Are You Looking for a Bathtub That Really Stands Out?


By Kerry Knight

Photo credit: tubking.com
There are some advantages to having a stellar reputation and from being a multiaward-winning bathtub business. And, since our company name is Tub King, many people presume we're the purveyors of many different types of bathtubs.  So it’s not usual that we’ll periodically receive phone calls asking if we carry regular bathtubs, like the ones you see in many homes. These rectangular tubs are typically 5-feet long and 30-inches wide, and are made of fiberglass, acrylic or some metallic alloy. Depending upon where they were purchased, their color choices can be limited. 

Our answer is always, “Sorry, we only carry specialized tubs.” We don’t try to compete with Lowes or Home Depot, where there is a variety of standard bathtubs. Our tubs are decidedly different and are oriented towards a more discerning type of clientele. We’re not a “one-design-fits-all” type of bathroom tub dealer.  

You see, one of the things that sets us apart is we specialize in the Clawfoot and Pedestal tubs, as well as the highly therapeutic and safety-designed Walk-in tubs. 

As mentioned in a previous blog, “Building a New Home? Add Beauty with a Clawfoot Tub” designers continually strive to make houses stand out by adding elements of elegance and beauty where homeowners can enjoy their personal time. Many designers are now requesting Clawfoot tubs as the centerpiece of a luxuriously appointed, built-for-comfort bathroom.

Photo credit: tubking.com
Home builders and home buyers are also following suit.  Many who are building their own homes and/or who are currently remodeling their homes often look to “upping the ambiance” of their homes with the inclusion of a Clawfoot tub in their master bathrooms.

All of our Clawfoot and Pedestal tubs are handsomely designed, exotic, and unique-looking. They include the Slipper series where one side is higher than the other, resembling a woman’s slipper (more often akin to Cinderella’s elegant slipper, hence their name.) These come in a variety of sizes: 57-inch, 61-inch and 67-inch.  We also carry the Dual-Ended series with a reclining slope on each end, which also come in a variety of sizes.  Then there is the “romantic” Double Slipper. They are a huge, 72 inches in length with massive, ornate metallic legs and have the high, pronounced slope on each end.  I say romantic because these tubs are perfect for couples that wants to bathe together, or, if you have several children you want to bathe at the same time, these beauties can certainly accommodate them (and the higher double sides help prevent getting water on the floor as the kids frolic in the bath.) The more traditional Roll Top version that is patterned after the old antique tub is anything but ordinary.  These also come in various lengths.

Photo credit: tubking.com
Now, we’re especially pleased to offer a new line of tubs that are even more handsome and spectacular-looking. We call it our Artisan Series.  Currently we offer two versions in the Slipper style.

Photo credit: tubking.com
The Hammered Copper look features a process that involves many artistic steps, much of which is done meticulously by hand.  First, a black aerospace primer is sprayed on the outside of the tub.  This provides depth to the finish and offers a strong base for the rest of the process.  Then, a mixture of copper flakes is mixed in a clear resin and sprayed on the outside of the tub with a high volume, low pressure spray rig.  The third step is to take a sea sponge to meticulously create the hammered look on the surface of the cast iron.  The result is an almost three-dimensional look of stone and metal in extravagant, overlapping patterns.

The Hammered Silver look utilizes the very same process except for the type of metallic flakes used in the second step.  Instead of copper, this time we use silver.  

An example of pricing on a 61-inch Slipper Tub with the Artisan Series finish would be $1,695.  Keep in mind, this is not a refinished tub. The inside porcelain is brand new, and the legs are real metal. The ornate Clawfoot-shaped legs on these special models match the finish.  

We can also create custom-ordered Artisan Series tubs. In fact, there’s no end as to what we can do to fashion a unique and special model Artisan Series Slipper tub just for you.   Share your ideas with us.   Let us know what you’re looking for.  We have the ability to create almost any finish you may require on a Clawfoot tub.  We offer up to 300 different color choices for the exterior of the tub and can match any Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore colors.

Photo credit: tubking.com
Another thing that makes these tubs special is the fixtures.  The goose neck, and the dolphin spout faucet series come in chrome, brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze.  We also offer the “English Telephone” shape as a hand-held sprayer to give your custom-designed tub an elegant, Victorian look.

So if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind, custom-designed, hand-finished bathtub that really stands out, one that can make your bathroom something truly special, come by our showroom in Jacksonville, Florida or give us a call today. We can create the bathtub of your dreams that is not only unique-looking and that custom-matches the décor in your designer bathroom, but you can be rest-in-your-tub assured that these tubs will last a lifetime as well.  

In this article, I talked about the different type of specialty tubs that Tub King specializes in, namely the Clawfoot, Pedestal tubs and our Walk-in Tubs. I highlighted some of the different models we carry in the Clawfoot line, including the Slipper, Dual-Ended, Double Slipper, and Roll Top models. I then discussed our new Artisan Series lines of Clawfoot tubs both the Hammered Copper and Hammered Silver. I pointed out that Tub King has the ability to customize the exterior of these elegant tubs, having the ability to match any Sherwin Williams or Benjamin Moore colors. Lastly, I mentioned some of the beautifully appointed accessories we carry for this special line of tubs. 
 
Come visit us at the Jacksonville Home & Patio Show. We look forward towards seeing you there.

If you found this article useful, please share it with your friends and co-workers. If you have a comment related to this article, leave it in the comment section of this blog.  If you’d like to receive a Free Clawfoot Tub Buyer's Guide, click here. Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I’ll personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you. 

Thanks again for visiting with us.

A Happy Tub King Customer and her Double Slipper Tub

Alan and Kerry Knight are the owners of Tub King, Inc., andSeniorBathtub.com  in Jacksonville, Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products, they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” three years running. If you’d like to contact them, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.

Is Your Bathroom a Safe Haven or a Minefield?



By Michael Masson

Photo credit: klozmode.com
A bathroom should be a safe place. It should be warm, cozy, and inviting, a place for revitalization andreflection. Of all of the rooms in your house, it should be the safest, but unfortunately it also hides many dangers. We may overlook these dangers believing that such an intimate space would inherently be safe. It can be, but attention must be paid to the risks that every bathroom poses.

I'm going to go through some simple, effective methods to make your bathroom as safe and welcoming as possible.  The greatest danger in any bathroom is the possibility of slipping, falling, and harming oneself. The water in the bathroom can easily splash on the floor, causing a slip hazard. There are close to 200,000 bathroom accidents every year. This accounts for a full 70% of all household accidents. These dangerous situations can easily be avoided.

Photo credit: pinterest.com
First, keep the floor free from water as much as possible. Ensure there are no leaks in the sink or toilet, andif using a shower obtain a lined shower curtain to keep the water from spraying out. Some people have young children or pets and often find the floor wet. If this is the case, it's a good idea to keep something handy like a mop or spare towel to clean away the water immediately.

Second, remove any loose throw rugs and replace them with non-slip bathroom rugs. Most slips occur when transferring between the shower and the bathroom floor. A non-slip rug will help alleviate this risk. Hardware and bathroom stores also have adhesive non-slip strips that can be attached to any rug for more stability.

One of the best safety additions to any bathroom is a handrail for the shower, tub, and toilet. Most stair risers have a 6-8″ clearance between steps and most stairs are built with handrails. The average tub has a 13″ clearance, yet most tubs and showers are built without them. Be careful not to mistake towel racks for handrails. Towel racks are not meant to bear all that much weight. Secure handrails will ensure safe transitions through the entire bathroom.

Photo credit: ebay.com
One of the best safety additions to your shower is also the simplest. A shower seat or bench will allow the occupant of the shower to leisurely wash themselves without fear of falling. This will be especially important for those with weak legs, or trouble standing for long periods of time, or after a major surgical procedure. It's also important to keep the bottom of the tub clean and free from soap residue, as this increases the chance of slippage.

One aspect of shower safety that is often overlooked is the shower fixture. There is a greater chance for an accident when an occupant has to move, bend, or stretch to adjust the temperature or the water flow. Some fixtures are difficult to maneuver for people with arthritis. Install the fixtures within reach of the occupant and test them to make sure they are easy to use.

The tub and shower are not the only areas that can compromise safety. Some senior citizens have difficulty sitting down and standing up from the toilet because the seat is often installed low to the ground. A seat extension can be added to make the process much easier. Adding handrails around the toilet would also ensure its safety.

Photo credit: gettyimages.com
Make sure that there is sufficient lighting in the bathroom, and the light switch should be placed near the doorwhere it is easy to find. Also, keep the tub and sink area free of electrical devices such as radios or blow dryers. These can prove very dangerous if they should slip into the water while they are plugged in.

Most of these safety precautions can be addressed by installing a Walk-in Tub in your bathroom. A Walk-in Tub provides the convenience and luxury of a bathtub. It also provides something even more important when speaking of bathroom safety: peace of mind. A Walk-in Tub eliminates many of the dangers inherent in tubs and showers, while addressing many of the safety concerns already mentioned.

As previously stated, most tubs have a 13″ clearance to negotiate.  Walk-in Tubs have a six-inch clearance for easy access. This lowered entry height means you no longer have to worry about handrails or making that big step. Just open the door, enter, and sit down. Inside the tub are additional handrails for sitting and standing in the tub.

Photo credit: tubking.com
One tip I mentioned earlier was to install a seat or bench in your shower. The Walk-in Tub has anADA-compliant, slip-resistant safety seat installed for your convenience. The door of the tub has a patented locking system with a watertight seal to insure less water spillage on the bathroom floor. Our tubs come from the factory with a slip-resistant floor so there is no need to install non-slip adhesive strips.

Another safety tip I mentioned was the importance of easy-to-reach fixtures. All of the fixtures installed in our Walk-in Tubs are perfectly positioned so that the seated occupant can reach them with ease. They're ADA-compliant and customizable to your individual tastes.

At the end of a long day, you don’t want to see your bathroom as an obstacle course. It shouldn’t be a series of challenges to be overcome. Your bathroom should be a welcome refuge designed to eliminate the stresses of the world. The last thing you want to worry about in the bathroom is coping with the possibility of being injured.  You want your bathroom to be a safe haven, not a minefield.


 Walk-in Tub Buyer's Guide

In this article, I discussed the potential dangers that exist in any bathroom, especially for seniors. I also shared ways to eliminate these dangers to make your bathroom a safer environment.  If you enjoyed reading this article, please leave a comment in the Comments section below. Feel free to share this with your family, friends and colleagues as well. 

Michael Masson is a guest blogger for Tub King, Inc., and SeniorBathtub.com in Jacksonville, Florida. Tub King is a Walk-in tub distributer with many years of experience in the senior bathtub industry. This company not only provides superior products, it is also as multi-award-winner, having received the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” three years running. To contact Tub King, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231 or email alan@tubking.com. 

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How to Avoid Needing a Senior Nursing Home



By Kerry Knight

Photo credit: seniorliving.net
I've heard many horror stories about senior nursing homes.  People being mistreated. Facilities providing inferior care, neglecting tenents who need special medication or regular care. Excessive charges for menial things like aspirins or toilet paper. I personally never want to live in one.

Don’t get me wrong.  Nursing homes are needed, especially when some are beyond the care that other providers can give.  For those who need care 24-hours day in and day out, a nursing home may be their only solution.  But if you’re looking at a nursing home for a loved one, there are ways to locate the very best ones.

Nursing homes are regulated by both public and private agencies on a state and federal level. Still, sadly,   A resident walking “off campus” can be a danger to themselves and an embarrassment to the home. However, having a number of smaller violation that add up month- after-month is even worse.  It shows a lack of regard for consistent good management and tenent care.
there are some bad players out there.

Look Out for Homes With High Staff Turnover


When you find a staff where several have been there 15 or 20 years,  you probably have a good   There needs to be positive and consistent interaction between staff and residents. Staff members who make an effort to call residents by their first names are a good sign.  Staff members who ignore residents or walk away when a request is made shows that their heart is not in their work.  This most often leads to poor morale and residents who are prone to depression.
environment.

Facilities With Unnecessary Restritctions


One good example of this is when a home refuses to allow residents to hang personal pictures or artwork on their walls. The connection with happy memories is very important to residents.meaningful   Many draw on these memorable moments with family and friends when looking at pictures that were taken many years ago.  This helps keep their spirit up. How Well-kept is the Facility?

Are there objectionable smells in the building?  There is no excuse for this one.  Some nursing homes have a multiple floors, and they may keep many of their problems on those floors so that guests will never see nor smell them.

Consider How the Staff Dresses


Photo credit: losalamitosinhomecare.com
Are they clean and neat?  Do they look professional?  Again, this says something about the entire organization.  Is it being run properly?

Avoid the Need for a 24/7 Facility


Now the above points might help you in choosing a better nursing home, but what about ways to avoid going to a home?

First, as I stated from the opening paragraph, I don’t want to ever live in one. However, going to a nursing home may be unavoidable for some.  If care is needed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, it may be the only solution.  But let me offer a suggestion about one way to completely avoid the nursing home.  

I think most would agree that one of the major reasons seniors must go to a nursing home is their history of falling.  Some falls are unavoidable.  However, if a senior has a pattern of falling, there are somethings that can help.  Obviously, using a walker, grab bars, and/or possible removing obstructions in the house are good ideas.  Checking for side effects with prescription drugs is another.  

Photo credit: tubking.com
But where do most falls occur? The bathroom! It’s the most dangerous room in the house for seniors. Thebathtub, especially, with its tall step-over and adjacent slippery floors makes it risky environment for many seniors. That’s one reason the Walk-in Tub was designed.

The Walk-in Tub could keep a loved one out of the nursing home.  It provides a safe and easy entry inot and exit out of the bathtub.  Most thresholds are just six inches, compared to 12 inches in most traditional bathtubs.  Also, there is plenty to hold onto while getting in and out of the tub.  The tub itself stands about 40 inches high and is sturdily constructed.  And for those who can’t stand, the tub offers a non-slip seat, so seniors can sit down and bathe in comfort and safety.  Its built-in, hand-held shower sprayer allows one to rinse off and wash the hair, all without standing.  There is also an interior grab bar to make getting up a lot easier.  The seat and floor are slip-resistant, and  the door on the tub is water tight, so you can fill the tub and relax in nice, warm water, while not fearing of falling. 

Walk-in Tubs can be a way to delay or even avoid the nursing home if used soon enough.  It allows for independent bathing, without the dread of falling. It also provides a feeling of independence and privacy so many seniors want to keep.

In this article, I provided a number of ways to evaluate nursing homes so that if a loved one has to live there, you can choose the best one. Falls are the number one reason seniors end up needing 24-hour care. This article also provides ways of not needing to make this decision for a senior loved one by using a Walk-in tub to help them be safer, remain more independent, and retain their privacy and dignity with its use.  

If you found this article useful, please share it with your friends and co-workers. If you have a comment related to this article, leave it in the comment section of this blog.  If you’d like to receive a FREE Walk-In Tub Buyers’ Guide, click here.  Have a question? Feel free to contact me at the number or email listed at the end of this article and I’ll personally get back to you. It’s been my pleasure sharing this information with you. 
Thanks again for visiting with us.

About the Walk-in Tub Buyer's Guide

Alan and Kerry Knight are the owners of Tub King, Inc., andSeniorBathtub.com  in Jacksonville, Florida. Together they have many years of experience in the antique and senior bathtub industries. Their companies not only provide superior products, they are also award winners, receiving the “Best of Jacksonville Chamber Award” three years running. If you’d like to contact them, call (800) 409-3375 or (800) 843-4231; or send an email to alan@tubking.com.


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