You don’t have to spend a fortune to make your bathroom look luxurious. Below are a few ways to create a bathroom fit for a king on a modest budget.
*Collaborative Post
Freestanding tubs are cheaper than you think
Freestanding tubs have a sophisticated feel and many of us assume that they cost thousands. But in fact, you can buy freestanding tubs for less than £400 (complete with chrome feet in some cases). Check out specialist sites like Bathshack that have regular sales to find these budget bathtubs.
These lower-priced tubs are typically made from acrylic – you’ll have to pay extra for enamelled steel. You also need to carefully consider plumbing costs when installing a freestanding bath. Placing your new tub in roughly the same place as your old tub can reduce the need to move/add piping.
Don’t take baths? Try a walk-in shower
If you don’t take baths, don’t bother splashing out on a new tub. Instead, you could simply consider installing a large walk-in shower. Such showers can be installed relatively cheaply – especially if you buy a DIY kit (which can include a shower screen and tray for less than £300 from some suppliers).
If you’ve already got a wall-mounted shower unit installed, you can save money by buying a new shower. If your showerhead is attached to your bath taps or you need a new wall-mounted shower, then this will be an added cost to consider. Fortunately, you can buy thermostatic showers with fancy rain shower heads for less than £200. Just consider the fact that you may have to hire a plumber to install the shower.
Electric underfloor heating isn’t too expensive either
Underfloor heating in a bathroom is also often seen as a luxury. But how much does it actually cost? It depends if you opt for a pipe system or an electric system. Underfloor pipe heating can cost £110 to £140 per square metre (so roughly £1000 for an entire bathroom), however underfloor electric heating can cost £60 to £90 per metre (so about £650 for a whole bathroom – and potentially even cheaper if you lay it yourself).
Electric underfloor heating is more expensive to run than underfloor pipe heating, so bear this in mind. Pricing very much depends on the size of your bathroom – for a smaller bathroom, it may be possible to install underfloor heating for as little as £300.
Synthetic panels can imitate natural stone (and require less maintenance)
Materials like marble and granite could help achieve that luxury look. Of course, these materials can cost thousands to buy and install. A cheaper option to consider could be synthetic stone made of PVC. This can be designed to imitate the look of marble or granite complete with veins.
Such panels aren’t just cheaper to install but require less maintenance (especially more so than tiles). There are kits you can buy online that allow you to install them yourself. This guide at Homebuilding & Renovating delves more into the pros and cons of synthetic panels.
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