or the bathroom floor - may be your perfect choice. The reason being is that this kind of bathtub requires a smaller amount of space in the bathroom, and it is a lot more practical compared to other types of bathtubs.

Also, built-in bathtubs can make it easier for you to bathe or shower in one tub without having a separate tub and shower stall or separate water connections, pipes, and drains. Not only is it user-friendly, but also “bathroom-friendly,” too, where it will also bring in a luxurious spa feel that can help instantly elevate the look of your bathroom.

Massage bathtub

Unlike the normal tubs that come with only soaking functionality, a massage bathtub appears to be more effective in bringing you blissful relaxation. This is because it is equipped with small jets that can either pump warm air or push water at high speed, creating a massaging sensation that can help relieve soreness from your body better - absolutely perfect for use after a day of fatigue!

And it is good for your health, too - the massage from its water circulation and jet flushing can help relax your muscles, improve your blood circulation, and relieve chronic pain while providing you with the top luxurious bathing experience.

But on the downside, a massage bathtub is typically more expensive and may eat up more spaces in the bathroom than the normal tubs. Hence, for people who are on a tight budget or have a small bathroom, better not to prioritize this option in your bathtub plan. 

2. How do I choose a bathtub size? What is the smallest/longest bathtub I can buy?

Not every bathroom, particularly the smaller ones in apartments and condominiums, can accommodate a bathtub commonly sized around 60" long, 30" wide, and 15-16" deep, obviously. Measure the size and dimensions of your bathroom properly to ensure that it has enough space available for a bathtub to fit in is, therefore, a must-do before buying a new bathtub.

Choosing the bathtub size based on how much room your bathroom has is basically the rule of thumb here. If your bathroom is large enough to accommodate the most common bathtub with the size stated above or even more, then installing a large bathtub like a free-standing bathtub or massage bathtub in your bathroom should be no big deal for you. But, if your bathroom has limited space available only, perhaps a built-in bathtub or a panel bathtub that is space-saving would suit you more.

3. Which bathtub is easiest to maintain? Fiberglass or acrylic - which is better?

If you are looking for a bathtub that is easiest to maintain, a cast iron bathtub is recommended since it is extremely durable (not easy to get scratched, chipped, dented) and stain-resistant, making it 100 times easier to clean and maintain. But the bad news is, the cast iron tub is typically a lot more expensive than the other tubs, given that it is incredibly heavy and quite hard to install (require extra floor reinforcement)..sigh!

Looking for a more affordable option? Steady! We got you with the Acrylic and Fiberglass! However, note that Fiberglass is less durable than Acrylic (less quality too!), even though it is the most economical option. Let’s take a look at the basic pros and cons of some of the most common bathtub materials: 

4. How much does it cost to install a bathtub in Malaysia?

Price is no doubt another vital factor to consider when buying a bathtub for your home, especially if you are on a pretty tight budget. Generally, the price for bathtubs in Malaysia may vary depending on the designs and models.

The most expensive one, usually also the largest sized and best-quality one like a polystone free-standing long bathtub, can probably cost you around RM20k and above. Not to forget also the higher-end option - massage bathtub - which could cost you up to RM60k!!! While in contrast, the more affordable ones, such as a built-in bathtub made with acrylic, may run as low as around RM1,500 only.

Here is the overview of bathtub prices (in Big Bath) for your reference: 

But, don’t forget that these prices for bathtubs have not yet included the cost for plumbing and installations, which usually ranges from RM500 to RM5,000. All in all, to install a bathtub in Malaysia, it would be great if you could allocate at least an average of RM3,000 - RM6,500 to avoid budgeting problems.

Yeah, it might seem pretty pricey, but trust us, years later, you will definitely find it a worthy investment!